Pepsi recently announced two new zero-sugar flavours (both contain sweeteners) that will be available in the UK market as limited editions. From now until 19th March, a Strawberries ‘n’ Cream flavour and a Cream Soda flavour will be available exclusively from Tesco.
Here are the ingredients for Strawberries ‘n’ Cream: “Carbonated Water, Colour (E150d), Flavourings (including Caffeine), Acid (Phosphoric Acid), Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Sucralose), Thickener (Pectin), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)”
And for Cream Soda: “Carbonated Water, Colour (E150d), Flavourings (including Caffeine), Acid (Phosphoric Acid), Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K, Sucralose), Thickener (Pectin), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)”
So nothing unusual there then for a zero-sugar soft drink. But what is interesting is the branding. Both of these drinks are under the “standard” Pepsi brand with a “Zero Sugar” heading written on the label – they’re not part of the Pepsi MAX or Diet Pepsi family. Other flavours from Pepsi such as Lime, Cherry and Mango have been released under the MAX branding in the past which is known to be sugar free.
Does this mean that we can expect all future flavours from Pepsi in the UK to be sugar-free and contain sweeteners regardless of their branding? This would mark a different approach to rivals Coca-Cola who recently released a Lime Coke in the UK with sugar and no added sweeteners.
Last Updated: 7th April 2025
