If you’re a fan of cracking open a cold can of Pepsi or Mountain Dew, you might want to look closer at the label next time you’re in the supermarket.
In a move that’s set to shake up the soft drink aisle, Pepsi and Mountain Dew, two of Australia’s most popular fizzy drinks, have undergone a significant recipe overhaul—one that’s already causing a stir among loyal fans.
The headline? Both now contain about a third of the sugar they used to. That’s right—PepsiCo has slashed the sugar content in these drinks by 35–40 per cent, replacing it with artificial sweeteners.
The packaging looks almost identical, with the only noticeable difference being a jump in the Health Star Rating from a paltry 0.5 to a slightly more respectable 1.5 stars.
It took eagle-eyed food influencer Russ Eats to spot the change and break the news on social media, where he pointed out the subtle switch and the new nutritional profile.
PepsiCo said the decision to cut sugar and add sweeteners was driven by consumer demand for healthier options.
A spokesperson explained, ‘The new formulas contain low-calorie sweeteners and a lower sugar content. We’ve also undertaken extensive sensory research to ensure we’re still delivering the same great taste consumers know and love.’
It’s a move that mirrors a broader trend in the food and beverage industry, as companies respond to growing concerns about sugar consumption, obesity, and diabetes.
Like many countries, Australia has seen a push for more transparent labelling and healthier choices on supermarket shelves. But as this change shows, the path to ‘healthier’ isn’t always straightforward.
So, what exactly is replacing all that sugar? While PepsiCo hasn’t specified the exact sweeteners used in the new formulas, it’s common for soft drinks to use ingredients like aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame potassium.
These artificial sweeteners are often sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to achieve the same taste.
But not everyone is thrilled about the switch. Artificial sweeteners have long been debated, with some people reporting sensitivities or allergies, and others simply disliking the aftertaste.
While regulatory bodies like Food Standards Australia New Zealand have approved these sweeteners as safe, the change is still controversial for some consumers.
The backlash
The reaction online has been swift and, in some cases, emotional. Some fans are upset that their favourite ‘full sugar’ drinks are no longer what they used to be.
One parent shared that Mountain Dew had saved her type 1 diabetic daughter’s life during a hypoglycaemic episode. At the same time, another said she relied on Pepsi’s sugar content because she was allergic to artificial sweeteners.
Others have called for more explicit warnings on the packaging, especially for people with allergies or diabetes.
‘The company needs to put out a warning—the new product is dangerous for diabetics,’ one commenter wrote.
Another joked, ‘I’m outraged! I’d get angry and riot, but my energy levels have dropped.’
The war on sugar
PepsiCo’s move is part of a much larger shift in the beverage industry. With governments worldwide introducing sugar taxes and new labelling laws, soft drink makers are pressured to reduce sugar content.
In recent years, Coca-Cola, Schweppes, and other brands have introduced lower-sugar or sugar-free versions of their drinks.
But as this latest change shows, there’s a delicate balance between offering healthier options and keeping loyal customers happy. For some, the taste of the original recipe is irreplaceable. For others, the health benefits of less sugar are worth the trade-off.
Have you noticed the change in your favourite soft drink? Do you prefer the new, lower-sugar recipe, or are you missing the original? Have artificial sweeteners affected you or someone you know? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Struggling with sugar cravings? Try these healthy snacks
A few years ago, when I had contact with my uncle in the UK, there had been a sudden rise in people being taken to hospital with minor and severe paralysis from research, they found out it was because some people are allergic to artificial sweeteners. So it is essential that manufacturers are labelling their products with the ingredients and warnings about these artificial additives.