Colas lose their appeal

Flavored carbonated drinks are so popular that they may outsell colas in the US by 2015.

By Kim Peterson Jun 26, 2012 6:48PM
Traditional cola drinks are on the way out. Flavored carbonated soft drinks, such as Mountain Dew Voltage and Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, are the new darlings in the beverage business.

In fact, flavored carbonates are expected to outsell colas in the U.S. by 2015, a PepsiCo (PEP) executive said at a recent conference, according to Food Navigator.

Growth in this category is being led by Hispanic consumers, Al Carey, the CEO of PepsiCo Americas Beverages, said at the conference. In the next decade, Hispanics will drive 60% of the growth in the "liquid refreshment beverage" business.

Older consumers in general are choosing more teas and coffees for a caffeine burst instead of trendy energy drinks with ingredients they may not like, Carey added.

Pepsi and Coca-Cola (KO) have seen the trend coming for years and have rushed to debut new choices that are a far cry from traditional colas. Coca-Cola has begun selling cans of illy issimo coffee with no sugar, no milk and only 15 calories per can. The company has also launched Minute Maid Fruit Punch and Strawberry Passion.

Pepsi is introducing a salty watermelon flavor in Japan and in the U.S. has its Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Izze and Naked Juice lines.

Colas have come under fire from health advocates. One 2007 study found that while all carbonated beverages have been linked with diabetes and hypertension, colas in particular contain phosphoric acid and may be more associated with kidney disease.

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205Comments
Jun 27, 2012 8:07AM
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We drink more tea, green and black, thsn ever before.  Half a lime sqeezed into ice water has replaced sodas.  And, of course, my 2 glasses of cabernet souvignon every day. 
Jun 27, 2012 7:52AM
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Artificial caramel coloring is supposedly bad.  I read that it might be eliminated?  My mom said she'd never drink Coke again after her dad showed her how it ate rust off a bumper.  She said think of your colon. 

I don't drink Sprite, Sierra Mist, etc. that has sodium benzoate, another supposedly bad thing for you.

I was hooked on Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry but aspartame gives me hives and shooting pains in my head.  Plus I read that aspartame buildup has been found on cadaver brains.

I drink a naturally flavored carbonated seltzer water, a bit better.  I make unsweetened or naturally sweetened tea.

Jun 27, 2012 7:26AM
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they should introduce something without High Fructose Corn Syrup.
Jun 27, 2012 5:09AM
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MIchelle Obama and the Godless Democrats are behind this. Just the liberal food and drink police in action.
Jun 27, 2012 3:19AM
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This is nothing but propaganda by those who want to control what we eat.  Apparently they don't know that if health is a decision in your beverage choice, then mountain dew has twice the caffeine and sugar of a regular soda.  A country time lemonade has more sodium than sodas.  And there are a host of other drinks that are as bad if not worse.  So drink in moderation or stick to sparkling water, club soda, juices, or even ginger ale if you are worried about health but like flavorful drinks.  As for the wannabe food police (michelle o), keep your nose out of my plates and cups.  It is not your business!
Jun 27, 2012 3:06AM
Jun 27, 2012 1:51AM
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 Dirtygirl2,

Romney I know it’s you behind that computer, Coke and Pepsi will not surrender, they both have too many overweight clients to serve. Those clients are junkies and Coke and Pepsi are the pushers.

The companies that make diabetes medication are in league with those company’s and they all are making large amounts of money.

 

Jun 27, 2012 1:36AM
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I had a co-worker who drank 3 to 4, 16 fl. Oz Dr. Peppers every night at work.  He was 390 lbs. at 5-10 ft.

I asked him if he thought that those drinks contributed to his weight gain and he said for sure, but he was addicted to Dr. Pepper and could not stop.  I broke it down; I said that those drinks will take your life, first by giving you diabetes, then ulcer and uncontrollable bleeding thru your rectum.  Before the end comes you might lose your leg or foot, or maybe just an old fashion heart attack.  I have not seen him for years but I am for sure he is cursing my name.

 

July 1, 2012

You miss understood, he is addicted, and he has no control. That means Dr. Pepper has robbed him of his control. He is a Dr. Pepper junky.

Jun 27, 2012 12:26AM
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Out family cut buying Coke and Pepsi because of price increases...

We drink more water now, and not the bottled type...

When we buy Cola products, its RC, Royal Crown Cola

can buy a 2 liter bottle for 88-99 cents at the grocery store...

Jun 27, 2012 12:00AM
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I am not a fan of high fructose corn syrup, unsweetened tea drinks are my choice.
Jun 26, 2012 10:38PM
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Canfield's 50/50. The best pop ever created.
Jun 26, 2012 9:59PM
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That seals the deal as far as I am concerned. It is time to do a Leveraged Buy Out on Pepsi and Coca-Cola, fire everybody, sell off the assets, and walk away with a nice tidy sum.

I know, it is hard work, but somebody has to do it because this is the only way to build a strong economy.

Jun 26, 2012 9:49PM
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I have noticed with Coke and Pepsi the less I drink it, the less I want.  I actually prefer water.
Jun 26, 2012 9:46PM
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Gave up all sodas ( it was difficult), along with giving up junk food, and cutting back drastically on going out to eat.  I am saving more money and have lost weight.  Think about how much money is spent on these things.

 

Jun 26, 2012 9:36PM
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if they would bring back coke with real cain sugar and the same carbonation as they had back in the 70s, I would line up. Now coke taste as bad as Pepsi....so I buy club soda and love the fizz.
Jun 26, 2012 9:12PM
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this is just a jab at the B.S thier tring to pull in new york i tell you what all ya can kiss my **** its my life and if i want a coke ill drink a coke
Jun 26, 2012 9:11PM
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no matter the flavor, no matter who makes it - if it costs

 more than 5.00 per case I will not buy it!

Jun 26, 2012 8:37PM
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I still prefer Pepsi to any thing else.
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