PepsiCo is launching a new stevia-sweetened variant called Pepsi True exclusively through Amazon.com.
The product, naturally sweetened with stevia, will be available on Amazon in mid-October in 24-packs of 7.5oz cans.
By using sugar and stevia, the new drink contains 30% less sugar than regular Pepsi, but no artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup.
Simon Lowden, chief marketing officer at Pepsi Beverages North America, said the product captures “the true taste of the cola” and hearkens back to a time when colas used real sugar.
Coca-Cola has already launched its own reduced-calorie, stevia-sweetened Coca-Cola Life, with 35% fewer calories than classic Coke. Pepsi True follows Coca-Cola’s lead with its green packaging.
Stevia was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration nearly six years ago, and since it comes from the leaves of a plant and has no calories, it has led the charge in the search for more natural alternatives to sugar. It now features in all sorts of food and beverage products, from flavoured water to energy bars, confectionery and yogurt.
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