March 10, 2025 – In Germany, soft drinks are opted for their refreshing taste, sensory appeal, and ability to complement different occasions. Innova’s 360 research into soft drinks trends highlights market insights, product launch trends, top flavors, consumer preferences, and what may develop in the future.
This article is based on Innova’s Soft Drinks in Germany report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
Soft Drinks Market Size and Trends
The sales and volume of the German soft drink market are steadily rising over the past five years, by 2% CAGR each. Soft drinks trends research predicts a projected growth rate of 1% CAGR each in sales and volume till 2027.
Germany has the third-highest per capita consumption of soft drinks globally in the past year. The country’s deep-rooted beverage culture makes soft drinks a staple in daily life, alongside beer and coffee. Wide availability and diverse options keep the category relevant across demographics, with regular consumption at meals further driving demand.
All soft drink subcategories, including bottled water, carbonates, energy drinks, iced tea, iced coffee, and juice drinks, are projected to grow modestly through 2027. Energy drinks sales are growing faster than other soft drinks subcategories, projected to grow at a 5% CAGR till 2027. This is driven by popularity among younger consumers and interest among German consumers seeking functional benefits such as enhanced energy and focus.
Consumer Soft Drink Preferences
Soft drinks dominate Germany’s beverage market, accounting for 4 in 5 consumed beverages. The country has one of the highest per capita juice consumption rates globally, with a penetration of nearly 60%. Carbonated mineral water also holds strong appeal, driven by Germany’s abundant natural mineral springs. Traditional favorites like Apfelschorle (apple juice with sparkling water) and Spezi (cola with orange soda) further reinforce the carbonated soda with cultural favorites.
Soft drink consumption is rising across nearly all subcategories, driven by evolving taste preferences and a growing focus on health. Bottled water, iced coffee, iced tea, juice drinks, smoothies, and energy drinks show the highest growth in consumption, highlighting the need for ongoing innovation. Consumers increasingly seek craveable flavors, aspirational branding, convenience, and functional benefits to enhance their beverage choices.
Nearly 70% of German consumers drink unflavored water regularly, fueling demand for multi-packs and single-serve bottles. This is followed by carbonated soft drinks, flavored water, functional, and plant-based water. No artificial flavors, low/no/reduced sugar, and product safety claims are most influential when purchasing and consuming bottled water.
Soft Drinks Product Launch Trends
Soft drink launches have slowed in line with the total food and beverage launch trend in Germany over the past five years. Smaller subcategories like iced tea, iced coffee, and flavored bottled water are driving innovation. Iced tea and iced coffee account for over 20% of total launches as brands experiment with new flavors and features to spur stronger interest in these subcategories. Energy drinks innovation is an opportunity, as new launches are outpacing sales growth, which is projected to be stronger than for other soft drinks categories.
Health-conscious consumers are fueling the rise of low/no/reduced calorie, no added sugar, and sugar-free claims. Gluten- or lactose-free claims remain prevalent in the market. Protein claims are the fastest-growing base feature claim, moving from an emergent 3% of entries to 7% in the past two years. Energy and alertness claims are gaining attention across iced tea, juices, and carbonates, reflecting energy drinks’ popularity.
Consumers are also prioritizing clean labels and ethical choices. More brands highlight no additives and natural ingredients, while sustainability and human ethical claims display notable growth. Weight management and variety-related claims are emerging in soft drinks.
Soft Drinks Flavors and Ingredients Trends
Flavor plays an important role in soft drink selection, and expanding flavor variety helps drive penetration and boost consumption. While fruit is the most common flavor category, appearing in 70% of launches, brands in Germany are diversifying with brown, tea, and vanilla flavors. Iced tea growth is increasing the use of tea flavors, while iced coffee is driving demand for vanilla, milk chocolate, and caramel. Peach, lemonade, and strawberry are growing flavors in new soft drinks recipes as brands seek to diversify fruit flavors to add excitement to the category.
Non-nutritive sweeteners, nutraceutical and functional ingredients, and vitamins and minerals are better-for-you ingredients that have grown in the past year. The shift toward functional beverages reflects consumer interest in soft drinks that go beyond empty calories. More products feature other ingredients like dairy, protein, fiber, and prebiotics, particularly in iced coffee, iced tea, and energy drinks.
Packaging Trends in Soft Drinks
Packaging trends align with evolving consumer needs. Bottles remain the leading format, accounting for nearly 60% of new launches, while cans, cups, and aseptic packaging offer single-serve convenience for on-the-go lifestyles.
What’s Next in Soft Drinks Trends in Germany?
As Germany’s population ages and health-conscious lifestyles take priority, better-for-you features and clean recipes are becoming essential in the soft drinks market. Consumers seek safe and healthy options, with no artificial flavors, natural ingredients, and product safety claims influencing choices, particularly in bottled water, soda, juice, and iced tea. However, indulgence remains key for soda, sparkling juice, energy drinks, and iced coffee. Brands can strike a balance between health and enjoyment in these subcategories.
Maintaining relevance requires continuous variety, especially for younger consumers with evolving preferences. As existing consumers age, they prioritize reducing sugar and calories while boosting nutrition, creating an opportunity for brands to introduce more reduced-calorie or sugar-free options.
Despite one-quarter of German consumers considering reduced sugar claims important, less than 20% of new products highlight this feature. The challenge lies in developing craveable, low-sugar formulations without aftertaste, ensuring long-term adoption. Brands that integrate indulgence with health-focused innovation are likely to shape the future of the soft drinks market.
This article is based on Innova’s Soft Drinks in Germany report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
