Future growth in CSDs will hinge on permissibility, functional benefits and identity-led innovation as the category expands its role in everyday life. Heng Hong Tan, Associate Principal…
Global
Carbonated Soft Drinks
simple
The Future of Carbonated Soft Drinks 2026
"Future growth in CSDs will hinge on permissibility, functional benefits and identity-led innovation as the category expands its role in everyday life."
Heng Hong Tan, Associate Principal
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where we are now
In the next two years
In five years and beyond
IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
Mintel’s perspective
CSDs will become vehicles for benefits
The future of CSDs lies beyond refreshment
Younger demographics will be the key adopters of functional carbonated soft drinks
Graph 1: attributes that would make consumers buy one carbonated soft drink over another, by generation, 2026
As beverage boundaries blur, benefits will become the new battleground
Carbonated soft drinks will enter the protein era
Carbonated soft drinks will tap into consumers’ growing need for calm
Permissibility will accelerate CSDs’ growth
Future permissibility will require more than sugar-free claims
Naturally derived ingredients have a future role in carbonated soft drinks
Functional cues will strengthen CSDs’ permissibility
CSD will earn a greater role in everyday reward and self-treating occasions
Flavour experiences will drive occasion expansion
Identity-led strategies will reshape CSD innovation
Future CSD innovations will help consumers express who they are
Brands that foster belonging will create deeper connection
Private-label CSDs will compete through emotional connection
Ingredients will help CSD brands express heritage and belonging
Future CSD growth will come from translating cultural concepts into new markets
IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
Mintel’s perspective
Need states will matter more than beverage categories
Portfolios will span multiple benefit spaces
Graph 2: most important benefits when choosing a non-alcoholic beverage, 2025
CSDs will become vehicles for nourishment
CSDs will compete with foods, not just beverages
Participation will become a new way to socialise
The age of participation will create new occasions for CSDs
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key takeaways
Discover the future trends in the global carbonated soft drinks market with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the CSD market over the next five years.
The most important upcoming trends in the soft drinks market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative and inspirational launches in the global CSD market. Understanding the future of the carbonated soft drinks industry has never been so simple.
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