Outrage among fast food lovers after KFC makes a shocking ‘Zero Sugar’ switch
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KFC lovers, we have news that may either delight you or leave you feeling rather sour.
KFC Australia has changed the beverages it has on offer and axed a popular soft drink, and it has caused quite a stir among its customers.
NSW food critic and former food scientist Russell 'Russ' Stuart – who goes by the moniker Russell Eats on social media – revealed that KFC Australia's previously offered Sunkist has vanished from their drink selection.
In its place? Sunkist’s Zero Sugar counterpart.
Reports first surfaced on social media when the food reviewer revealed his shock at the sudden switch.
‘The bad news, normal Sunkist is gone,’ he said in a clip he uploaded online.
‘It has been replaced with Sunkist No Sugar.’
With his video viewed by an incredible 180,000 people, it wasn’t long before the news spread.
He called out KFC for their seemingly drastic decision and claimed that the apple juice – another beloved KFC beverage – had been replaced with sparkling water.
KFC Australia officially confirmed the changes in a statement to reporters, saying: 'We’re always looking for new ways to innovate our offerings, and this includes the drinks menu. We’ve recently made changes that will see Sunkist being replaced with Sunkist Sugar-Free, removing apple juice and introducing sparkling water.’
‘We’re excited to introduce these changes, and we hope our customers are too.'
But could KFC be opting for a healthier menu? Russ hints at rumours that the chain may be considering replacing all their sugary soft drinks with sugar-free versions.
‘There are rumours they aim to replace all the drinks with zero sugar versions. But if you’re at KFC, why would you want zero sugar?’ He inquired.
‘It’s absolutely beyond me. Unless you’re diabetic, then I understand.’
However, many fast food patrons took to social media to share their opinions on the switch. Some express their dismay over the drink switch.
‘Argh, why can’t they just have both Sunkist and Zero Sugar Sunkist,’ one internet user commented.
‘Zero Sugar stinks,’ another wrote.
While someone else shared: ‘I got KFC yesterday and was given Zero Sugar…I gave it back and said I like sugar and got solo instead. So sad, Sunkist is sugar-free now.’
‘The Sunkist news is a DAGGER to the heart,’ one replied, while one joked that having a Zero Sugar Sunkist option helps ‘balance’ out the junk food.
‘I’ll take a Zinger Burger drenched in grease, please, but I’m watching my figure, so make the soft drink a diet,’ one quipped.
You can watch Russ’s video below:
On the other hand, some customers welcome this change, claiming that it's about time that healthier alternatives appear on the menu.
Supporters of the new drink option include those who may be diabetic or simply prefer to limit their sugar intake.
One customer enthusiastically shared their opinion on the matter: 'The Zero Sugar Sunkist is actually so good. So much better than regular.'
‘Zero Sugar Solo is the only decent tasting no sugar soft drink there is,’ another social media user pointed out.
‘As a diabetic who worked with a dietician to nail my sugar levels (had a monitor), I can confirm that the artificial sweetener they put in this is zero,’ one more replied.
‘Take the Sunkist as a win. It will help these fast food companies from having to change their recipes to healthier ones for longer,’ someone else stated.
Fast food chains have been adding zero-sugar alternatives to their popular beverages and offering sugar-free options as well.
Earlier this year, McDonald’s Australia announced that Diet Coke would no longer be available in restaurants nationwide. Instead, the fast food giant would switch to selling other low-to-no-sugar beverages.
‘At McDonald’s, we are committed to providing great-tasting, great-value food and drinks our customers know and love. We regularly review and evolve our menu to meet changing consumer tastes and preferences,’ a spokesperson shared at the time. However, this move also angered some of the chain’s loyal customers.
You can read the rest of the story here.
How do you feel about this sugary shake-up? Are you all for sugar-free drink options, or should fast food chains offer a balance of both? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
KFC Australia has changed the beverages it has on offer and axed a popular soft drink, and it has caused quite a stir among its customers.
NSW food critic and former food scientist Russell 'Russ' Stuart – who goes by the moniker Russell Eats on social media – revealed that KFC Australia's previously offered Sunkist has vanished from their drink selection.
In its place? Sunkist’s Zero Sugar counterpart.
A food critic spread the news on social media. Credit: Breakingpic/Pexels
Reports first surfaced on social media when the food reviewer revealed his shock at the sudden switch.
‘The bad news, normal Sunkist is gone,’ he said in a clip he uploaded online.
‘It has been replaced with Sunkist No Sugar.’
With his video viewed by an incredible 180,000 people, it wasn’t long before the news spread.
He called out KFC for their seemingly drastic decision and claimed that the apple juice – another beloved KFC beverage – had been replaced with sparkling water.
KFC Australia officially confirmed the changes in a statement to reporters, saying: 'We’re always looking for new ways to innovate our offerings, and this includes the drinks menu. We’ve recently made changes that will see Sunkist being replaced with Sunkist Sugar-Free, removing apple juice and introducing sparkling water.’
‘We’re excited to introduce these changes, and we hope our customers are too.'
The switch sparked outrage, as many argued the chain should offer both options. Credit: RussEats/TikTok
But could KFC be opting for a healthier menu? Russ hints at rumours that the chain may be considering replacing all their sugary soft drinks with sugar-free versions.
‘There are rumours they aim to replace all the drinks with zero sugar versions. But if you’re at KFC, why would you want zero sugar?’ He inquired.
‘It’s absolutely beyond me. Unless you’re diabetic, then I understand.’
However, many fast food patrons took to social media to share their opinions on the switch. Some express their dismay over the drink switch.
‘Argh, why can’t they just have both Sunkist and Zero Sugar Sunkist,’ one internet user commented.
‘Zero Sugar stinks,’ another wrote.
While someone else shared: ‘I got KFC yesterday and was given Zero Sugar…I gave it back and said I like sugar and got solo instead. So sad, Sunkist is sugar-free now.’
‘The Sunkist news is a DAGGER to the heart,’ one replied, while one joked that having a Zero Sugar Sunkist option helps ‘balance’ out the junk food.
‘I’ll take a Zinger Burger drenched in grease, please, but I’m watching my figure, so make the soft drink a diet,’ one quipped.
You can watch Russ’s video below:
On the other hand, some customers welcome this change, claiming that it's about time that healthier alternatives appear on the menu.
Supporters of the new drink option include those who may be diabetic or simply prefer to limit their sugar intake.
One customer enthusiastically shared their opinion on the matter: 'The Zero Sugar Sunkist is actually so good. So much better than regular.'
‘Zero Sugar Solo is the only decent tasting no sugar soft drink there is,’ another social media user pointed out.
‘As a diabetic who worked with a dietician to nail my sugar levels (had a monitor), I can confirm that the artificial sweetener they put in this is zero,’ one more replied.
‘Take the Sunkist as a win. It will help these fast food companies from having to change their recipes to healthier ones for longer,’ someone else stated.
Fast food chains have been adding zero-sugar alternatives to their popular beverages and offering sugar-free options as well.
Earlier this year, McDonald’s Australia announced that Diet Coke would no longer be available in restaurants nationwide. Instead, the fast food giant would switch to selling other low-to-no-sugar beverages.
‘At McDonald’s, we are committed to providing great-tasting, great-value food and drinks our customers know and love. We regularly review and evolve our menu to meet changing consumer tastes and preferences,’ a spokesperson shared at the time. However, this move also angered some of the chain’s loyal customers.
You can read the rest of the story here.
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pieces and putting prices up 
