Soft Drinks in India: Our Picks for Best Cola, Lemon-Lime, Orange and Sparkling [December, 2023]

India’s soft drink market is booming, with both local and international brands vying for market share. From classic colas to lemon-lime sodas to energizing options, there are so many great soft drinks to choose from in India today.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the top soft drinks in India, discussing their features, ratings, reviews, and other key details to help you determine which ones deserve a place in your shopping basket or refrigerator.

Best Classic Cola Soft Drinks in India

When you think of soft drinks, cola is often one of the first flavors that comes to mind. Fortunately, India offers several excellent cola options to quench your thirst. Here are some of the top-rated cola soft drinks in India:

Coca-Cola Original Taste Soft Drink

• 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 8,000 reviews on Amazon
• Coca-Cola’s classic original taste launched in 1886
• Features the iconic Coca-Cola recipe of carbonated water, sugar, caffeine, caramel color, phosphoric acid, and natural flavors
• Described as the perfect balance of fizzy and smooth with a refreshing cola flavor
• Available in 180ml cans (pack of 6), 250ml bottles (pack of 8), 300ml cans (pack of 6), 750ml & 2L PET bottles

With its secret formula and decades of popularity, Coca-Cola Original Taste is undoubtedly one of the best classic colas available in India. It’s an affordable option that delivers the fizzy, sugary cola flavor that many people know and love.

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Thums Up Cola Soft Drink

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• 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 11,000 reviews on Amazon
• Launched in India in 1977, it’s one of the most popular cola brands in the country
• Has a strong fizzy taste with more carbonation compared to typical colas
• Made with carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, caffeine, cardamom, citric acid, and natural flavors
• Customers rave about its unique bold, spicy taste
• Comes in 300ml cans (pack of 6), 750ml & 2L PET bottles

As Coca-Cola’s top-selling cola soda in India, Thums Up has developed a cult following for its extra carbonation and distinct cardamom flavor. It offers a bolder cola taste than typical global brands.

Pepsi Cola Soft Drink

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• 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• PepsiCo’s iconic cola originally created in 1898
• Made using carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, phosphoric acid, caffeine, citric acid, and natural flavors
• Has a sweeter taste compared to the other major colas
• Reviewers praise its smooth, refreshing cola flavor
• Available in 180ml cans, 250ml cans (pack of 6), 300ml cans (pack of 6), 750ml & 2.25L PET bottles

While Pepsi trails behind Coca-Cola and Thums Up in Indian market share, it still earns high marks for its sweeter take on classic cola flavor. Its balance of sweetness and carbonation make it another top cola option.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar

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• 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Coca-Cola’s zero-calorie cola made with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar
• Uses carbonated water, caramel color, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate, natural flavors, potassium citrate, acesulfame potassium, caffeine, and aspartame
• Has the authentic Coca-Cola flavor without the sugar or calories
• Reviewers say it tastes very close to the original Coca-Cola
• Available in 300ml cans (pack of 6) and 250ml PET bottles (pack of 8)

For those monitoring sugar intake, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar presents an excellent calorie-free alternative with nearly indistinguishable cola flavor.

Best Lemon-Lime Soft Drinks in India

Beyond classic colas, lemon-lime sodas offer another staple flavor profile. Here are some customer favorites to consider:

Sprite Lemon-Lime Flavoured Soft Drink

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• 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Launched in India in 1990
• Made using carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, natural flavors, and sodium citrate
• Has a crisp, clean taste with a refreshing lemon-lime flavor
• Reviewers describe it as light, fizzy, and very easy to drink
• Comes in 180ml cans, 300ml cans (pack of 6), 250ml & 750ml PET bottles

As one of the leading lemon-lime sodas globally, Sprite delivers exactly what you’d expect – a refreshing, fizzy lemon-lime taste sensation. Its popularity and wide availability make it a go-to choice.

7UP Lemon Flavor Soda

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• 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Debuted in India in 1979
• Contains carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate, natural flavors, and vitamin C
• Has a quintessential lemon-lime flavor described as zesty yet smooth
• Reviewers say it has the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and carbonation
• Offered in 180ml cans and 750ml PET bottles

With its distinctive green bottle and lemon-lime formula, 7UP is another excellent choice for an easy-drinking lemon-lime soft drink.

Mountain Dew by PepsiCo

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• 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Launched in India in 1999
• Made with carbonated water, sugar, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavors, caffeine, sodium citrate, glycerol ester of wood resin, brominated vegetable oil, and sodium benzoate
• Has a citrusy, orange-lemon flavor with hints of pineapple and cherry
• Reviewers note its bubbly, refreshing taste with a bite of citrus
• Available in 250ml & 750ml PET bottles and 250ml cans

With its unique citrus blend, Mountain Dew stands out for offering a more flavorful, fruit-infused lemon-lime drinking experience.

Limca Lemon & Lime Flavoured Soft Drink

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• 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Created in India in 1971 and one of the country’s most iconic homegrown brands
• Contains carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, natural flavoring, sodium benzoate, caffeine, sunset yellow dye, and tartrazine
• Has a distinctive lemon-lime taste with touches of ginger and orange
• Reviewers praise its strong fizzy flavor and tart, zingy finish
• Offered in 750ml & 2L PET bottles

Limca sets itself apart on this list with its lemon-lime taste infused with ginger, herbs, and citrus fruits. Its unique formula has made it one of India’s most popular flavored soft drinks.

Best Orange Soft Drinks in India

Beyond lemon-lime, orange is another fruit flavor that works perfectly in soft drink form. These options deliver refreshing orangey goodness:

Fanta Orange Flavored Soft Drink

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• 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Created in Germany in 1940 and launched in India in 1993
• Contains carbonated water, sugar, food acids, natural flavors, vegetable extracts, caffeine, sodium benzoate, sunset yellow dye, and beta carotene
• Radiant orange color with bubbly, juicy orange flavor
• Reviewers say it tastes like fresh oranges in soda form
• Available in 250ml (pack of 8) & 750ml PET bottles

With its bright color and tangy orange taste, Fanta is a long-time global favorite for good reason. It nails the bubbly orange flavor.

Mirinda Orange Flavoured Soft Drink

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• 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• PepsiCo brand introduced in India in 1994
• Made from carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, natural orange flavors, sodium benzoate, caffeine, sunset yellow dye, and beta carotene
• Has a sweet, fruity orange taste that drinkers say is addictive
• Described as fresh, fizzy, and refreshing
• Offered in 150ml cans, 250ml cans, and 2.25L PET bottles

Mirinda presents similar vibrant orange aesthetics and flavor as Fanta. Reviewers praise its sweetness and drinkability.

Slice Fizzy Orange Soft Drink

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• 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• PepsiCo’s orange soda brand created in 1984
• Contains carbonated water, sugar, food acids, natural flavors, caffeine, sodium benzoate, sunset yellow dye, and beta carotene
• Has a sweet, juicy orange flavor with a light fizz
• Reviewers say it tastes like tangy orange juice in soda form
• Available in 250ml PET bottles

With its pinkish-orange color, Slice delivers a sweet orange soda experience on par with Fanta and Mirinda. Its smoother carbonation sets it apart.

Best Sparking Water Options in India

For a bubbly beverage without sugars or artificial flavors, sparkling water presents a popular option. Here are top choices:

Bisleri Sparkling Soda Water

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• 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Created by India’s iconic Bisleri brand
• Contains just carbonated water and food-grade carbon dioxide
• Has a simple, refreshing flavor profile with zero calories or sweeteners
• Reviewers say it’s a perfect mixer for drinks that quenches thirst
• Offered in convenient 750ml PET bottles

As a trusted Indian brand, Bisleri presents a reliable option for straightforward sparkling water.

Paper Boat Sparkling Water

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• 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Natural mineral water brand launched in India in 2013
• Comes in lemon-lime and ginger-lemon flavors
• Sweetener-free, calorie-free formula with fruit flavors for subtle enhancement
• Reviewers describe it as light, refreshing, and rejuvenating
• Offered in 600ml PET bottles

For flavored sparkling water, Paper Boat strikes an excellent balance of light fruit essences without any cloying artificial sweeteners.

Kinley Soda Water

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• 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Created by The Coca-Cola Company
• Simple mix of carbonated water and food-grade carbon dioxide
• Crisp, clean taste with refreshing fizz
• Reviewers say it’s an ideal mixer that livens up drinks
• Available in convenient 750ml PET bottles

As another big brand name, Kinley offers reliable unflavored soda water fizz.

Best Energy Drink Options in India

For an energizing caffeine boost, India has several stimulating soft drink options:

Red Bull Energy Drink

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• 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Iconic Austrian brand launched in India in 2003
• Contains carbonated water, sugar, glucose, caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, vitamins, and inositol
• Has a distinctive flavor often described as sweet yet tart
• Provides a sustained energy boost thanks to caffeine, B vitamins, and other stimulants
• Comes in handy 250ml cans and bottles

Red Bull remains the most recognizable energy drink globally. While some reviewers say it has an acquired taste, it delivers on its promise of energizing effects.

Cloud 9 by Goldwin Healthcare Energy Drink

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• 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Leading Indian energy drink brand founded in 1997
• Made with carbonated water, sugar, acidity regulators, caffeine, taurine, vitamins, and flavoring
• Described as having a mild yet tangy berry-like taste
• Provides caffeine, B vitamins, taurine, and ginseng for an energizing boost
• Offered in 180ml PET bottles

As a top homegrown Indian energy drink, Cloud9 offers familiar stimulant effects at an affordable price point.

Sting Energy Drink

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• 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon
• Launched in India in 2008 by PepsiCo
• Contains carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, flavors, caffeine, taurine, and vitamins
• Has a bold flavor often compared to bubblegum or cotton candy
• Provides caffeine, taurine, ginseng, and B vitamins for energy
• Comes in 200ml PET bottles and 250ml cans

With its distinct candy-like taste, Sting stands out among energy drinks available in India. The caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins offer sustained energy support.

Comparison of Best Soft Drinks in India

How to Choose the Best Soft Drinks in India

With so many options on the market, it can get overwhelming trying to select the best soft drinks in India. Here are some tips for choosing winners:

• Consider your flavor preferences: Do you like citrusy lemon-limes? Tangy oranges? Bold colas? Pick sodas with flavors that appeal most to your tastes.
• Compare sugar content: To limit sugar intake, examine the sugar levels in different sodas and opt for lower-sugar varieties if possible.
• Read reviews: Check Amazon, retailer sites, or blogs to see feedback on taste, fizziness, and drinkability that help identify the most refreshing, delicious options.
• Evaluate ingredients: Watch out for artificial flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners you may want to avoid.
• Examine pricing: While you can find some sodas for as low as ₹10-15, premium and import brands can cost ₹100 or more per bottle, so factor that in.
• Consider availability: Opt for widely available sodas from major brands to ensure you can easily purchase them when craving them.
• Check packaging: For convenience, portability, and storage, assess bottle size, multi-packs with cans versus plastic bottles, resealable caps, and more.

Different Types of Soft Drinks in India

India’s soft drink market features an expansive range of varieties:

• Cola: Classic brown sodas like Coca-Cola, Thums Up, Pepsi,RC Cola, etc.
• Lemon-Lime: Sprite, 7UP, Mountain Dew, Limca
• Orange: Fanta, Mirinda Slice, Gold Spot
• Citrus Blends: 7Up Nimbooz, Slice Fizzy Mandarin, etc.
• Sparkling Water: Bisleri, Kinley, Perrier, San Pellegrino
• Energy Drinks: Red Bull, Cloud9, Sting, Tzinga
• Milk-Based: Complan Fizz, Milk Shake, Amul Kool Cafe
• Iced Teas: Nestea, Lipton, Gold Spot Tea House, Hector Beverages Paper Boat

The range of flavors and varieties continues to expand as brands innovate, so you’re sure to find a type of soft drink that satisfies your tastes.

Usage, Maintenance, and Care Guide

To help you enjoy soft drinks safely and optimize their flavor, follow these usage, maintenance, and care tips:

• Store unopened bottles and cans in cool, dry places away from heat and sunlight to preserve carbonation and prevent metal corrosion. Refrigerate after opening.
• Check “Best Before” dates on bottles and cans and consume before they expire for ideal taste. Discard any containers past their date.
• Wash reusable glass bottles thoroughly after use and allow to fully dry before refilling to prevent mold growth.
• Avoid shaking carbonated drinks – this can cause them to lose fizz quickly once opened.
• Some soft drink flavors like colas can stain surfaces, so wipe up any spills immediately to prevent permanent damage.
• Rinse and recycle empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans to support environmental efforts.
• Monitor children when consuming soft drinks and limit intake to control sugar consumption.

With proper care and storage, you can ensure your soft drinks maintain their signature taste and fizz. Follow any individual packaging instructions for best results.

FAQs About Soft Drinks in India

Q. Which soft drink is Indian brand?

Some of the most popular Indian soft drink brands include Thums Up, Limca, Gold Spot, and Paper Boat. Thums Up was created in 1977 specifically for the Indian market and is now one of the top soft drink brands in India. Limca, known for its lemon-lime flavor, is another iconic homegrown Indian brand launched in 1971. Paper Boat and its range of traditional Indian beverage inspired sodas have also emerged as a leading contemporary Indian soft drink brand.

Q. Is Maaza a soft drink?

Yes, Maaza is a soft drink. It is a popular mango-flavored drink from Coca-Cola that comes in flavors like Mango, Litchi, and Orange. With the fruity mango taste, Maaza provides a refreshing flavored soft drink experience. However, it has lower carbonation compared to typical aerated sodas.

Q. Is Frooti a soft drink?

No, Frooti is not considered a soft drink or soda. It is a fruit-based mango drink made with real mango pulp, water, sugar and fruit concentrates. Unlike soft drinks, it does not contain carbonation, artificial flavors or preservatives. The thick, juicy texture and natural mango taste make it more of a fruit beverage than an aerated soda.

Q. Which soft drink brand is most popular in India?

Coca-Cola dominates the Indian soft drink market with approximately 60% market share. Thums Up, Coca-Cola’s homegrown cola specially formulated for Indian tastes, is the top-selling soft drink brand in the country.

Q. Is it safe to drink soft drinks regularly?

While soft drinks are generally safe in moderation, health experts warn their high sugar content can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues if consumed frequently or excessively. Limit intake to occasional treats.

Q. Do soft drinks have an expiration date or best before date?

Bottled soft drinks feature best before dates indicating when they should be consumed to experience optimal taste and fizz. The drinks don’t necessarily spoil immediately after the date, but quality degradation can occur.

Q. Why do soft drinks fizz when you open them?

The fizzing, bubbles, and hissing when opening a carbonated soft drink comes from the pressurized carbon dioxide gas dissolved within the beverage. The release of this CO2 gas provides the characteristic carbonation.

Q. Are soft drinks acidic?

Yes, most soft drinks have an acidic pH around 2.5-3.5 due to the presence of carbonic and citric acids. Colas tend to be the most acidic. The acids provide tartness and support flavor and carbonation.