UK soft drink tastes continue to change, but some flavours remain clear favourites.
According to the 2024 British Soft Drinks Association Annual Report, consumers are choosing a broader mix of classic, fruity and more adventurous flavours. Cola still dominates the carbonated drinks market, while citrus, cherry and bolder sour flavours also continue to attract attention.
At Florida Syrups, we follow these flavour trends closely because they help us understand what customers want to make at home. You can use our concentrated syrups with SodaStream and similar home carbonation systems, which makes it easy to recreate familiar flavours or experiment with something new.
1. Cola Still Leads the Way
Cola remains the biggest flavour in the UK carbonated soft drinks market.
The 2024 BSDA figures cited in the original article show that Cola accounts for more than 55% of carbonated flavour sales in the UK.
That popularity comes as no surprise. Cola offers a familiar flavour and works well on its own, but it also gives you a good base for experimenting.
Try This at Home
Use Florida Syrups Cola with carbonated water for a classic homemade fizzy drink.
You can also add:
- a squeeze of lime for a sharper finish
- a small amount of Sour Cherry for a cherry cola-style drink
Start with the standard mix first, then adjust gradually if you want a stronger flavour combination.
2. Orange Flavours Remain Popular
Orange continues to perform strongly across both carbonated drinks and dilutable drinks.
Its combination of sweetness and citrus makes it an easy choice for people who want something familiar and refreshing.
Try This at Home
Use Florida Syrups Orange to make your own orange-flavoured fizzy drink.
For an 840ml bottle of pre-carbonated sparkling water, we recommend using 50ml of Florida Soda Syrup.
You can then make small adjustments to suit your own taste.
3. Clear Lemonade and Lemon-Lime Continue to Grow
Lemon and lemon-lime flavours remain important alternatives to Cola.
The original market data behind this article identified lemon/lime carbonates as some of the stronger-selling non-cola choices in 2023.
These flavours work well because they are light, sharp and easy to combine with other ingredients.
Try This at Home
Use Florida Syrups Sour Lemon or Lemon & Lime with carbonated water.
You can also add:
- fresh mint
- cucumber
- citrus slices
- ice
These additions work particularly well when you want a lighter, more refreshing drink.
4. Blackcurrant & Apple Remains a Familiar Favourite
Blackcurrant and apple is especially popular within the dilutables category.
The flavour combines sweetness with a slightly sharper fruit profile, which makes it familiar to many UK consumers.
Try This at Home
Florida Syrups Blackcurrant & Apple works well as a fizzy drink, and you can also use it in slush-style drinks.
Because the syrup is concentrated, you can start with the recommended mix and then make small adjustments if you prefer a stronger or lighter flavour.
5. Cherry and Cola Combinations Continue to Appeal
Classic Cola remains popular, but flavoured Cola variants give people an easy way to try something slightly different.
Cherry Cola is one of the most familiar examples. The original article also noted growing interest in flavoured Cola variants such as cherry and vanilla.
Try This at Home
Mix Florida Syrups Cola with a small amount of Sour Cherry.
You can also try Raspberry for a fruitier variation.
Add crushed ice and a wedge of lime if you want to turn it into more of a café-style drink.
Bonus Trend: Sour and More Adventurous Flavours
Alongside the familiar favourites, customers are also experimenting with stronger and less traditional flavours.
Examples include:
- Sour Watermelon
- Pineapple & Coconut
- Dragonfruit
These flavours give customers a way to move beyond the usual Cola, Orange and Lemonade choices.
Try This at Home
Use Sour Watermelon with carbonated water, then add citrus slices for a sharper finish.
You can also experiment with other bold flavours on their own before combining them.
How Do You Use Florida Syrups with SodaStream?
Florida Syrups are designed to flavour water that you have already carbonated using a SodaStream or similar home carbonation system.
The basic method is simple:
- Fizz – carbonate your water first.
- Pour – add the recommended amount of Florida Syrup.
- Mix – gently mix the syrup through the carbonated water.
- Enjoy – pour and serve.
For an 840ml bottle of pre-carbonated sparkling water, we recommend using 50ml of Florida Soda Syrup.
Always add the syrup after carbonation.
