Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market Size and Share

Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market (2025 - 2030)
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Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Europe sugar-free energy drinks market is expected to reach USD 4.92 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 7.15 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.76% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by a shift in consumer preferences and regulatory measures favoring lower-sugar formulations, stricter national sugar-levy policies, and the increasing availability of functional zero-calorie products. Metal cans continue to dominate the category due to their convenience and compatibility with chilled supply chains. However, premium glass bottles and slim formats are gaining traction, supported by deposit-return systems and branding strategies that position energy drinks as lifestyle products. Retail data indicates that low- and no-calorie variants are growing three times faster than the overall energy drinks segment, prompting established brands to reformulate flagship products to maintain shelf presence against competition from digitally native brands. The competitive landscape is intensifying as plant-based alternatives leverage direct-to-consumer channels and eSports sponsorships, challenging the market dominance of two leading multinational companies.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By packaging type, metal cans accounted for 58.38% of Europe sugar free energy drinks market share in 2024, and glass bottles are forecast to grow at an 8.47% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.
  • By distribution channel, off-trade captured 92.18% of 2024 revenues while on-trade venues are projected to rebound at an 8.05% CAGR through 2030.
  • By geography, the United Kingdom held 28.17% of regional value in 2024, and Spain is positioned for the fastest upturn with an 8.53% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Packaging Type: Slim Cans Drive Premiumization

Metal cans accounted for 58.38% of the market share in 2024, driven by their strong presence in convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines, where their portability and refrigeration efficiency are prioritized over environmental concerns. PET bottles hold a moderate position, offering resealability and larger serving sizes that attract gym-goers and commuters. However, they face challenges due to single-use plastic bans being implemented in countries such as France, Spain, and Italy. Slim-format cans, typically ranging from 250 to 330 milliliters, are gaining popularity as brands target female and health-conscious consumers who associate smaller servings with moderation. Despite this demand, production capacity for these formats remains limited in Central and Eastern European co-packing facilities, leading to supply constraints during peak summer periods.

Glass bottles are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.47% from 2025 to 2030, the highest among packaging formats. This growth is supported by on-trade venues and premium retail channels emphasizing sustainability and enhanced brand perception. PET bottles, while convenient, are under increasing regulatory scrutiny. The European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive requires bottles to contain at least 25% recycled content by 2025 and 30% by 2030, which is driving up input costs and accelerating the transition toward aluminum and glass packaging alternatives.

Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market: Market Share by Packaging Type
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By Distribution Channel: Off-Trade Dominance with On-Trade Recovery

Off-trade channels accounted for 92.18% of the market share in 2024, driven by convenience-store impulse purchases and supermarket promotional activities. However, on-trade venues are experiencing a resurgence, with a projected CAGR of 8.05% through 2030, as nightlife, fitness centers, and entertainment complexes increasingly incorporate energy drinks into their beverage offerings. Within the off-trade segment, online retail and direct-to-consumer subscriptions are gaining traction, particularly among gaming-focused brands like Rogue Energy and G FUEL. These brands provide customizable flavor packs and auto-replenishment services, bypassing traditional retail markups and fostering brand loyalty through community engagement.

On-trade growth is primarily concentrated in urban areas, where premium glass-bottle formats and functional positioning align with wellness trends. Gyms and yoga studios are emerging as high-margin distribution points, with sugar-free energy drinks competing directly with protein shakes and electrolyte beverages. The adoption of subscription models is most notable in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, where robust logistics infrastructure enables next-day delivery, and high digital payment penetration facilitates seamless recurring transactions.

Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market: Market Share by Distribution Channel
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Geography Analysis

The United Kingdom accounted for 28.17% of regional revenue in 2024, supported by a well-established retail environment, significant expansions in zero-sugar product portfolios, and a consumer base that has integrated functional beverages into daily consumption habits. The Department of Health and Social Care's consultation on restricting sales to individuals under 16 has introduced some uncertainty. However, brands are proactively shifting their marketing focus to adult-oriented channels, such as workplace vending machines and premium on-trade venues, to safeguard volume growth against potential age-related sales restrictions.

Spain is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.53% through 2030, marking the fastest growth among major markets. This growth is driven by a younger demographic with high energy drink consumption and a regulatory framework that emphasizes reformulation rather than outright bans. Germany, France, and Italy collectively account for approximately 35% of regional volume. Germany, in particular, demonstrated double-digit growth in Monster Energy and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar during the second quarter of 2025, fueled by new product launches such as Rio Punch and Strawberry Dreams, which combine tropical flavors with zero-sugar formulations.

Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden are emerging as key growth markets. Poland benefits from increasing disposable incomes and a youthful population with consumption patterns similar to Spain. The Netherlands and Sweden lead in e-commerce penetration and direct-to-consumer sales adoption. Norway, although not part of the European Union, is influencing regional regulatory developments. Its Ministry of Health's proposed ban on sales to individuals under 16 has prompted reformulation efforts and marketing adjustments across Scandinavia. Meanwhile, the Rest of Europe, including Central and Eastern markets, is experiencing rapid growth as retail infrastructure modernizes and multinational brands expand distribution networks beyond major urban centers.

Competitive Landscape

The market is highly concentrated, with several players vying for market share. Private-label manufacturers represent 17% of business-to-business sales, offering retailer-owned brands that compete primarily on price while replicating zero-sugar formulations. This trend places considerable pressure on gross margins, compelling branded players to invest in experiential marketing and emphasize functional differentiation to sustain their competitive position. Branded players are increasingly focusing on creating unique customer experiences, such as interactive campaigns and personalized product offerings, to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape dominated by price-sensitive alternatives.

New entrants, such as Celsius, Tenzing, and Grenade, are bypassing traditional retail channels by leveraging direct-to-consumer subscriptions, eSports sponsorships, and gym partnerships. These companies focus on ingredient transparency and community engagement, which appeal to younger consumers. By highlighting clean-label ingredients and fostering a sense of community through social media and events, these brands are able to connect with consumers on a deeper level. This strategy enables them to build loyalty among a demographic that increasingly questions the value and authenticity of legacy brands and their products, positioning themselves as modern and relatable alternatives.

Opportunities exist in areas such as functional hydration, plant-based formulations, and on-trade premiumization. In these segments, glass-bottle formats and premium ingredient narratives support higher per-serving margins by appealing to consumers seeking quality and exclusivity. Functional hydration products cater to health-conscious consumers, while plant-based formulations align with the growing demand for sustainable and ethical options. On-trade premiumization focuses on enhancing the consumer experience in hospitality settings, where premium offerings can command higher prices. These approaches also allow brands to differentiate themselves and reduce exposure to the intense price competition commonly observed in convenience stores.

Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Industry Leaders

  1. Monster Beverage Corporation

  2. PepsiCo, Inc.

  3. Red Bull GmbH

  4. Suntory Holdings Limited

  5. Carabao Group Public Company Limited

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • December 2025: Celsius is set to expand its presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the introduction of four new zero-sugar, fruit-forward energy drink flavors, scheduled for launch in January 2026. The new variants, Sparkling Raspberry Peach, Sparkling Mango Lemonade, Sparkling Kiwi Guava, and Sparkling Strawberry Watermelon, are part of the brand’s core range. This launch aims to address the increasing demand for healthier, sugar-free functional beverages.
  • August 2025: Monster Energy has introduced a new grapefruit-flavored variant, Monster Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red, to its zero-sugar Ultra range. Rolling out across the United Kingdom from mid-August, the drink offers a unique grapefruit taste that balances sweetness and tartness with a refreshing citrus profile. It is available in vibrant pink 500 ml cans (both plain and price-marked) as well as in four-can multipacks.
  • June 2025: Red Bull has introduced a new sugar-free energy drink in the United Kingdom, Red Bull Sugarfree Lilac Edition. Featuring a grapefruit and blossom flavor, this launch caters to consumer interest in innovative flavors. The product is available in convenience and grocery channels, offered in 250 ml, 335 ml, and 473 ml cans, as well as a 250 ml four-pack.
  • January 2025: Maxxx-Energy, a Costa Rican brand owned by FIFCO, has launched a new sugar-free, zero-calorie energy drink line targeting active consumers and fitness enthusiasts. The updated formulations include ElevATP, which supports natural ATP production for sustained energy and endurance, and L-Carnitine, which enhances physical performance and aids in faster muscle recovery. The line is available in Apple-Kiwi and Blackberry Boost flavors, combining refreshing taste with performance-focused ingredients.

Table of Contents for Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Natural and non-nutritive sweetener innovations
    • 4.2.2 eSports and gaming-centric demand spike
    • 4.2.3 Natural sweetener breakthroughs (stevia/allulose blends)
    • 4.2.4 Health-conscious consumers and European Union sugar taxes
    • 4.2.5 E-commerce and DTC subscription surge
    • 4.2.6 Growing college-athletics sponsorship spend
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Artificial Sweetener skepticism and clean-label concerns
    • 4.3.2 Stricter caffeine and youth-marketing limits
    • 4.3.3 Limited can-line capacity for slim formats
    • 4.3.4 Volatile high-intensity sweetener input costs
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory and Technological Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECATS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 By Packaging Type
    • 5.1.1 Metal Cans
    • 5.1.2 PET Bottles
    • 5.1.3 Glass Bottles
  • 5.2 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.2.1 Off-Trade
    • 5.2.1.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • 5.2.1.2 Convenience Stores
    • 5.2.1.3 Online Retail
    • 5.2.1.4 Others
    • 5.2.2 On-Trade
  • 5.3 By Geography
    • 5.3.1 Germany
    • 5.3.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.3 Italy
    • 5.3.4 Spain
    • 5.3.5 France
    • 5.3.6 Netherlands
    • 5.3.7 Poland
    • 5.3.8 Belgium
    • 5.3.9 Sweden
    • 5.3.10 Rest of Europe

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles {(includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)}
    • 6.4.1 A.G. Barr plc
    • 6.4.2 Carabao Group Public Company Limited
    • 6.4.3 Grenade (UK) Ltd.
    • 6.4.4 Kingsley Beverages Ltd.
    • 6.4.5 Monster Beverage Corp.
    • 6.4.6 PepsiCo Inc.
    • 6.4.7 Red Bull GmbH
    • 6.4.8 Suntory Holdings Ltd.
    • 6.4.9 The Coca-Cola Company
    • 6.4.10 Vital Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    • 6.4.11 Vitamin Well AB
    • 6.4.12 Woodbolt Distribution LLC (Cellucor C4)
    • 6.4.13 Xite Energy Ltd.
    • 6.4.14 Celsius Holdings Inc.
    • 6.4.15 Hell Energy Magyarország Kft.
    • 6.4.16 Power Horse Energy Drinks GmbH
    • 6.4.17 Britvic plc
    • 6.4.18 Boost Drinks Ltd.
    • 6.4.19 Tenzing Ltd.
    • 6.4.20 Applied Nutrition Ltd.
    • 6.4.21 Hype Energy Drinks Co.
    • 6.4.22 Carlsberg Breweries A/S (Battery)
    • 6.4.23 Mission Drinks Ltd.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Europe Sugar Free Energy Drinks Market Report Scope

Glass Bottles, Metal Can, PET Bottles are covered as segments by Packaging Type. Off-trade, On-trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom are covered as segments by Country.
By Packaging Type
Metal Cans
PET Bottles
Glass Bottles
By Distribution Channel
Off-Trade Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Online Retail
Others
On-Trade
By Geography
Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
France
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
By Packaging Type Metal Cans
PET Bottles
Glass Bottles
By Distribution Channel Off-Trade Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Online Retail
Others
On-Trade
By Geography Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
France
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
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Market Definition

  • Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSDs) - Carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) refer to non-alcoholic beverages that are carbonated and typically flavored, containing dissolved carbon dioxide to create effervescence. These beverages commonly include cola, lemon-lime, orange, and various fruit-flavored sodas. Marketed in cans, bottles, or fountain dispense.
  • Juices - We have considered packaged juices which encompass non-alcoholic beverages derived from fruits, vegetables, or a combination thereof, processed and sealed in various packaging formats such as bottles, cartons, or pouches. Excluding fresh juices, this market segment involves commercially prepared and preserved juices, often with added preservatives and flavors.
  • Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Tea and RTD Coffee - Ready-to-Drink (RTD) tea and RTD coffee are pre-packaged, non-alcoholic beverages that are brewed and prepared for consumption without further dilution. RTD tea typically includes various tea varieties, infused with flavors and sweeteners, and comes in bottles, cans, or cartons. Similarly, RTD coffee involves pre-brewed coffee formulations, often mixed with milk, sugar, or flavorings, and is conveniently packaged for on-the-go consumption.
  • Energy Drinks - Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages formulated to provide a quick boost of energy and alertness. Whereas, sports drinks are beverages designed to hydrate and replenish electrolytes, particularly after physical exertion, exercise, or intense activity
Keyword Definition
Carbonated Soft Drinks Carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) are a combination of carbonated water and flavouring, sweetened by sugar or a non-sugar sweeteners.
Standard Cola Standard Cola is defined as the original flavor of cola soda.
Diet Cola A cola-based soft drink containing no or low amounts of sugar
Fruit Flavored Carbonates A carbonated beverage prepared from fruit juice/fruit flavor with carbonated water and containing sugar, dextrose, invert sugar or liquid glucose either singly or in combination. It may contain peel oil and fruit essences.
Juice Juice is a drink made from the extraction or pressing of the natural liquid contained in fruit and vegetables.
100% Juice Fruit/vegetable juice made from fruit in the form of its juice with no water added to make up the volume. It is not permitted to add sugars, sweeteners, preservatives, flavourings or colourings to fruit juice.
Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice) Fruit/vegetable juice drinks with up to 24% fruits/vegetable extract.
Nectars (25-99% Juice) Juices that can have between 25 and 99% of fruit, with the minimum legal limits defined depending on the type of fruit
Juice concentrates Juice Concentrates are those form of juices when most of this liquid is removed resulting in a thick, syrupy product known as juice concentrate.
RTD Coffee Packaged coffee beverages that are sold in a prepared form and are ready for consumption at the time of purchase.
Iced Coffee An iced coffee is a cold version of coffee, usually a combination of hot espresso and milk with ice added to it.
Cold Brew Coffee Cold brew also called cold water extraction or cold pressing is made by steeping ground coffee in room-temperature water for several hours.
RTD Tea Ready-to-drink (RTD) tea is a packaged tea product ready for immediate consumption without brewing or preparation
Iced Tea Ice tea or iced tea is a drink made from tea without milk but with sugar and sometimes fruit flavourings, drunk cold.
Green Tea Green tea is a tea beverage which promotes mental alertness, relieving digestive symptoms and promoting weight loss.
Herbal Tea Herbal tea beverages are made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water.
Energy Drink A type of drink containing stimulant compounds, usually caffeine, which is marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation. They may or may not be carbonated and may also contain sugar, other sweeteners, or herbal extracts, among numerous possible ingredients.
Sugar-free or Low-calories Energy Drinks Sugar-free or Low-calories Energy Drinks are sugar-free, artificially sweetened energy drinks with few or no calories.
Traditional Energy Drink Traditional Energy Drinks are functional soft drinks containing ingredients designed to boost the consumer's energy.
Natural/Oraganic Energy Drinks Natural/Organic energy drinks are energy drinks free of artificial sweeteners and synthetic colorings. Instead, they contain naturally derived ingredients such as green tea, yerba mate, and botanical extracts.
Energy Shots A small but highly concentrated energy drink that contains large amounts of caffeine and/or other stimulants. The quantity is comparatively smaller compared to energy drinks.
Sports Drink Sports drinks are beverages designed specifically for the rapid supply of fluid, carbohydrates, and electrolytes before, during or after exercise.
Isotonic Isotonic drinks contain similar concentrations of salt and sugar as in the human body, and are designed to quickly replace fluids lost during exercise but with an increase of carbohydrate.
Hypertonic Hypertonic drinks have a higher concentration of salt and sugar than the human body. They are best drunk after exercise as it is important to replace glycogen levels quickly after exercise.
Hypotonic Hypotonic drinks are designed to quickly replace fluids lost during exercise. They have very low carbohydrate content and a lower concentration of salt and sugar than the human body.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Water Electrolyte water is water infused with electrically-charged minerals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Protein-based Sport Drinks Protein-based sports drinks are those sports drinks which has added protein in it that will improve performance and reduce muscle protein breakdown.
On-Trade The on-trade refers to places that sell beverages for immediate consumption on the premises like bars, restaurants, and pubs
Off-Trade Off-trade usually means places like liquor stores, supermarkets and other places where you don't consume the beverage right away.
Convenience Store A retail business that provides the public with a convenient location to quickly purchase a wide variety of consumable products and services, generally food and gasoline.
Specialty store A specialty store is a shop/store that carries a deep assortment of brands, styles, or models within a relatively narrow category of goods
Online Retail Online retail is a type of eCommerce whereby a business sells goods or services directly to consumers from a website.
Aseptic Packaging Aseptic packaging refers to the filling of a cold, commercially sterile product under sterile conditions into a presterilized container and closure under sterile conditions to form a seal that effectively excludes microorganisms. These includes tetra packs, cartons, pouches etc.
PET Bottle PET bottle means a bottle made of polyethylene terephthalate.
Metal Cans Metal containers made of aluminum or tin- plated or zinc-plated steel, which are commonly used for packaging food, beverages or other products.
Disposable Cups Disposable Cup means a cup or other container designed for single use to serve beverages, such as water, cold drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Gen Z A way of referring to the group of people who were born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Millenial Anyone born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 23 to 38 in 2019) is considered a Millennial
Taurine Taurine is an amino acid that supports immune health and nervous system function.
Bars & Pubs It is a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises.
Café It is a foodservice establishment serving refreshments (mainly coffee) and light meals.
On the go It means doing / dealing with while busily engaged with something and not diverting plans in order to accommodate.
Internet Penetration The Internet Penetration Rate corresponds to the percentage of the total population of a given country or region that uses the Internet.
Vending Machine A machine that dispenses small articles such as food, drinks, or cigarettes when a coin or token is inserted
Discount store A discount store or discounter offers a retail format in which products are sold at prices that are in principle lower than an actual or supposed "full retail price". Discounters rely on bulk purchasing and efficient distribution to keep down costs.
Clean Label Clean label on the beverage market are drinks that are made from few ingredients of natural origin and are not or only slightly processed.
Caffeine An alkaloid compound which is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It is mainly used recreationally, as a mild cognitive enhancer to increase alertness and attentional performance.
Extreme sport Action sports, adventure sports or extreme sports are activities perceived as involving a high degree of risk.
High-intensity interval training It incorporates several rounds that alternate between several minutes of high intensity movements to significantly increase the heart rate to at least 80% of one's maximum heart rate, followed by short periods of lower intensity movements.
Shelf life The length of time for which an item remains usable, fit for consumption, or saleable.
Cream Soda Cream soda is a sweet soft drink. Generally flavored with vanilla and based on the taste of an ice cream float
Root Beer Root beer is a sweet North American soft drink traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree Sassafras albidum or the vine of Smilax ornata as the primary flavor. Root beer is typically, but not exclusively, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, sweet, and carbonated.
Vanilla Soda A carbonated soft drink flavoured with vanilla.
Dairy-Free A product that does not contain any milk or milk products from cows, sheep or goats.
Caffeine-Free Energy Drinks Caffeine-free energy drinks rely on other ingredients to boost the energy. Popular choices include amino acids, B vitamins, and electrolytes.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated reports, custom consulting assignments, databases & subscription platforms
research-methodology
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