What's New in Soda: Shifting Tastes, Rising Stakes - SPINS Q2 2025

Below is a summary of the SPINS Q2 2025 report, "What's New in Soda". Insiders can view the full version here. Not an Insider yet? Sign up today to read this and many more valuable reports from our expert data partners.

Consumer preferences in the soda aisle are shifting—fast. In Q2 2025, both regular and diet/alternative sweetened sodas rebounded with sales growth across natural, MULO, and convenience channels. Notably, digestive health-focused sodas—though a small slice of the market—contributed over 30% of the dollar growth in the diet & alternative sweetened segment. Meanwhile, classic flavors like cola and lemon-lime still lead in sales, but emerging preferences signal a growing appetite for functional and better-for-you options.

The report also explores how sugar content and sweetener choices are reshaping buying behavior. Products with 25g+ of sugar continue to hold the largest share, but lower- and zero-sugar options are gaining traction as health-conscious consumers seek balance. Cane sugar and agave nectar are quietly regaining ground, while artificial sweeteners like aspartame face increasing scrutiny.

Insiders can download the full report to uncover the complete breakdown of category performance, flavor trends, ingredient shifts, and the impact of macroeconomic pressures like tariffs and packaging costs on the future of soda.

Insiders can view the full version here. Not an Insider yet? Sign up today to read this and many more valuable reports from our expert data partners.