Sugar Free Energy Drinks - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2030)

Dynamism in product offerings by distribution channels is expanding the sales of sugar-free or low-calorie energy drinks globally

• Between 2018 and 2023, on-trade retailers witnessed a steady CAGR of 7.03% in the value of sugar-free or low-calorie energy drinks. In 2023, they emerged as the fastest-growing segment in this market. To tap into a wider consumer base, these retailers are strategically placing energy drinks on their menus or showcasing them on tabletop displays, ensuring heightened visibility and ultimately bolstering sales.
• In 2023, the energy drink market was predominantly led by off-trade channels, with hypermarkets and supermarkets, including global giants like Walmart, Target, Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl, playing pivotal roles. These retailers offered an extensive range of sugar-free or low-calorie energy drinks in various flavors and sizes. Looking ahead, during 2024-2030, off-trade retailers are projected to witness a robust 31.41% growth by value. This growth is anticipated to be fueled by their increasing integration of loyalty programs and incentivizing repeat purchases of sugar-free or low-calorie energy drinks.
• Online retail stores are expected to be the segment with the highest growth rate by value during 2024-2030, accounting for 11.25%. This is due to the rapid growth of the online retail sector, which is outpacing all other traditional retail channels in terms of growth rate. This is largely attributed to the increasing demand for sugar-free energy drinks and low-calorie, which are readily available at online retail stores. Furthermore, energy drinks frequently use digital marketing strategies and social media to reach their target audience, thus increasing their brand awareness and sales.

Changing consumer preferences with growing intent to increase mental alertness and physical health expected to boost market values

• The global demand for sugar-free or low-calorie energy drinks is rising, driven by escalating obesity rates and the associated health risks, such as diabetes. Consumers' growing preference for low or no-sugar options stems from multiple factors. Nearly half (49%) of global consumers opt for these beverages to manage their weight, while 42% do so due to concerns about diabetes, and 39% are motivated by general health concerns. Additionally, as of 2021, 20% of global consumers favored the taste of low or no-sugar alternatives.
• North America is the frontrunner in the energy drinks market, leading consistently in terms of value during the study period. Energy drink consumption has witnessed a significant surge in popularity, particularly among the millennial and Gen Z demographics. These drinks, typically containing 70 to 250 mg of caffeine per serving, are touted to boost energy levels, enhance mental acuity, and improve physical performance. This, in turn, enables people to work longer and harder compared to their non-caffeinated counterparts. Rising health concerns among North American consumers are notably influencing market growth. For example, in 2022, a substantial majority (72%) of consumers in the region actively sought to limit or completely avoid sugar in their beverages.
• Africa is poised to witness the most rapid growth globally, projecting a value CAGR of 13.12% from 2024 to 2030. The surge in urbanization, coupled with a heightened focus on health among African consumers, is fueling the demand for sugar-free or low-calorie energy drinks. These beverages are sought after not only as a response to nutritional deficiencies but also to ensure a balanced nutrient intake. The urban population in Africa has been steadily increasing year after year.

Global Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market Trends

Rising demand for low-calorie alternatives and increasing availability of diabetic friendly sugar-free energy drinks is propelling the market growth

• Sugar-free or low-calorie energy drinks are available in a variety of flavors and options, some of the most popular flavors of sugar-free energy drinks include orange, mango lemonade, watermelon, raspberry lime, and others.
• Energy drink manufacturers globally are constantly introducing sugar-free, low calorific and calorie free drinks. Currently, Red Bull, Monster, and Rockstar all have sugar-free and calorie-free version in the market across all the regions.
• Manufacturers in the North America region continue to grow energy drink sales by understanding the category’s strength even through inflation, stocking both popular and innovative products from leading and up-and-coming consumer brands, promoting healthier options like sugar-free energy drinks, and understanding demographics of the core shopper.
• Health-conscious consumers often seek energy drinks with lower sugar content or those labeled as "sugar-free" or "reduced sugar. High sugar intake is associated with various health issues, including obesity and diabetes.

Sugar Free Energy Drinks Industry Overview

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