Soft Drinks: For Meals, Mixers and Everything in Between

For decades, soft drinks have been a fixture of American life. While brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have long become household names across the globe, they remain widely recognized symbols of American consumerism. Part of their enduring appeal may be their versatility. Whether it’s with meals or between meals, at home or on the go – Americans find plenty of occasions to have a soda.

According to Statista Consumer Insights, 39 percent of U.S. adults consume soft drinks at least once a day. Among these regular consumers, 59 percent typically have a soda with their meals at home, while 47 percent drink them as refreshments in between. The category also travels well: roughly one-third enjoy soft drinks while eating out, looking for an energy boost, commuting or running errands. And while they may not be the first choice for a workout, soft drinks still make regular appearances at work, at school and at parties. One in five respondents regularly use them as a mixer for alcoholic drinks.