Big Soda's Move into Alcoholic Drinks: What You Need to Know

The Power of Big Soda

Health experts consistently warn about the dangers of drinking too much soda. But major soft drink companies—often called "Big Soda"—keep adapting to keep sales strong. They first introduced diet and zero-sugar sodas, and now they're launching alcoholic versions.

Big Soda includes giants like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper. These companies don't just dominate the beverage market—they also have significant political influence. With their financial resources, they can lobby politicians to shape policies in their favor. For example, they've successfully fought taxes on sugary drinks, which would likely reduce consumption.

By keeping prices low, Big Soda ensures that soda remains a daily habit for many. According to the World Population Review, nearly one in five Americans drinks soda every day. Even though overall soda consumption has declined due to health concerns, Big Soda is now entering the alcohol market to maintain its profits.

Big Soda's Shift to Hard Soda

As more people choose healthier drinks, Big Soda has responded with sugar-free options. But concerns about artificial sweeteners have led these companies to explore new markets—like alcoholic beverages.

Recently, it was revealed that Big Soda paid dietitians to downplay the risks of artificial sweeteners. Now, they're partnering with alcohol companies to launch hard sodas. These new products are designed to look and sound like familiar soft drinks, making them more appealing to consumers.

Examples of Big Soda's Alcohol Drinks

Big Soda has teamed up with alcohol producers to create ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails and hard sodas. Recent releases include:

• Jack and Coke: A premixed cocktail from Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel's.
• Hard Mountain Dew: An alcoholic version of Mountain Dew by Pepsi and Boston Beer, with 5% alcohol.
• The Beast Unleashed: An alcoholic energy drink from Monster.

These products intentionally blur the line between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, relying on brand recognition to attract customers.

Concerns About Big Soda's Alcohol Drinks

Health experts are worried about hard sodas for several reasons. RTD beverages grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and hard sodas could further increase alcohol consumption.

Because these drinks come from trusted soda brands, people—especially younger adults—may be more likely to try them. Research shows that familiarity influences our choices. Even though hard sodas usually have lower alcohol content, they can act as a gateway to stronger alcoholic beverages.

Public Health Impacts

Increased alcohol consumption, including from hard sodas, poses serious public health risks:

• Higher alcohol intake: Hard sodas normalize regular drinking and may lead to increased overall alcohol use.
• More alcohol-related harm: This includes accidents, health issues, and mental health challenges.
• Economic costs: The CDC estimates excessive drinking cost the U.S. $249 billion in 2010 due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
• Youth exposure: Sweet, low-alcohol drinks appeal to younger drinkers, raising the risk of long-term health problems and dependency.

Hard Sodas vs. Other Alcohol Drinks

Hard sodas are similar to other flavored malt beverages like hard seltzers. They usually contain 5–8% alcohol, which is comparable to many beers but lower than most wines and spirits. Their sweet taste makes them especially appealing to younger drinkers and women.

While they're sometimes marketed as a lighter option, any amount of excessive drinking is harmful.

Risks of Excessive Hard Soda Consumption

Drinking too much hard soda carries specific risks:

• Alcohol-related health issues: Liver damage, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health problems.
• Soda-related health problems: High sugar intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Appeal to younger drinkers: Early alcohol use increases the risk of alcohol use disorder.
• Alcohol-related deaths: The CDC reports approximately 178,000 annual deaths in the U.S. from excessive drinking.

How to Respond to Big Soda's Alcohol Push

You can take action to reduce Big Soda's influence:

• Cut back on alcohol: Avoiding these products sends a message to companies.
• Find alternatives: Explore non-alcoholic drinks and alcohol-free activities.
• Support local businesses: Buy from smaller producers to reduce Big Soda's market dominance.
• Share information: Help others understand the risks of hard sodas.
• Seek support if needed: Turn to friends, family, or tools like Quitemate for help managing alcohol consumption.

Key Takeaways

Big Soda's move into alcoholic beverages is a strategic effort to boost sales, but it comes with serious public health risks. The familiar branding of these drinks may encourage higher alcohol consumption, particularly among young adults. By making informed choices and supporting alternatives, we can reduce the influence of these major corporations and protect our health.