Over the next few months, Australians will begin to see changes across CAPI’s range of flavoured sodas. As part of a considered evolution, the brand is moving to reduced sugar formulations – not sugar-free and not sweetener-heavy, but in tune with the modern Australian palate.
“We’re not following a trend, we’re responding to a cultural shift,” says Thurman Wise, Director of Innovation at CAPI. “Australians want drinks that are lighter on sugar but still full of flavour. That’s exactly what we’ve created.”
Across the country, people are rethinking sugar – not cutting it out entirely – but cutting back. 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 (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Meanwhile, over 56% of consumers now say their ideal non-alcoholic drink should have low or zero sugar (Mintel).
“While younger Australians are leading the shift, it’s a movement gaining momentum across all age groups,” CAPI said.
CAPI’s new recipes 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 strike the right balance: full flavour, less sugar,” said the brand.
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.
“When we launched our sodas 14 years ago, they were made for a different time,” says CAPI CEO Kate Solly. “Tastes have shifted – and so have attitudes around sugar. This change is about evolving with that shift, while staying true to what makes our drinks great.”
