The Best American Sodas You Can Buy in the UK
If you’ve ever tried an American soft drink, you’ll know the difference straightaway. Bolder flavours, bigger cans, more variety, and a sweetness that hits differently to what you’re used to from UK supermarket shelves. American sodas have built a massive following over here in the past few years, driven by social media, the rise of American candy shops, and a growing appetite for flavours that go well beyond the standard Coke and Fanta lineup.
Whether you’re a consumer looking to try something new or a retailer thinking about adding American drinks to your range, this guide covers the best American sodas you can buy in the UK right now – and where to find them.
Beyond sweeteners, American brands are far more adventurous with their flavour ranges. Where UK shops might stock three or four Fanta varieties, the US market has dozens – Grape, Pineapple, Peach, and many more that have never been sold in British supermarkets. The same applies to brands like Dr Pepper and A&W, which have entire flavour lineups the UK rarely sees.
It’s also worth knowing that some American drinks contain ingredients that are restricted or not permitted in the UK – certain colourings and preservatives, for example. All products sold through Sweet and Glory comply with UK import and food labelling regulations, so you can shop with confidence.
If root beer isn’t your thing, A&W Cream Soda 355ml is another American staple worth trying. It’s sweeter and smoother than root beer, with a rich vanilla flavour that tastes like a liquid dessert. Both are consistently popular sellers for sweet shops and American sections, and they look great displayed together. There’s also Frostie Root Beer in glass bottles for a more premium offering.
Beyond the drink mixes, Kool-Aid has expanded into ready-to-drink sodas in cans, as well as a full range of Kool-Aid branded candy including gummies, sour belts, and chewing gum. It’s a great brand for cross-merchandising between your drinks and confectionery sections.
On the sports drink side, Gatorade remains the classic American choice. It’s available in the UK through some retailers, but the US flavour range is much wider. Check our sports drinks category for current availability.
Sweet and Glory carries one of the largest selections of imported American and international soft drinks in the UK, with hundreds of products across cans, bottles, pouches, and powders. Browse the full soft drinks range to see what’s in stock.
We offer free delivery on orders over £600 plus VAT, with no minimum order quantities. Whether you’re buying a single case to try or stocking up in bulk, you can browse our full range and order online.
Browse our full American drinks collection and discover flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a consumer looking to try something new or a retailer thinking about adding American drinks to your range, this guide covers the best American sodas you can buy in the UK right now – and where to find them.
Why Do American Sodas Taste Different?
The first thing most people notice is the sweetness. Many American soft drinks use high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) rather than the sucrose (beet or cane sugar) found in most UK formulations. This gives them a slightly different mouthfeel – often described as smoother or more syrupy.Beyond sweeteners, American brands are far more adventurous with their flavour ranges. Where UK shops might stock three or four Fanta varieties, the US market has dozens – Grape, Pineapple, Peach, and many more that have never been sold in British supermarkets. The same applies to brands like Dr Pepper and A&W, which have entire flavour lineups the UK rarely sees.
It’s also worth knowing that some American drinks contain ingredients that are restricted or not permitted in the UK – certain colourings and preservatives, for example. All products sold through Sweet and Glory comply with UK import and food labelling regulations, so you can shop with confidence.
Classic American Sodas
A&W Root Beer and Cream Soda
Root beer is one of those quintessentially American drinks that most Brits have either never tried or are genuinely curious about. It has a distinctive flavour – sweet, herbal, slightly vanilla – that’s completely unlike anything in UK supermarkets. Some people describe it as tasting a bit like a liquid version of Germolene, but fans love it for exactly that unique quality. A&W Root Beer 355ml is the classic choice and one of the most searched-for American drinks in the UK.If root beer isn’t your thing, A&W Cream Soda 355ml is another American staple worth trying. It’s sweeter and smoother than root beer, with a rich vanilla flavour that tastes like a liquid dessert. Both are consistently popular sellers for sweet shops and American sections, and they look great displayed together. There’s also Frostie Root Beer in glass bottles for a more premium offering.
Dr Pepper – US Flavours
Dr Pepper is available in the UK, but the American version tastes noticeably different – and the US range includes flavours that never make it to British shops. Dr Pepper Real Sugar 355ml uses cane sugar instead of HFCS, giving it a cleaner, crisper taste that many fans prefer. There’s also Dr Pepper Vanilla Float, which combines the classic 23-flavour blend with creamy vanilla – it tastes exactly like a float from an American diner. Cherry Vanilla and Dark Berry are other popular US exclusives. With over 100 Dr Pepper products in our catalogue, there’s plenty to explore.Fanta – International Flavours
You might think you know Fanta, but the international range is a completely different experience. While UK supermarkets stock Orange, Lemon, and maybe Grape, the global Fanta lineup includes flavours like Watermelon, Melon, and Mandarin – all imported from Asian markets with unique packaging that really stands out on shelves. These imported Fanta varieties are consistently among the most popular products for sweet shops and American candy sections. Browse the full Fanta brand page for the latest stock.Iced Teas and Fruit Drinks
Arizona Iced Tea
Arizona is one of the most recognisable American drink brands in the world, known for its oversized cans, bold artwork, and affordable pricing. Their Green Tea with Honey is the global bestseller – smooth, lightly sweetened, and refreshing. But the range goes much deeper: Mucho Mango delivers a full-on tropical fruit hit, while Cherry Lime Rickey offers a fizzy, tangy twist. Arizona’s PET bottle range, including flavours like Fruit Punch 500ml, is ideal for grab-and-go setups and fridge displays. Browse the full Arizona range.Calypso Lemonades
Calypso has become a genuine phenomenon in the UK import drinks market. Their Caribbean-inspired lemonades come in distinctive glass bottles with vibrant tropical labels that look fantastic on display. Ocean Blue Lemonade is the most visually striking and a consistent bestseller – the bright blue colour alone draws people in. Strawberry Lemonade and Triple Melon are close behind in popularity. The glass bottles give Calypso a premium feel that justifies a higher price point than standard canned drinks. See the full Calypso brand page.Hawaiian Punch
Another classic American brand, Hawaiian Punch is known for its bold, tropical fruit flavour and that instantly recognisable red colour. It’s a fruit punch drink that’s sweeter and more intense than anything you’d typically find in the UK. Hawaiian Punch is particularly popular as a novelty item – customers love trying something they’ve seen in American films and TV shows.Drink Mixes: Kool-Aid
No guide to American drinks would be complete without Kool-Aid. This powdered drink mix has been an American household staple for decades, and it’s become a popular novelty item in the UK. The unsweetened sachets come in dozens of flavours – Cherry, Grape, Tropical Punch, Watermelon, and many more – and they’re incredibly cheap per serving. You add your own sugar and water, which means you can control the sweetness.Beyond the drink mixes, Kool-Aid has expanded into ready-to-drink sodas in cans, as well as a full range of Kool-Aid branded candy including gummies, sour belts, and chewing gum. It’s a great brand for cross-merchandising between your drinks and confectionery sections.
Energy and Sports Drinks
The American energy drink market is enormous, and several brands have built cult followings in the UK. Sweet and Glory stocks a range of energy drinks including Ghost Energy, which has gained a massive social media following for its branded collaborations and unique flavours. US-exclusive Monster and Red Bull varieties are also popular imports.On the sports drink side, Gatorade remains the classic American choice. It’s available in the UK through some retailers, but the US flavour range is much wider. Check our sports drinks category for current availability.
Where to Buy American Sodas in the UK
You’ll find a limited selection of American drinks in some UK supermarkets – typically just the standard Dr Pepper, A&W Root Beer, and perhaps one or two Arizona flavours. But if you want the full range of flavours and brands, you need a specialist supplier.Sweet and Glory carries one of the largest selections of imported American and international soft drinks in the UK, with hundreds of products across cans, bottles, pouches, and powders. Browse the full soft drinks range to see what’s in stock.
We offer free delivery on orders over £600 plus VAT, with no minimum order quantities. Whether you’re buying a single case to try or stocking up in bulk, you can browse our full range and order online.
For Retailers: Which American Drinks Sell Best?
If you’re a shop owner thinking about adding American sodas to your range, here’s what we’ve seen work well across our trade customers:- Start with recognisable brands. Arizona, Calypso, Dr Pepper (US flavours), A&W, and Fanta imports are the easiest first sellers because customers already know the names.
- Colour sells. Calypso Ocean Blue, brightly coloured Fanta imports, and Hawaiian Punch all catch the eye. Create a colourful display and customers will stop to look.
- Root beer is a conversation starter. A&W Root Beer and Cream Soda always generate curiosity. Customers who’ve never tried root beer will often buy one just to see what it’s like – and many come back for more.
- Offer a range of price points. Kool-Aid sachets sit at a low price point for impulse buys, while Calypso glass bottles and Frostie Root Beer command a premium. Having both gives customers options.
- Cross-merchandise with candy. American drinks sell much better when displayed alongside American sweets. If you’re already stocking Nerds, Reese’s, or Sour Patch Kids, adding a drinks section is a natural next step.
- Keep your fridge stocked. Cold American sodas sell significantly better than ambient. If you have fridge space, dedicate at least one shelf to imported drinks.
Start Exploring
American sodas offer something genuinely different to what’s available in UK shops – bolder flavours, more variety, and that unmistakable transatlantic appeal. Whether you’re after your first taste of root beer, want to try every Calypso flavour, or need to stock your shop with drinks that stand out, Sweet and Glory’s soft drinks range has you covered.Browse our full American drinks collection and discover flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
