Soda companies are racing to retain their young audience, responding to growing societal shifts that challenge traditional “diet” culture.

In recent years, the body positivity movement has gained momentum, encouraging people to embrace their natural bodies rather than striving for unattainable ideals often promoted by celebrities who undergo extensive cosmetic procedures.

In the face of this cultural change, soda brands are pushing back against the perception that sodas are inherently unhealthy and that “diet” drinks promote negative body image.

In an effort to connect with younger consumers, many major soda brands are moving away from the term “diet” in favor of “zero sugar.”

Popular labels like Canada Dry, 7Up, and A&W have already rebranded their products to reflect this shift, hoping to attract an audience that is increasingly skeptical of diet culture.

“Young people just don’t like the word ‘diet,’” said Greg Lyons, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo Beverages North America, as quoted by CNN.

Pepsi has been ahead of the curve, having marketed its zero-sugar variant for years. In fact, when Donald Trump was elected president in 2016, Pepsi rebranded its Pepsi Max line as Pepsi Zero Sugar to align with changing consumer preferences.

“No Gen Z wants to be on a diet these days,” Lyons confessed. “It’s about the freedom to choose what they want without feeling guilty.”

Canada Dry is also rebranding its diet ginger ale as “ginger zero,” while A&W has long transitioned from calling its calorie-free root beer a “diet drink” to labeling it a “zero sugar drink.”

A&W’s decision to make the shift was largely driven by consumer demand, with customers asking why the product still carried the “diet” label.

A&W Brand President Susan Senecal emphasized the importance of offering options that empower consumers to make their own choices.

“Zero Sugar Diet Ginger Ale is a clear example of how we are giving people choices and helping them find what works for them,” Senecal told CNN.

As soda companies adjust to the evolving cultural landscape, their strategies reflect the increasing desire for products that align with the values of a younger generation—

one that is rejecting the pressure of diet culture and instead seeking a healthier, guilt-free approach to their consumption choices.