There’s a constant debate on social media about the nutrition labels of Fanta available in India and Fanta sold in the UK. Despite being the same brand, the recipe and sugar content can be different in both countries. Indian Fanta contains approximately 13.7 grams of sugar per 100 ml, while UK Fanta Orange contains approximately 4.5 grams of sugar. This means the Indian variant has nearly three times the sugar content.
It wouldn’t be correct to consider Fanta sold in India and the UK as having the same formula. Companies in different countries tailor their product recipes based on local markets, consumer preferences, tastes, taxes, regulations, and available ingredients. Indian Fanta contains 13.7 grams of sugar per 100 ml, while UK Fanta Orange contains 4.5 grams of sugar and sweeteners. This doesn’t mean that UK Fanta is completely healthy. Even there, it’s a sweet carbonated drink. The main difference is the amount of sugar. For example, 500 ml of Indian Fanta may contain approximately 68.5 grams of sugar, while the same amount of UK Fanta Orange may contain approximately 22.5 grams. Therefore, it is important to read the label along with the quantity.
The formula for any packaged drink is not determined solely by taste. Companies have to consider consumer preferences, price, regulations, and competition in different markets. India has a large market for sweet and strong-tasting soft drinks, so taste and consumer demand can also influence product composition.
However, there is also a growing demand for low- and zero-sugar options in the market. In the UK, options like Fanta Orange Zero are available, which contain significantly less sugar than regular Fanta. In India, too, with increasing consumer awareness about health and nutrition, the demand for low-sugar options is becoming increasingly important. This is why, when comparing products from one country to another, one should consider not only price or taste, but also nutrition labels and serving sizes.
Regular and excessive consumption of high-sugar beverages can contribute excess calories to the body. According to the World Health Organization, free sugar intake should be kept below 10% of total daily energy, and reducing it below 5% may provide additional health benefits.
According to the WHO, high free sugar intake is associated with weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of dental cavities. Consuming sugary beverages frequently can be a cause for concern, especially when a person is also consuming sugar throughout the day from tea, sweets, biscuits, and other sweet foods.
It would not be correct to say that drinking Indian Fanta will make a person “three times more sick.” The three-fold difference here is in the sugar content, not in the risk of disease. The real risk depends on the quantity and frequency of such drinks. Consuming large quantities daily is more of a concern than consuming limited amounts occasionally.