Soft-drink makers have new secret ingredient: Sugar

In an appeal to health nuts and those on the organic bandwagon, soda companies are  talking up a not so new ingredient: sugar.

All-natural cane sugar to be exact.

The goal is to boost struggling soda sales, which have dipped in recent years as Americans turn to more healthy alternatives.  

The Wall Street Journal reports this week PepsiCo. is rolling out a line of soda the company says is inspired by the original cola formula created by its founder in 1893. Cans list “real sugar” among the ingredients. New television ads to launch next week will feature a sommelier in a leather chair swirling the soft drink in a brandy glass before chugging it. “Refined,” he says.

Sales of sugar labeled “organic” rose 15 percent for the year ended Feb. 20, according to market-research firm Nielsen, while sales of sugar labeled “natural” rose 10.5 percent.

Read more from The Wall Street Journal.