The UK beverage market is set for a refreshing shake-up as CANS, a pioneering unsweetened carbonated soft drink brand, makes its debut. With a mission to establish a new ‘non-sweet’ category, CANS offers a clean-label alternative to conventional soft drinks, using only three ingredients: sparkling Alpine water, real fruit, and bubbles—completely free from added sugar, sweeteners, and artificial additives.
CANS Launches in the UK: A New Era for Non-Sweet Soft Drinks
The UK beverage market is set for a refreshing shake-up as CANS, a pioneering unsweetened carbonated soft drink brand, makes its debut. With a mission to establish a new ‘non-sweet’ category, CANS offers a clean-label alternative to conventional soft drinks, using only three ingredients: sparkling Alpine water, real fruit, and bubbles—completely free from added sugar, sweeteners, and artificial additives.
A Trio of Flavours Launching This February
CANS is introducing its first three SKUs in the UK:
- Apple – Crisp, light, and naturally refreshing.
- Cherry – A delicate balance of tartness and effervescence.
- Lemon – Zesty and invigorating, perfect for a clean citrus kick.
- UK Launch Date: February 24, 2025
- RRP: £1.39 per 330ml can
- Availability: Initially via D2C (CANS.co.uk), with expansion to independent retailers and wholesalers in the coming months.
CANS: A Global Success Story Expanding to the UK & US
Originally launched in the Czech Republic in August 2023, CANS has already sold over 1 million units, successfully entering Slovakia and Germany in late 2024. Now, with its UK and US expansion in 2025, the brand is targeting a remarkable 8 million CANS sold globally by year-end.
Co-founder and CEO, Dominic Rice, shares the vision:
“Since launching 15 months ago, we’ve been shaking up the soft drinks industry with our ‘non-sweet’ approach. CANS quenches thirst, delivers a refreshing taste, and comes without artificial additives, sweeteners, or added sugar—all in a fully recyclable can.”
Revolutionizing the Soft Drink Industry
CANS was founded by Jaroslav Beck, Dominic Rice, and Jan Rambousek, who sought to create a truly enjoyable soft drink without unnecessary sugar. Unable to find a suitable product in the market, they decided to “rethink drink”, challenging industry norms.
Jaroslav Beck, co-founder and main investor, explains:
“Our goal is to reduce global sugar overconsumption by rethinking simple things and doing them right. Why do we drink so much sugar in the first place?“
Following its successful Czech launch, CANS has already prevented the consumption of 33 tonnes of sugar (equivalent to 8.25 million sugar cubes) compared to conventional soft drinks.
CANS at Key Trade Shows & Events in 2025
As part of its UK market entry strategy, CANS will be present at major trade and consumer events, with a goal of sampling 500,000 CANS before the end of the year.
Upcoming Events:
- Lunch! North – March
- IFE (International Food & Drink Event) – March
- National Convenience Show – April
- London Coffee Festival – May
- Lunch! – September
- Taste of London & Goodwood Festival of Speed – July
FRL Insights: The Rise of the Non-Sweet Beverage Category
The launch of CANS highlights a major shift in consumer preferences—a growing demand for clean-label, low-calorie, sugar-free beverages that go beyond traditional artificially sweetened soft drinks. At Food Research Lab, we specialize in:
- Developing innovative beverage formulations, including non-sweet, carbonated drinks
- Optimizing ingredient functionality for clean-label and sugar-free products
- Ensuring regulatory compliance (FSSAI, FDA, EFSA) for global expansion
- Market trend analysis & product positioning strategies
For beverage brands looking to disrupt the market with healthier, more functional soft drinks, FRL offers expert R&D solutions to transform ideas into commercially viable products.
Interested in developing your own non-sweet or functional beverage? Get in touch with FRL today!
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.
