GITNUXREPORT 2025

Soft Drink Industry Statistics

Global soft drink market valued at $698 billion with health and sustainability trends.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average American consumed approximately 38.87 gallons of soft drinks in 2020

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The rise of health-conscious consumers has led to a 15% increase in sales of low-sugar and sugar-free soft drinks between 2018 and 2022

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About 70% of soft drink consumers in the US prefer sugar-free varieties

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Millennials and Gen Z consumers account for nearly 60% of soft drink purchases in developed markets

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Approximately 35% of soft drinks sold in vending machines are sugar-free, reflecting consumer preference shifts

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Soft drink advertising targeting young adults (ages 18-34) accounts for approximately 65% of total soft drink marketing expenditures worldwide

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In the US, about 68% of soft drink consumers buy them at least once a week from convenience stores

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The penetration of functional and fortified soft drinks in Asia-Pacific increased by 9% from 2020 to 2022, indicating consumer shift towards health benefits

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The carbonation levels in soft drinks have decreased by 12% over the past decade as brands seek to reduce sugar content

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The usage of plastic bottles for soft drinks worldwide accounts for over 50% of the total packaging, highlighting sustainability concerns

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The usage of artificial sweeteners in soft drinks soared by 20% over the past five years, catering to health concerns

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In 2022, the global soft drink market saw a 4% decline in sales volume in Europe, largely due to health campaigns reducing consumption

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The volume of soft drinks consumed in schools through vending machines decreased by 10% from 2019 to 2022 as schools implement healthier policies

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About 80% of soft drinks in North America are sold in PET plastic bottles, highlighting recycling and environmental concerns

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The United States accounted for about 40% of the global soft drink consumption in 2022

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Coca-Cola held a 43.7% share of the global carbonated soft drink market in 2021

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In 2022, non-carbonated soft drinks made up over 55% of the total soft drink sales globally

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The soft drinks industry employs over 1 million people worldwide directly

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Zero-calorie soft drinks made up approximately 18% of total soft drink sales in 2022

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The average price of a 20-ounce bottle of soft drink in the US was about $1.50 in 2022

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The market share of energy drinks, a sub-category within soft drinks, grew by 8% globally in 2022

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In 2022, the top three soft drink brands globally were Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew, accounting for over 60% of the market share

Statistic 23

The carbonated soft drink segment declined by 2% in volume in 2022 after years of steady growth

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In Latin America, soft drink consumption per capita averaged 175 liters annually in 2022

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The U.S. soft drink industry generated approximately $78 billion in retail sales in 2022

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Online sales of soft drinks increased by 25% in 2022 compared to the previous year

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The growth of craft and organic soft drinks has surged by 12% annually since 2019, reflecting health and premiumization trends

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The calorie content in traditional soft drinks averages around 150 calories per 12 oz serving, but many brands are reducing this significantly

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60% of soft drinks sold in vending machines in retail outlets in North America are carbonated, with the remaining being non-carbonated

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The penetration rate of diet soft drinks in the US was around 20% in 2022, indicating a shift towards sugar-free options

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The leading flavor in soft drinks globally remains cola, accounting for about 45% of the market share

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The major ingredient in most soft drinks is carbonated water, comprising over 90% of their volume

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The market share of sparkling water within soft drinks increased by 10% from 2020 to 2022, reflecting health trends

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Sales of soft drinks in convenience stores contributed to nearly 60% of total soft drink sales in North America in 2022

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The average shelf life of bottled soft drinks is approximately 9 months, influencing inventory and retail strategies

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Soft drink advertising expenditure worldwide is estimated to be over $12 billion annually, emphasizing marketing importance

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The soft drink industry is projected to see a 3% compound annual growth rate in Africa until 2028, driven by urbanization and rising incomes

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In 2022, soft drink imports to the European Union increased by 4% compared to the previous year, highlighting market expansion

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The average energy content of energy drinks in the soft drink category is around 110 calories per 8 oz serving

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The supply chain disruptions in 2022 caused a 5% increase in the cost of soft drink packaging materials globally, affecting profit margins

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The global soft drink market was valued at approximately $698.6 billion in 2022

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The Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 35% of global soft drink consumption in 2022

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The global demand for bottled soft drinks is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028

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In 2021, the top five countries for soft drink consumption per capita were Mexico, Chile, Argentina, the US, and Brazil

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In Africa, soft drink consumption per capita is about 100 liters annually, rising steadily with urbanization

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In 2021, the global market for probiotic soft drinks was valued at around $2.5 billion, with a forecasted annual growth rate of 12%, reflecting probiotic health benefits trend

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Growth in functional soft drinks, fortified with vitamins and minerals, reached 7% in 2022 globally, indicating a health trend

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The growth of plant-based and botanical soft drinks increased by 8% annually from 2019 to 2022, driven by consumer interest in natural ingredients

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The use of biodegradable bottles for soft drinks is expected to increase by 30% in the next five years, aiming to reduce plastic pollution

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The number of new soft drink product launches increased by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021, driven by innovation in health and flavor profiles

Statistic 51

The total antioxidant content in some premium soft drinks surged by 15% in 2022, capitalizing on the wellness trend

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Key Highlights

The global soft drink market was valued at approximately $698.6 billion in 2022
The United States accounted for about 40% of the global soft drink consumption in 2022
Coca-Cola held a 43.7% share of the global carbonated soft drink market in 2021
The average American consumed approximately 38.87 gallons of soft drinks in 2020
In 2022, non-carbonated soft drinks made up over 55% of the total soft drink sales globally
The rise of health-conscious consumers has led to a 15% increase in sales of low-sugar and sugar-free soft drinks between 2018 and 2022
The soft drinks industry employs over 1 million people worldwide directly
The Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 35% of global soft drink consumption in 2022
The carbonation levels in soft drinks have decreased by 12% over the past decade as brands seek to reduce sugar content
Zero-calorie soft drinks made up approximately 18% of total soft drink sales in 2022
The global demand for bottled soft drinks is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028
The average price of a 20-ounce bottle of soft drink in the US was about $1.50 in 2022
The market share of energy drinks, a sub-category within soft drinks, grew by 8% globally in 2022

The booming $700 billion global soft drink industry is experiencing a transformative shift towards health-conscious options, innovative packaging, and regional growth, driven by changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns.

Consumer Behavior and Demographics

The average American consumed approximately 38.87 gallons of soft drinks in 2020
The rise of health-conscious consumers has led to a 15% increase in sales of low-sugar and sugar-free soft drinks between 2018 and 2022
About 70% of soft drink consumers in the US prefer sugar-free varieties
Millennials and Gen Z consumers account for nearly 60% of soft drink purchases in developed markets
Approximately 35% of soft drinks sold in vending machines are sugar-free, reflecting consumer preference shifts
Soft drink advertising targeting young adults (ages 18-34) accounts for approximately 65% of total soft drink marketing expenditures worldwide
In the US, about 68% of soft drink consumers buy them at least once a week from convenience stores
The penetration of functional and fortified soft drinks in Asia-Pacific increased by 9% from 2020 to 2022, indicating consumer shift towards health benefits

Consumer Behavior and Demographics Interpretation

With Americans guzzling nearly 39 gallons annually and nearly 70% favoring sugar-free options—particularly among Millennials and Gen Z—it's clear that the soft drink industry is shifting from sugar rushes to health-conscious sips, as savvy marketers pour more resources into targeting young adults and functional variants across the globe.

Environmental and Health Factors

The carbonation levels in soft drinks have decreased by 12% over the past decade as brands seek to reduce sugar content
The usage of plastic bottles for soft drinks worldwide accounts for over 50% of the total packaging, highlighting sustainability concerns
The usage of artificial sweeteners in soft drinks soared by 20% over the past five years, catering to health concerns
In 2022, the global soft drink market saw a 4% decline in sales volume in Europe, largely due to health campaigns reducing consumption
The volume of soft drinks consumed in schools through vending machines decreased by 10% from 2019 to 2022 as schools implement healthier policies
About 80% of soft drinks in North America are sold in PET plastic bottles, highlighting recycling and environmental concerns

Environmental and Health Factors Interpretation

As soft drink brands dial down their fizz and sugar to appease health and sustainability sensibilities, they’re facing a bittersweet recipe: shrinking sales and mounting environmental pressure in a market that’s increasingly thirsting for responsible refreshment.

Industry Metrics and Market Share

The United States accounted for about 40% of the global soft drink consumption in 2022
Coca-Cola held a 43.7% share of the global carbonated soft drink market in 2021
In 2022, non-carbonated soft drinks made up over 55% of the total soft drink sales globally
The soft drinks industry employs over 1 million people worldwide directly
Zero-calorie soft drinks made up approximately 18% of total soft drink sales in 2022
The average price of a 20-ounce bottle of soft drink in the US was about $1.50 in 2022
The market share of energy drinks, a sub-category within soft drinks, grew by 8% globally in 2022
In 2022, the top three soft drink brands globally were Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew, accounting for over 60% of the market share
The carbonated soft drink segment declined by 2% in volume in 2022 after years of steady growth
In Latin America, soft drink consumption per capita averaged 175 liters annually in 2022
The U.S. soft drink industry generated approximately $78 billion in retail sales in 2022
Online sales of soft drinks increased by 25% in 2022 compared to the previous year
The growth of craft and organic soft drinks has surged by 12% annually since 2019, reflecting health and premiumization trends
The calorie content in traditional soft drinks averages around 150 calories per 12 oz serving, but many brands are reducing this significantly
60% of soft drinks sold in vending machines in retail outlets in North America are carbonated, with the remaining being non-carbonated
The penetration rate of diet soft drinks in the US was around 20% in 2022, indicating a shift towards sugar-free options
The leading flavor in soft drinks globally remains cola, accounting for about 45% of the market share
The major ingredient in most soft drinks is carbonated water, comprising over 90% of their volume
The market share of sparkling water within soft drinks increased by 10% from 2020 to 2022, reflecting health trends
Sales of soft drinks in convenience stores contributed to nearly 60% of total soft drink sales in North America in 2022
The average shelf life of bottled soft drinks is approximately 9 months, influencing inventory and retail strategies
Soft drink advertising expenditure worldwide is estimated to be over $12 billion annually, emphasizing marketing importance
The soft drink industry is projected to see a 3% compound annual growth rate in Africa until 2028, driven by urbanization and rising incomes
In 2022, soft drink imports to the European Union increased by 4% compared to the previous year, highlighting market expansion
The average energy content of energy drinks in the soft drink category is around 110 calories per 8 oz serving
The supply chain disruptions in 2022 caused a 5% increase in the cost of soft drink packaging materials globally, affecting profit margins

Industry Metrics and Market Share Interpretation

Despite capturing over 40% of global consumption and boasting giants like Coca-Cola with a 43.7% market share, the soft drink industry is experiencing a bittersweet blend of declining carbonated sales, a booming health-conscious craft segment, and soaring online popularity, all while juggling rising costs and a shifting palate towards health and wellness.

Market Size and Regional Distribution

The global soft drink market was valued at approximately $698.6 billion in 2022
The Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 35% of global soft drink consumption in 2022
The global demand for bottled soft drinks is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028
In 2021, the top five countries for soft drink consumption per capita were Mexico, Chile, Argentina, the US, and Brazil
In Africa, soft drink consumption per capita is about 100 liters annually, rising steadily with urbanization
In 2021, the global market for probiotic soft drinks was valued at around $2.5 billion, with a forecasted annual growth rate of 12%, reflecting probiotic health benefits trend

Market Size and Regional Distribution Interpretation

With a market nearing $700 billion and probiotics buoying growth at 12%, it's clear that the soft drink industry is fizzing with diversity—from Asia-Pacific’s cool dominance to Africa’s urban sprawl—showing that whether for refreshment or health, soda’s influence is only bubbling up more worldwide.

Product Trends and Innovation

Growth in functional soft drinks, fortified with vitamins and minerals, reached 7% in 2022 globally, indicating a health trend
The growth of plant-based and botanical soft drinks increased by 8% annually from 2019 to 2022, driven by consumer interest in natural ingredients
The use of biodegradable bottles for soft drinks is expected to increase by 30% in the next five years, aiming to reduce plastic pollution
The number of new soft drink product launches increased by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021, driven by innovation in health and flavor profiles
The total antioxidant content in some premium soft drinks surged by 15% in 2022, capitalizing on the wellness trend

Product Trends and Innovation Interpretation

The soft drink industry is bubbling with health-conscious innovation, as a 7% rise in functional beverages, an 8% surge in plant-based options, and a 15% boost in antioxidants reflect a consumer shift towards wellness, all while eco-friendly packaging ambitions grow by 30%—clearly, the market is fizzing with both flavor and purpose.