A mid-calorie soda Coca-Cola launched in Argentina last year, which ditches high fructose corn syrup for sugar and the sweetener stevia, soon will come stateside.
Beverage Digest reported Thursday that Atlanta-based Coke will introduce “Coca-Cola Life” in September or October, about the same time Coca-Cola has said it plans to launch the product in England.
Coca-Cola, its chief rival Pepsi and the rest of the soft drink industry are under intense pressure because of sluggish sales of top brands such as Coke, Diet Coke and Pepsi as more Americans eschew sugary beverages for teas, water and energy drinks.
The industy also has been battling health advocates, city governments and some school systems over calories in their products, which critics argue contribute to obesity in America.
Last week New York City, which has led the charge on the soda-obesity connection, asked a state Court of Appeals to let it move forward with a 2012 plan to restrict soft drink portion sizes in areas such as movie theaters and delis. Lower courts had overturned the plan.
Adding a mid-calorie is seen as a way for Coca-Cola to attract consumers who want the full-bodied taste of regular Coke without all the calories. Pepsi introduced a similar product, Pepsi Next, in 2012.
The company was mum on its U.S. plans, telling Beverage Digest: “As we continue to innovate and expand our portfolio to meet consumers’ evolving needs and preferences around the world, we will explore the roll-out of Coca-Cola Life in other markets.”
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