.png)
Soft Drink Flavour Trends 2026
European market research from the Metarom Group 2026 soft drinks newsletter, published by Metarom Australia with the natural flavours we make in Sydney to match each trend.
The top 5 soft drink flavours launched in Europe between January 2024 and December 2025 were lemon, cola, orange, lime and apple, with apple, raspberry, mango and peach on the rise in 2025. The main trends are functional and prebiotic sodas with less sugar, unusual limited-edition flavours for young adults, mocktail-inspired sodas, and reinvented colas.
Top 5 soft drinks flavours launched in Europe
Flavours of new soft drinks products launched in Europe between January 2024 and December 2025, ranked.
- 1Lemon
- 2Cola
- 3Orange
- 4Lime
- 5Apple
Up-and-coming flavours in 2025: Apple, Raspberry, Mango, Peach.
What is happening in the soft drinks market
The non-alcoholic refreshment market stands out for its dynamism and constant innovation. Consumers are seeking naturalness, well-being and novelty, which pushes brands towards new flavours, reduced-sugar recipes, functional ingredients and original sizes. Energy drinks and functional beverages such as kombucha are growing particularly strongly.
The sector is heavily shaped by regulation, in particular the French tax on sugary drinks. First introduced in 2012 and reinforced several times, it charges more the more added sugar a drink contains. This encourages manufacturers to reduce sugar while keeping taste and appeal, which is both an economic and a technical challenge.
Functional drinks are gaining ground in Europe
European consumers are paying more attention to ingredients and sugar content. Functional drinks enriched with vitamins, minerals or fibre meet expectations for well-being and tangible health benefits. Still a niche, the category attracts consumers willing to pay more for drinks perceived as healthier and useful every day.
Sparkling cherry soda with magnesium and chamomile for better sleep
Magnesium and chamomile extract are known to promote relaxation and reduce fatigue; the low-sugar, low-calorie recipe fits an evening routine.
Prebiotic lemon soda
The first prebiotic soda brand in France, inspired by trends established in the US and UK, with a reduced-sugar formula enriched with fibre and apple cider vinegar.
Innovation and creativity win young consumers
Young adults look for novelty and originality: new and unusual flavours, limited editions and creative concepts. Innovation drives engagement, especially on social media where these consumers share discoveries.
Marshmallow-flavoured soda
A sparkling drink with a marshmallow flavour, betting on curiosity to attract a young audience.
Tutti frutti Fanta
A limited edition that taps into surprise and the desire for discovery.
Cocktail flavours are moving into sodas
Moderation in alcohol is driving sparkling drinks as social alternatives. Brands are focusing on mocktail-inspired recipes, alcohol-free versions of iconic cocktails that combine freshness, aromatic complexity and conviviality, and alcohol-free claims are multiplying.
Mojito-flavoured soda
Captures the iconic taste of the mojito in an alcohol-free version.
Spritz-flavoured soda
A non-alcoholic take on the spritz for the aperitif, with bitter orange and quinine.
Cola is being reinvented
Prebiotic, reduced-sugar cola in original and cherry vanilla
Special Edition sugar-free cola with peach flavour
Orange-flavoured cola
Ciao Kombucha, voted best launch of the year
Ciao Kombucha, launched by YouTuber Squeezie
Launched in six flavours: red berries, mint, peach, lemon, dragon fruit and ginger-hibiscus.
Other launches to note
Fruit-flavoured vitamin waters
Three flavours: Energy (peach passion, vitamins E, C, B12), Antiox (strawberry raspberry, vitamin E and selenium) and Refresh (lemon lime, vitamins E, C, B6, B12).
Pear-flavoured Fanta
Soft drinks trends on social media
Dirty soda: the customisable soda trend
Originally from the United States, dirty soda turns a classic soda into a gourmet, customisable drink that has taken off on Instagram and TikTok. It combines a cola, lemonade or ginger ale base with flavoured syrups, fruit juices or purées, sometimes with milk or cream, plus citrus zest, fruit pieces or crunchy inclusions.
The success of prebiotic sodas
Driven by brands such as Poppi and Yass, prebiotic sodas combine the pleasure of soda with a digestive health benefit. Colourful packaging, a better-for-you position and a strong social media presence have fuelled their popularity with younger consumers.
Our natural flavours to capture these trends
The flavours Metarom selected for this category. Each code links to its full page with tasting notes, dosage, price breaks, PIF and SDS. All are made in Sydney with a 5 business day lead time plus transit.
| Code | Flavour | Tasting notes | Range | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAG9567 | Ginger | warm, fresh, spicy | Beverage range (ethanol/alcohol carrier, water soluble) | 8kg |
| AAC9427 | Cola | sweet, citrus, spicy | Beverage range (ethanol/alcohol carrier, water soluble) | 8kg |
| AAY3920 | Yuzu | fresh, juicy, zesty | Beverage range (ethanol/alcohol carrier, water soluble) | 8kg |
| AMA9458 | Apple | sweet, cripps pink, juicy | Natural range (MPG carrier, water soluble) | 10kg |
| AMP9722 | Peach | fleshy, velvety, mellow | Natural range (MPG carrier, water soluble) | 10kg |
Source: Metarom Group market newsletter 2026 (Soft drinks), covering product launches in Europe from January 2024 to December 2025. Download the original PDF.
Working on a new soft drinks product?
Tell us the trend you want to hit and your application, and we will send a shortlist and samples. Our NPD team can also develop a flavour to your brief.
Request samplesFlavours for soft drinksContact the team