Australia's Favorite Soft Drink Revealed

what is the popular soda in australia

Australia has a wide variety of soft drinks, with Coca-Cola being the most popular in the country. Other popular soft drinks in Australia include Pepsi, Bundaberg, and Kirks. Interestingly, Australians do not use the term soda to refer to soft drinks, instead opting for the term soft drink. Some of the unique Australian soft drinks include Bundaberg Root Beer, which is brewed over three days using a traditional recipe, and Passiona, which was developed by a dairy farmer in the 1920s to use up excess passionfruit.

Characteristics Values
Popular soda brands Coca-Cola, Coke No Sugar, Pepsi, Bundaberg, Kirks, Schweppes, Solo, Mountain Dew, Fanta, Sunkist, Sprite, Pepsi Max, Ginger Beer, Passiona
Alternate names Soft drink, fizzy drink
Bundaberg flavours Root Beer, Lemon Lime and Bitters, Guava
Coca-Cola variations Coke, Coke No Sugar

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Other popular soft drinks in Australia include Passiona, Fanta, Schweppes, Pepsi, Bundaberg, and Kirks. Bundaberg is a traditional Australian brewing company based in Queensland, and its drinks are commonly consumed in Australia and New Zealand. Its beverages include Bundaberg Root Beer, which is brewed over three days, and Bundaberg Lemon Lime and Bitters, which can be mixed with spirits or served over ice.

While Coca-Cola is the most popular, there are a variety of other soft drinks that Australians enjoy. Solo, a lemon squash drink, is another popular option, as well as Japanese and Korean drinks, such as Grape Ramune.

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Aussies call soft drinks 'fizzy drinks'

Aussies have a unique way of referring to soft drinks. While some countries use the term "soda" or "pop", Australians typically refer to these beverages as "soft drinks" or "fizzy drinks". This unique terminology is just one aspect of Australia's diverse and vibrant soft drink culture.

When it comes to popular soft drinks in Australia, there are a variety of options to choose from, including both international and homegrown brands. Coca-Cola, or Coke as it is commonly known, has long been the undisputed king of the soft drink landscape in Australia, with its variations like Coke No Sugar also gaining popularity. Other international brands like Fanta, Sprite, and Pepsi, including its variants Pepsi Max and Diet Pepsi, are also widely consumed.

However, Australia also has its own unique offerings in the soft drink space. One notable example is Passiona, a signature Australian drink that hails from Lismore in New South Wales. Developed by dairy farmer Spencer Cottee in the 1920s to use up excess passionfruit on his farm, it has become a beloved taste of summer for many Australians. Another Australian favourite is Bundaberg, which offers a range of drinks, including a unique Root Beer brewed with sarsaparilla, licorice, ginger root, molasses, and vanilla. Bundaberg drinks can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a cocktail, such as a "spider" with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or mixed with spicy rum or vodka.

In addition to these, Australia has a variety of other soft drinks that cater to different tastes and preferences. Solo, a lemon squash drink, is a favourite among many Australians. Schweppes, with its range of drinks including ginger ale, is also widely enjoyed. Other brands like Coles, Kirks, and Solo are also popular choices for soft drinks in Australia.

So, while Aussies may have their own unique way of referring to soft drinks, their passion for these beverages is undeniable, with a diverse range of options to choose from, both international and homegrown.

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Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Passiona are some of the most popular soft drinks in Australia. However, Bundaberg is a popular homegrown brand that has gained international recognition.

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Pty Ltd is an Australian family-owned business that brews non-alcoholic beverages. The company was established in Bundaberg, Queensland, in 1960 as a bottling and fermenting business. In 1995, the company changed its name to 'Bundaberg Brewed Drinks', developing a distinctive, local brand with its 'Brewed to Be Better' promise. Over the years, the company has seen growth in sales and brand recognition, both domestically and internationally. Bundaberg now exports to over 60 countries worldwide.

The brand is most known for its ginger beer, brewed to a genuine 'old-school' recipe. This brew gets its unique taste from sarsaparilla, licorice, and ginger root, combined with molasses and vanilla. It is brewed over three days to extract maximum flavour. Besides ginger beer, Bundaberg offers a range of other carbonated beverages, including Passionfruit, Lemon Lime & Bitters, Pink Grapefruit, and Blood Orange.

Bundaberg has also released limited-edition products, such as Spiced Ginger Beer during the festive season, which adds a cinnamon and clove twist to the original recipe. The brand has also embarked on various product collaborations, including the Whittaker's x Bundaberg Ginger Caramel Chocolate Block and the Bundaberg Ginger Beer Potato Chip.

In April 2025, Bundaberg launched its refreshingly light range with three flavours: Raspberry & Pomegranate, Apple & Lychee, and Lemon & Watermelon. These drinks are designed with less sugar and calories, packaged in 250ml cans.

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Schweppes Australia is the non-alcoholic business of Asahi Breweries, which operates under the name Asahi Lifestyle Beverage. The company has a long history in the country, with its first factory built in Sydney in 1877, followed by another in Melbourne in 1885. Schweppes Australia is a licensed manufacturer and distributor of well-known brands such as Pepsi, Sunkist, Mountain Dew, and Gatorade. They also produce their own range of soft drinks, including Indian Tonic Water and Dry Ginger Ale, as well as other Australian brands such as Solo, Passiona, and Spring Valley Beverages.

Schweppes has played a significant role in Australia's beverage culture. During the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, Schweppes was appointed the official beverage, and its crystal fountain became the iconic 'Schweppes Fountain'. The brand also introduced two of the world's most iconic beverages: Indian Tonic Water and Dry Ginger Ale, which are still loved by many Australians today.

In addition to its classic offerings, Schweppes has also innovated with fruit-flavoured mineral waters, combining sparkling natural mineral water sourced from Australian springs with real fruit. This range showcases Schweppes' expertise in creating refreshing beverages that delight consumers' senses.

Schweppes' popularity in Australia is evident through its long-standing presence and ability to adapt to local tastes and preferences. The brand has become an integral part of the country's soft drink landscape, contributing to a diverse and dynamic market that caters to a wide range of consumer preferences.

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Solo has a history of almost 50 years and has become an iconic Australian brand. It has a dedicated following, with some considering it their favourite drink. The brand has released different variants of its original lemon flavour, including a lemon-lime flavour and a zero-sugar version. In 2018, Solo updated its Solo Man character to be less macho and more relatable, with the 2018 "thirst worthy effort" campaign featuring the Solo Man performing more domestic activities.

Solo is owned by Asahi Holdings, which held a 15.4% market share in the Australian soft drink manufacturing market in 2020. It competes with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Kirks, as well as smaller brands like Tru Blu Beverages and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.

Solo is unique to Australia, and those who have tried it overseas often crave it when they are away from the country. It has become a beloved part of Australian culture, with its distinct taste and memorable advertising campaigns.

Frequently asked questions

Coca-Cola is the most popular soft drink in Australia and the world. Coke No Sugar and Coke are the most popular variations.

Other popular sodas in Australia include Passiona, Fanta, Pepsi, Bundaberg, Kirks, Solo, and Sunkist.

Bundaberg is an Australian brand of soft drinks. Their products include Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Guava.

Passiona is a signature Australian drink that was developed in the 1920s by a dairy farmer named Spencer Cottee to use up excess passionfruit on his farm.

Solo is a homegrown Australian lemon squash drink.

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