In the fast-paced world of UK takeaways and fast-food shops, choosing the right drinks can make a huge difference to your profits. From fizzy favourites to refreshing bottled water, beverages are often the easiest upsell on any order. At Magna Foodservice, we supply a wide range of wholesale drinks that meet customer demand while keeping your margins healthy.
Below, we reveal the Top 10 best-selling drinks for takeaways and fast-food shops across the UK, based on real foodservice buying trends and our wholesale experience.
1. Coca-Cola Classic: The Timeless Bestseller
Nothing beats the original. Coca-Cola Classic remains the top-selling fizzy drink across the UK, loved for its bold taste and universal appeal. Whether you run a burger bar, pizza takeaway or chicken shop, Coke is a must-stock item in both cans and bottles.
Shop Coca-Cola products.
2. Pepsi: A Strong Competitor in Every Chiller
Pepsi continues to dominate takeaway fridges thanks to its distinctive flavour and competitive pricing. Many operators choose Pepsi Max for its zero-sugar appeal without compromising taste.
Explore our Pepsi range.
3. 7UP & Sprite: The Go-To Lemon-Lime Refreshers
Crisp, clean and universally refreshing, lemon-lime sodas like 7UP and Sprite are ideal for pairing with spicy or fried foods. They’re among the most requested drinks in fast-food meal deals.
4. Fanta: The Colourful Favourite
Bright, fruity and full of flavour, Fanta (Orange, Lemon, Exotic) appeals to younger customers and families alike. Its vibrant branding makes it a natural impulse buy at the counter.
5. Bottled Still Water: The Essential Hydration Option
Still water is an absolute must for every takeaway. It’s a simple, healthy choice for customers who skip fizzy options. Offering both 500ml grab-and-go bottles and 1.5L family sizes covers all needs.
View our Still Water collection.
6. Sparkling Water: The Premium Upsell
Sparkling water is gaining ground as a premium yet healthy alternative. Restaurants and cafés often include it in combo deals or meal upgrades.
Discover Sparkling Water options.
7. Fruit Juice Drinks: A Morning & Kids’ Favourite
Juice drinks like orange, apple, and tropical blends sell best during breakfast and family orders. They’re also perfect for schools, cafés, and grab-and-go displays.
Shop Juice Drinks.
8. Energy Drinks: Powering the Late-Night Crowd
From Monster to Red Bull, energy drinks are the backbone of late-night takeaways. Stocking both regular and sugar-free varieties ensures you meet different customer preferences.
9. Squash & Cordials: The High-Margin Secret
Few drinks offer a better profit-to-cost ratio than concentrated cordials. Ideal for buffets, catering and family portions, cordials offer maximum servings per bottle.
Check out our Squash & Cordials category.
10. Flavoured Syrups: Add Creativity to Your Drinks Menu
Syrups are a versatile ingredient that can instantly upgrade milkshakes, mocktails and smoothies. Offering signature drinks with flavoured syrups helps your brand stand out.
Browse Syrups.
Why These Drinks Work So Well?
All of these drinks share one thing: high turnover and strong customer demand. They cater to a mix of impulse buyers, health-conscious consumers, and brand-loyal customers. Stocking these products in the right mix ensures faster stock rotation and better profit margins.
Final Thoughts
For takeaway owners, the drink selection isn’t just about taste; it’s about business growth. By focusing on the UK’s best-sellers and sourcing them through a reliable wholesale supplier like Magna Foodservice, you can keep your customers refreshed and your sales flowing.