This summer, sales of sugary carbonated drinks in China have declined by nearly 60%, with some areas unable to sell even two bottles for 5 yuan (RMB). Some believe that due to the poor overall economic environment, people are turning to higher-value options such as plain water and homemade beverages, choosing to avoid sugary drinks whenever possible.
Traditionally, summer is a peak season for beverage sales. In previous years, sugary carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola were popular due to their affordable prices and pleasant taste. However, this year has brought about a shift in the beverage market. Sugary drinks that used to occupy prominent positions in stores have been pushed to the sidelines, making way for non-sugar alternatives.
According to reports from mainland media outlets including financial circles, in previous July and August periods, colas and sodas like Sprite were among the top-selling items in supermarket refrigerators. This year, many supermarket owners and distributors have taken to social media to complain about the unprecedented “frozen peak season” for sugary carbonated drinks. Some distributors have stocked up nearly 3 million yuan worth of goods, but their sales in the first half of the month were less than 30% of the same period last year. In supermarkets and convenience stores, sugary carbonated drinks have been sidelined in favor of sugar-free alternatives.
Last weekend, in convenience stores in the central area of Wuhan, certain brands of sugary carbonated drinks were even being promoted at prices as low as 5 yuan for 2 bottles, yet few showed interest in purchasing them.
Although sales of sugary carbonated drinks have been on a slight decline since 2025, the market for these drinks has deteriorated further in 2026, especially during the traditional peak season for beverages in the second quarter, showing particularly dismal performance.
Data from a major Chinese consumer goods industry intelligence company specializing in offline retail monitoring and business intelligence services shows that in the second quarter of 2026, the sales of soda products through offline retail channels decreased by 12.23% compared to the previous year, with sugary carbonated drinks being the main category affected.
Convenience store employees have revealed that traditional sugary drink sales have dropped by around 30%, with some specific categories experiencing even larger declines.
Some media outlets have even suggested that sales of sugary carbonated drinks have plummeted by 60%. While the 60% decrease may be exaggerated, it does indeed reflect the challenging situation faced by sugary carbonated drinks this year.
The general consensus within the industry and among the public for the decline in sales of sugary carbonated drinks is that people’s health consciousness has increased, leading to a perception that sugary drinks are detrimental to health.
Moreover, China’s popular media channel “Food Light Restaurant” believes that intensified competition in the beverage market is another reason for the decline in sales. Milk tea and coffee are quietly replacing bottled drinks, especially among young people who now opt for bottled water or sugar-free tea when quenching their thirst casually. However, when socializing with friends, during work breaks, or while out for leisure, the go-to choice is often “a cup of milk tea” rather than “buying a bottle of cola”.
Social media influencer “Global Fitness Guide” points out that the most heartbreaking reason for the decline in sugary carbonated drink sales is the financial aspect. With the challenging economic environment, many are turning to more cost-effective options like plain water and homemade beverages, choosing to abstain from sugary drinks when possible.