Fury as KFC scraps popular soft drink from Australian menu

The fast-food giant has quietly scrapped a much-loved product, switching it for an unpopular alternative that has left many Aussies angry.

KFC has axed a popular soft drink from its menu, replacing it with the sugar free version – but the move hasn’t gone down well with everyone.

Food blogger Russ Eats claimed Sunkist, a popular orange fizzy drink, was “gone” from the fried chicken giant’s menu.

Instead, Sunkist Zero Sugar was being offered to customers, a switch it seemed not everyone could get behind.

“Bad news, normal Sunkist is gone and has been replaced with Sunkist No Sugar,” the foodie from Newcastle, NSW, said in a video shared on Wednesday.

KFC has axed a popular soft drink from its menu, replacing it with a ‘sugar free’ version. Picture: Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Russ also claimed, his “girlfriend’s favourite beverage” – an apple juice – had been replaced with sparkling water.

“There’s rumours they aim to replace all the drinks with zero sugar versions. But if you’re at KFC, why would want zero sugar?” the frustrated food lover continued.

“It’s absolutely beyond me. Unless you’re diabetic, then I understand.”

The chicken experts have since confirmed the rumour exclusively to news.com.au, explaining the brand was looking forward to hearing what customers think.

“We’re always looking for new ways to innovate our offerings and this includes the drinks menu,” a KFC spokesperson said.

“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.”

Popular food blogger Russ Eats broke the news on TikTok. Picture: TikTok/RussEats

The switch sparked outrage, as many argued KFC should offer both. Picture: TikTok/RussEats

Social media users however, don’t appear to be as excited by Colonel Sanders bold decision, responding with frustration online.

“Aghh why can’t they just have both Sunkist and zero sugar Sunkist,” one disappointed chicken fan asked.

“Zero sugar stinks,” another declared.

As one mum said: “Noticed the lack of apple juice the other week and my toddler was very upset.”

“The Sunkist news is a DAGGER to the heart,” someone else lamented.

“Good to have sugar free options of course but let’s not go overboard,” another scoffed.

However, some were happy with the switch, arguing the sugar free version was “elite”.

“The no sugar Sunkist is actually sooo good. so much better than regular,” one argued.

“Sunkist zero is sooo good though,” one person agreed.

KFC‘s decision comes several months after Macca’s scrapped regular Sprite and replaced it with the no sugar version. Picture: Brendan Radke

The move comes seven months after McDonald’s Australia scrapped Sprite from its menus, offering up Sprite Zero instead.

“McDonald’s Australia has recently moved to Sprite No Sugar across its restaurants nationwide,” a spokesperson said.

“We look forward to hearing customer feedback on the new beverage option.”

Aussies were equally as horrified by the decision, calling on the restaurant to offer both varieties.