Cyprus has one of the highest per-capita soft drink consumption rates in Europe. The average Cypriot drinks significantly more sugary beverages than the EU average — and the health consequences are well documented. But the market for genuinely clean, zero-sugar alternatives has been thin, with most options hiding behind misleading labels or relying on artificial sweeteners that come with their own concerns.
That's changing. In 2026 the options for zero-sugar drinks in Cyprus are better than they've ever been. This guide breaks down what's actually available, what the labels really mean, and what is worth your money.
What Does "Zero Sugar" Actually Mean?
The term "zero sugar" on a label in the EU means the product contains less than 0.5g of sugar per 100ml. In practice, most products marketed as zero-sugar replace that sugar with something else — typically artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame-K, or sucralose. These are technically sugar-free, but they come with trade-offs.
Aspartame (E951) and acesulfame-K (E950) are the two most common artificial sweeteners in "diet" and "zero" sodas in Cyprus. Both are approved by EFSA, but ongoing research into their long-term metabolic effects means many health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid them entirely.
Sucralose (E955) is considered slightly better by some researchers — it passes through the body without being metabolised — but it still triggers a sweet taste response, which some studies suggest may interfere with appetite regulation.
The cleanest zero-sugar option is one with no sweeteners at all. Which brings us to sparkling water.
The Options in Cyprus — Ranked Honestly
LaCroix Sparkling Water
Zero sugar, zero sweeteners, zero calories. Flavoured with natural fruit essence only. Available in 7 flavours in Cyprus (Lime, Pure, Limoncello, Passion Fruit, Strawberry Peach, Black Razzberry, Tangerine). The only flavoured sparkling water in Cyprus with absolutely nothing artificial. Available at Sklavenitis supermarkets.
Plain Sparkling Water (any brand)
Any unflavoured carbonated water — Perrier, San Pellegrino, local brands — is zero sugar and zero sweetener by definition. The limitation is it's just water. LaCroix Pure falls into this category and is the cleanest possible option for anyone who wants sparkling water with zero additives of any kind.
Coca-Cola Zero / Pepsi Max
Zero sugar, but contain aspartame and/or acesulfame-K. If your goal is purely sugar reduction and you're not concerned about artificial sweeteners, these are fine. If you're trying to avoid all sweeteners — they don't qualify.
"Diet" Flavoured Waters
Many supermarket-brand flavoured waters in Cyprus contain sucralose or stevia. Read the ingredients. If you see E955 or "steviol glycosides", it's sweetened — just not with sugar.
Sports Drinks (Powerade, Gatorade, etc.)
Standard versions contain 30–50g of sugar per bottle. "Zero" versions replace sugar with artificial sweeteners. Neither is genuinely clean. Fine for serious athletes using them functionally — not for casual daily hydration.
Fruit Juices (including "100% juice")
Even 100% fruit juice typically contains 20–30g of sugar per 250ml glass. The sugar is naturally occurring, but metabolically it behaves very similarly to added sugar once the fibre is removed. Not a zero-sugar option by any reasonable standard.
The Practical Recommendation
If you're looking to cut sugar from your drinks completely — not just reduce it — your realistic options in Cyprus in 2026 are: LaCroix (flavoured, zero everything), plain sparkling water (unflavoured), or still water. Everything else involves either sugar or a sweetener substitution.
LaCroix is the only flavoured option in Cyprus that gives you taste without any sweetener trade-off. That's what makes it genuinely different from the "zero" soda category — it's not a diet product. It's just water with natural flavour.