‘Modernized soft drinks’: PepsiCo launches IZZE Fusions & Lemon Lemon

07-Mar-2017 - Last updated on 07-Mar-2017 at 14:37 GMT

What do consumers want from CSDs? Bubbles, exciting flavors & low calorie counts, says PepsiCo

PepsiCo says it is eyeing up the ‘next generation’ of soda – which it describes as ‘modernized soft drinks with bubbles, unique flavors and lower calorie counts’ – as it rolls out IZZE Fusions and Lemon Lemon in the US.

The company says both products are examples of its continued portfolio transformation, as it works towards its goal of having two-thirds of its global beverage portfolio volume coming from drinks with 100 calories or less from added sugars per 12oz serving, by 2025.

Lemon Lemon is also launching in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany and additional markets will follow. Outside the US, Lemon Lemon will come under the 7UP trademark.

Stevia and sugar blend

Targeting Generation Z (the cohort following millennials), IZZE Fusions is described as ‘sort of soda, sort of juice, sort of sparkling water’.

It is available in three flavors: orange mango, lemon lime and strawberry melon. It is free from artificial sweeteners or flavors, and is sweetened with a blend of cane sugar and stevia. IZZE Fusions contains 60 calories per 12oz can.

Meanwhile, PepsiCo says Lemon Lemon taps into the large global sparkling lemonade category, a sector it says is in its infancy in the US but growing rapidly.

Available in original, blackberry and peach flavors, the drink is ‘a sparkling lemonade that’s a modern take on an old tradition with bubbles, real lemon juice and a touch of sweetness’.

Like IZZE Fusions, it is free from artificial sweeteners of flavors, and sweetened with cane sugar and stevia. It contains 70 calories per 12oz can.