From a chilled can of Coca-Cola to a nostalgic bottle of Irn-Bru, carbonated soft drinks remain a staple in British fridges. These fizzy favourites aren’t just about flavour — it’s the bubbles that make them iconic. In 2023, Coca-Cola Original held its crown as the UK’s top carbonated drink, closely followed by sugar-free and fruity alternatives.
Here are the Top 10 Carbonated Drinks in the UK:
- Coca-Cola Original
- Diet Coke
- Pepsi Max
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
- Fanta Orange
- Sprite
- Dr Pepper
- Pepsi (Regular)
- 7UP
- Irn-Bru
Sugar-free options like Coke Zero Sugar and Pepsi Max continue to surge, driven by health-conscious consumers and the UK’s sugar tax. Fruity favourites like Fanta and Sprite remain go-to refreshments, while Dr Pepper and 7UP offer something a little different. And of course, Irn-Bru — the fizzy pride of Scotland — holds a firm place in British hearts.
What ties these drinks together is a simple but essential ingredient: carbon dioxide (CO₂). It’s what gives soft drinks their sparkle, that signature hiss when you open a bottle, and the satisfying fizz that tingles on your tongue. During manufacturing, CO₂ is dissolved into the liquid under pressure — a process called carbonation. This not only adds effervescence but also helps preserve the drink by creating an environment that inhibits microbial growth.
In the UK, food-grade CO₂ must meet strict safety standards. With recent supply challenges, many producers are now turning to greener, renewable sources like biogenic CO₂ from plant-based fermentation.
So, next time you crack open a can of your favourite fizzy drink, remember: it’s the bubbles that bring it to life.
Blended Products can supply your drinks manufacturing company with CO₂ and VeCO2 – our vegan plant based CO2 in bulk or in cylinder packs. Contact us to find out more and speak to one of our experts. Call 01652 680 55 or email enquiries@blendedproducts.com
