Milly Gaines
Irn-Bru is a Scottish carbonated soft drink that has been the top-selling soft drink in Scotland for over a century. In 2018, the drink's manufacturer, A.G. Barr, changed the formula of Irn-Bru in response to a sugar tax implemented in the UK to combat obesity. The new formula reduced the sugar content to less than 5g per 100ml, making Irn-Bru exempt from the tax. This change sparked mixed reactions from consumers, with some preferring the original sugary version and others embracing the new sugar-free option. The debate surrounding the sugar content in Irn-Bru highlights the ongoing discussion about the role of sugar in the food and beverage industry and how it relates to health concerns such as obesity and diabetes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sugar content | In 2018, the sugar content was reduced from 10.3g to 4.7g per 100ml. |
| Sweeteners | Low-calorie sweeteners including aspartame, acesulfame K, and steviol glycosides are used. |
| Taste | Some people claim that the taste has changed and prefer the original recipe. |
| Health | Diet Irn Bru is marketed as a healthier option, with less sugar and fewer calories. |
| Caffeine | Irn Bru contains caffeine, although the amount is not specified. |
| Colour | Irn Bru is known for its bright orange colour. |
| Availability | Diet Irn Bru is available in the UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries with a significant Scottish community. |
| Variants | There are multiple variants, including Diet Irn Bru, Irn Bru Xtra, and Irn Bru Energy. |
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What You'll Learn
Irn Bru's sugar content was reduced in 2018
Irn-Bru is a Scottish carbonated soft drink produced in Scotland and sold throughout the United Kingdom and the world. It is often described as "Scotland's other national drink" after Scotch whisky.
In 2018, Irn-Bru's manufacturer, A.G. Barr, reduced the drink's sugar content by approximately 50%. The sugar content was reduced from 10.3g to 4.7g per 100 millilitres, resulting in a calorie count reduction from just under 140 to about 66 per can. The new recipe included a mix of low-calorie sweeteners, including aspartame, Acesulfame K, and Steviol Glycosides. This change was made in response to the UK government's Soft Drinks Industry Levy, a tax on drinks containing more than 5g of sugar per 100 millilitres, which came into effect in 2018 as part of a childhood obesity strategy.
The reduction in sugar content in Irn-Bru sparked mixed reactions. Some consumers expressed their dislike for the new recipe, citing taste differences and concerns about the use of sweeteners. A "Save Real Irn-Bru" campaign was launched but ultimately failed to prevent the change. Others supported the decision to reduce sugar content, acknowledging the health benefits and the need to address the obesity epidemic.
The change in Irn-Bru's recipe is part of a broader trend of soft drink companies reducing sugar content in their products to avoid the additional tax and to promote healthier options. While some consumers have switched to sugar-free or diet versions of Irn-Bru, others have sought alternative sources of the original, higher-sugar formula.
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Sweeteners are used in Irn Bru instead of sugar
Irn Bru, a popular soft drink produced in Scotland, has been the centre of controversy in recent years due to its decision to replace sugar with sweeteners in its recipe. This change was made in response to the UK's sugar tax implemented in 2018 to combat childhood obesity and reduce sugar consumption, particularly among the younger population.
Prior to the recipe change, Irn Bru contained 10.3g of sugar per 100 millilitres, resulting in a calorie count of just under 140 calories per can. However, as of January 2018, the manufacturer, A.G. Barr, reduced the sugar content to 4.7g per 100 millilitres, lowering the calorie count to approximately 66 calories per can. This new formula blends the drink with low-calorie sweeteners, including aspartame, Acesulfame K, and Steviol Glycosides.
The switch to sweeteners in Irn Bru has received mixed reactions from consumers. Some people appreciate the reduced sugar content and find that the drink now quenches their thirst better without leaving them feeling thirsty, which aligns with the general trend of consumers cutting down on sugar. Additionally, the sugar-free version is preferred by diabetics who can safely consume it without worrying about blood sugar spikes.
On the other hand, many loyal drinkers of Irn Bru have expressed their dislike for the new formula. They claim that they can taste the difference and are unhappy with the use of sweeteners instead of sugar. Some have even gone as far as to stock up on the old, more sugary variety or switch to alternative drinks. The concern about sweeteners is not limited to taste preferences, as some consumers have highlighted potential health issues associated with certain sweeteners.
While the change in recipe has sparked debates, it is important to note that Irn Bru Xtra and other sugar-free variants have gained popularity among consumers seeking reduced-sugar options. These alternatives provide choices for those who prefer less sweetness in their drinks or are conscious of their sugar intake.
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The sugar tax and its impact on Irn Bru
The sugar tax, also known as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, was introduced as a key part of the government's childhood obesity strategy. The tax required firms to pay extra tax on drinks containing more than 5g of sugar per 100 millilitres. This had a significant impact on the makers of Irn-Bru, AG Barr, who were disappointed that the tax targeted soft drink makers.
In response to the sugar tax, AG Barr changed the recipe of Irn-Bru to reduce its sugar content before the tax came into force in April 2018. The new recipe contained approximately 50% less sugar, reducing from 10.3g to 4.7g per 100 millilitres. This reduction in sugar content was intended to avoid the extra tax while still delivering the unique great taste that Irn-Bru drinkers know and love.
The change in recipe did cause some controversy, with some loyal drinkers expressing their dislike for the new taste. However, others welcomed the change, appreciating the reduced sugar content and the fact that it quenched their thirst better than the full-sugar version. Despite the mixed reactions, AG Barr stood by their decision, stating that the majority of their drinkers wanted less sugar in their Irn-Bru.
The financial impact of the sugar tax on AG Barr was also notable, with the company warning of a 20% drop in annual profits. This was partly due to the cost of changing recipes and partly due to decreased sales as some customers were put off by the changes. However, AG Barr also saw success with new products, such as their Irn-Bru energy drink and Funkin ready-to-drink cocktails, which helped to offset some of the losses.
Overall, the sugar tax had a significant impact on Irn-Bru, leading to a change in its iconic recipe and affecting the company's profits. Despite the challenges, AG Barr adapted to the new regulations and continued to offer their unique drink to customers, both with reduced sugar and in alternative versions such as the sugar-free option.
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Diet Irn Bru is available in Australia
Nowadays, you can still buy Diet Irn Bru in Australia, but it is imported directly from the UK and distributed by British Provender. It can be found in the international sections of major supermarket chains and some convenience stores. You can also buy it online from British speciality shops that deliver worldwide.
Irn Bru is a carbonated mixed-flavour fruit drink with a unique and indescribable taste. The recipe is so secret that only two people know the ingredients. The drink is known for its bright orange colour, which comes from the controversial colourings Sunset Yellow FCF E110 and Ponceau 4R E124. In 2010, the manufacturer agreed to a voluntary ban on these colourings, but as of 2024, they are still present in the drink.
Diet Irn Bru has been formulated since 2002 to meet FDA regulations for food colouring. It does not contain any sugar and is popular among those who have quit refined sugar or are watching their weight. However, some people dislike the taste, saying that it is not as good as the original sugary version.
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Original Irn Bru is still available
In 2018, Irn Bru changed its formula to reduce its sugar content to less than 5g per 100ml, thereby becoming exempt from the sugar tax. The new recipe was sweetened with Acesulfame K and Aspartame. Fans of the original drink were unhappy with the change, and some even launched a campaign called 'Save Real Irn-Bru' to stop or reverse the change.
However, the original Irn Bru is still available. The company continues to manufacture the original drink alongside the newer, low-sugar variety. The original drink is now marketed as Irn Bru Classic, while the newer variety is marketed as Irn Bru Xtra. The original Irn Bru is still available in glass bottles, as well as in cans and plastic bottles.
The change in recipe was a result of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, a key part of the government's childhood obesity strategy, which was first announced in 2016. The tax required firms to pay extra tax on drinks containing more than 5g of sugar per 100 millilitres. The levy was expected to raise £520 million in its first year but ended up raising £400 million as soft drink companies started to cut sugar in their products.
Irn Bru is a Scottish carbonated soft drink, often described as "Scotland's other national drink" after Scotch whisky. It was introduced in 1901 and has been the top-selling soft drink in Scotland for over a century. The drink is produced in Westfield, Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, by A.G. Barr of Glasgow and is sold throughout the United Kingdom and the world, especially in places with a significant Scottish community.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Diet Irn Bru is a sugar-free variety of the soft drink.
In 2018, the UK implemented a sugar tax on drinks containing more than 5g of sugar per 100ml. To avoid this tax, the manufacturer of Irn Bru, A.G. Barr, changed the formula to include less sugar.
Irn Bru now contains low-calorie sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame K, and steviol glycosides.
Some people have expressed disappointment with the change, stating that they can taste the difference and do not like the taste of the sweeteners used. However, others prefer the sugar-free version and appreciate that it offers a healthier option.
