Hosts serving different tastes
If not everyone wants cola, put a citrus or orange drink alongside it. Tesco Groceries lists Sprite Zero Sugar and Fanta Zero Orange as non-cola choices.
Who is this choice for?
Hosts offering a choice of sugar levels
Keep regular and zero-sugar variants distinct, and compare the sugar figures on the exact packs so guests can choose between them.
Hosts serving someone who avoids caffeine
Check for an explicitly caffeine-free variant rather than relying on a zero-sugar name. Pepsi UK lists caffeine in Pepsi Max but identifies Pepsi Max Caffeine Free as a separate product.
What should you check before buying?
Choose the flavours first, then check each variant’s sugar, caffeine and ingredients before deciding which pack formats to put on the table.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour choice | Look for at least two flavour families, such as cola and lemon-lime or orange. Check the exact variant rather than treating all drinks under one brand as alike. | I want guests who do not fancy cola to have another recognisable flavour to choose from. |
| Sugar content | Compare sugars per 100ml and per serving on the selected pack. Pepsi UK lists 0g sugars for Pepsi Max and 15g per 330ml serving for regular Pepsi. | A regular cola is welcome for those who prefer it, but I also want a zero-sugar drink available. |
| Caffeine | Read the variant name and ingredient list. Pepsi UK lists caffeine in Pepsi Max and identifies Pepsi Max Caffeine Free as containing zero caffeine. | If someone is avoiding caffeine, I need a drink clearly identified as caffeine-free, not just zero sugar. |
| Sweeteners and ingredients | Check the exact pack for sweeteners and any phenylalanine statement. Pepsi UK lists aspartame and acesulfame K in both Pepsi Max and Pepsi Max Caffeine Free. | Someone may need to avoid phenylalanine or prefer not to have particular sweeteners, so the ingredient list matters as much as the sugar figure. |
| Pack format | Compare the number and size of cans with the volume of a shared bottle. Tesco Groceries lists fizzy drinks in both multipack cans and 2L bottles. | Individual cans make it straightforward to set out several flavours; a larger bottle may suit a flavour the group has already chosen together. |
What is easy to overlook?
-
Assuming zero-sugar cola is caffeine-free
Pepsi UK lists caffeine in standard Pepsi Max, while Pepsi Max Caffeine Free is a separate variant.
Check the full variant name and ingredients when a guest is avoiding caffeine.
-
Using the brand name as a sugar guide
Joybuy lists 4.4g sugars per 100ml for Sprite Regular 18 Pack, while Tesco Groceries separately lists Sprite Zero Sugar.
Compare sugars per 100ml and per serving on the pack you intend to buy.
-
Assuming zero sugar means no sweeteners
Pepsi UK lists aspartame and acesulfame K in Pepsi Max and Pepsi Max Caffeine Free; both carry a source-of-phenylalanine statement.
Read the ingredients and label statement before serving a drink to anyone who needs to avoid phenylalanine or particular sweeteners.
-
Buying only regular cola for a mixed group
Regular Pepsi contains 15g sugars per 330ml according to Pepsi UK, and cola may not suit everyone’s flavour preference.
If preferences differ, include a non-cola drink and a zero-sugar choice alongside the regular option.
Relevant brands and ranges
Brand names can help you plan flavour variety, but the regular, zero-sugar and caffeine-free labels refer to different products.
Coca-Cola
A familiar cola name to consider when putting a cola choice beside citrus or orange drinks.
- A zero-sugar cola variant gives guests another choice within the cola category.
- Check sugar, caffeine and sweeteners on the particular variant rather than assuming they are the same across the range.
Pepsi
Its regular, zero-sugar and caffeine-free cola variants address different brunch preferences.
- Pepsi UK lists 15g sugars per 330ml for regular Pepsi and 0g sugars for Pepsi Max; it identifies Pepsi Max Caffeine Free as having zero caffeine.
- Pepsi Max and Pepsi Max Caffeine Free list sweeteners and carry a source-of-phenylalanine statement. Standard Pepsi Max lists caffeine.
Sprite
A lemon-lime alternative when guests would rather have something other than cola.
- Tesco Groceries lists Sprite Zero Sugar as a zero-sugar variant.
- Joybuy lists 4.4g sugars per 100ml for Sprite Regular 18 Pack, so check which variant is on the table.
Fanta
An orange-flavoured route for a brunch selection that already includes cola.
- Tesco Groceries lists Fanta Zero Orange in cans and a 2L bottle.
- Check the ingredients and nutrition panel of the flavour and format you select.
Dr Pepper
A distinctive flavour to consider when the group wants another alternative to cola and citrus drinks.
- Tesco Groceries lists Dr Pepper Zero in cans and a 2L format.
- Confirm the variant’s nutrition and ingredients on its own pack.
Tesco
An own-label range to consider when adding non-cola flavours.
- Tesco Groceries lists Tesco Orange Zero and Tesco Lemon Zero cans.
- Check the exact flavour’s ingredients, nutrition and pack size before choosing it.
Fizzy drinks on Joybuy
These multipacks offer cola and fruit-flavoured drinks for a shared brunch, including zero-sugar variants and a regular fruity option.
No image available
Pepsi Max Caffeine Free 24 x 330ml
A cola option for a table where someone wants to avoid caffeine; the pack contains 24 individual 330ml cans. Pepsi UK identifies Pepsi Max Caffeine Free as zero sugar and zero caffeine. It lists aspartame and acesulfame K and declares a source of phenylalanine, so check the pack if those ingredients matter to a guest.
No image available
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar 24 x 330ml
A zero-sugar cola choice in 24 individual 330ml cans. This variant lists caffeine and is not the caffeine-free choice. Its ingredients include sweeteners, and its label declares a source of phenylalanine; check the pack for guests with relevant dietary needs.
No image available
7UP Zero 24 x 330ml
A lemon-and-lime alternative to cola in 24 individual 330ml cans. Check the exact pack if caffeine avoidance is important. Its ingredient information lists aspartame and acesulfame K and declares a source of phenylalanine.
No image available
Tango Apple Sugar-Free 24 x 330ml
An apple-flavoured alternative to cola in 24 individual 330ml cans. Its ingredients include sucralose and acesulfame K. If a guest avoids caffeine, confirm the caffeine information on the pack before serving.
No image available
Vimto Original 8 x 330ml
A regular fruity alternative to cola in an eight-can pack. The product information lists 4.6g sugars per 100ml and barley as an allergen. Check the pack for guests avoiding barley or caffeine.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy cans or a 2L bottle for brunch?
Choose cans if you want to set out several flavours for individual guests; a 2L bottle suits a flavour the group has agreed on. Tesco Groceries lists both multipack cans and 2L bottles, so check the volume and number of guests when choosing a format.
Does zero sugar mean caffeine-free?
No. Pepsi UK lists caffeine in standard Pepsi Max, despite its 0g sugar listing. Pepsi Max Caffeine Free is a separate variant that Pepsi UK identifies as having zero caffeine and zero sugar.
Can I include a regular fizzy drink?
Yes, if guests prefer one, but offer another option when sugar levels or flavour preferences differ. Pepsi UK lists 15g sugars per 330ml serving for regular Pepsi; check the selected drink’s own nutrition panel rather than applying that figure to other products.
Why check a zero-sugar drink’s ingredients?
Zero sugar does not mean sweetener-free. Pepsi UK lists aspartame and acesulfame K in Pepsi Max and Pepsi Max Caffeine Free, and both carry a source-of-phenylalanine statement. Check the exact pack when a guest needs to avoid phenylalanine or particular sweeteners.