Flavoured soda brand, CAPI, is moving to reduced sugar formulations across its range of beverages, as Australians continue to jump on the healthy eating bandwagon and cut back on sugar consumption.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians are consuming fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, with average daily intake decreasing from 145 mL per person in 2020–21 to 135 mL in 2022–23. A recent Mintel report also discovered over 56 per cent of consumers now say their ideal non-alcoholic drink should have low or zero sugar.
While younger Australians are leading the shift, it's a movement gaining momentum across all age groups.
The new recipes from CAPI are stated to retain the integrity and quality the brand is known for, with a lighter mouthfeel and slightly brighter flavour profile that makes them more sessionable. While subtle in taste, the updates aim to strike the right balance: full flavour, less sugar.
CAPI director of innovation, Thurman Wise, said the company isn’t following a trend, it’s responding to a cultural shift.
“Australians want drinks that are lighter on sugar but still full of flavour. That’s exactly what we’ve created,” said Wise.
The shift applies exclusively to CAPI’s fruit sodas and classic mixers. The tonic range will remain unchanged. To help consumers navigate the changes, updated packaging will include a calorie-per-serve badge on reformulated products.
The rollout will occur progressively over the next six months, so customers may still see original versions in market depending on stock movement.
CAPI CEO, Kate Solly, said when the sodas were launched 14 years ago, they were made for a different time.
“Tastes have shifted, and so have attitudes around sugar,” said Solly.
“This change is about evolving with that shift, while staying true to what makes our drinks great.”
