Walmart makes noticeable aisle change giving customers dedicated section so they can pick through the ‘healthy’ options

WALMART has made a significant aisle change in a move to offer customers more health-conscious selections.

The section was created for a particular type of drink that’s been gaining popularity in recent years.

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Many shoppers will now find the Modern Soda set area at their local Walmart store or in the coming months, per ModernRetail.

It offers a dedicated space for Walmart customers to find “healthy” soda alternatives like Culture Pop, Olipop, Poppi, and Zevia, among others.

Zevia has been around the longest, first launching 17 years ago in 2007 as an affordable option for soda lovers to reach for to get the taste they want without all the sugar and other not-so-good-for-you ingredients.

Alongside the new section arrival at Walmart, Zevia confirmed in early November that it would be expanding its partnership with the retail giant, per a press release.

It’s been distributed to about 800 of Walmart’s locations in the past but will increase about five times to 4,300 stores instead.

Zevia cited massive growth in sales at Walmart stores over the past two years as part of the reason for the expansion.

CEO CONFIDENCE

“Our exciting expansion with Walmart is built around a multi-year insights-based effort to provide a better understanding and thus a clearer definition of the Better-for-You soda category — past, present and future,” Amy Taylor, president and CEO of Zevia, noted in the release.

Taylor also praised Walmart’s move to implement the new Modern Soda section at stores nationwide.

“We love Walmart’s decision to call the in-store set ‘Modern Soda,’ and the strength of the brands featured combined with a sea-change in consumer behavior in favor of Better-for-You beverage make this a very exciting space,” she continued.

“Zevia’s product offering and attractive price point fits well with Walmart’s commitment to making healthier food more accessible and affordable, which is well-served by this increased brand and category distribution into Walmart retail locations across the U.S.”

Poppi also committed to a similar expansion of 4,300 Walmart locations along with Zevia as part of the retailer’s new Modern Soda section reveal, according to ModernRetail.

It’s a 79% increase, but Poppi predicts a 100% increase in profits from Walmart’s decision.

BUBBLING TO THE TOP

As a whole, the Better-for-You soda category reached $1 billion in sales this year, according to data collected by Spins/Circana over the past 52 weeks ending on September 8.

Zevia has led those numbers, with consumers having around four times more of its products per household compared to competitors like Poppi, per its release.

At least 18 flavor variations of Zevia are offered at Walmart, including Black Cherry, Cola, Creamy Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Orange Soda, Vanilla Cola, and more.

A limited-edition Salted Caramel option was recently introduced as an online exclusive offer.

Zevia commits to having zero artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners in all of its drinks.

Only natural and plant-based ingredients are used for sweetening.

The wide variety of healthy soda options for customers can be found on Walmart’s website.

PRIVATE LABEL

Walmart has been adapting to include more health-conscious options for some time and launched its Bettergoods private label earlier this year.

Bettergoods has several affordable food and drink options that consider dietary restrictions.

Many are either dairy-free, gluten-free, or plant-based and come without artificial flavors, coloring, or added sugar.

Walmart’s Black Friday deals were also recently announced, with 65% off some products in a Flash sale.

It also expanded certain services, “making it easier for shoppers” and helping mitigate their travel requirements.