Carbonated Soft Drinks

Did you know soft drinks have been enjoyed for over two-hundred years?

The first carbonated soft drink was invented when Englishman Joseph Priestly discovered how to infuse water with carbon dioxide in 1767.

Today, carbonated soft drinks are made by mixing carbonated water with a sweetener and natural or artificial flavourings.

The sweetener is usually sugar, but in diet brands a sugar-alternative (such as aspartame or stevia) can be used to produce a low or zero-calorie beverages. Carbonated soft drinks may also contain caffeine, colourings, preservatives and other ingredients.

Today, around 14 percent of all beverages purchased worldwide are carbonated soft drinks, with over 25 billion litres of soft drink consumed internationally every year.

By contrast, carbonated soft drinks make-up only 7.2 percent of all drinks (including tap water and alcohol) enjoyed by New Zealanders.

Because of their high energy content, sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks are best seen as an occasional beverage choice. With sensible consumption, and enjoyed as a treat, they can still be part of a healthy and active lifestyle.