Quick answer: We could not verify this week's soda prices, because leaflets change every few days and differ by region, so the useful tool is a method: compare price per litre, check the levy-driven sugar content and treat multibuy offers with care. South Africa's Health Promotion Levy, in force since 1 April 2018, charges R0.021 per gram of sugar above 4 g per 100 ml, which is built into shelf prices of sweetened drinks. For a 2-litre bottle with an assumed 10.6 g of sugar per 100 ml, the levy works out at about R2.77 per bottle (our calculation, shown in the background section).

Last updated: October 2026. The levy rate and start date are from South African tax rules; the sugar content and shelf prices in the worked examples are invented, because we found no verified current soda prices. Check this week's leaflet for actual offers.

Background: why soda prices behave as they do

Checkers - Latest circular - South Africa
CheckersLatest circular, valid until 8 November 2026

Soft drinks are a staple "traffic builder" for supermarkets: they are bought often, are easy to compare and are heavily promoted around weekends, school holidays and braai season. Since the levy took effect on 1 April 2018, manufacturers have partly reformulated recipes, cut sugar content or shifted to sweeteners to reduce the tax per bottle. The levy applies to the sugar content above 4 g per 100 ml, so a drink with 10.6 g per 100 ml pays on 6.6 g, which at R0.021 per gram is R0.1386 per 100 ml, or about R1.39 per litre and R2.77 per 2-litre bottle (our calculation). Low-sugar and zero-sugar drinks escape most or all of it, which is one reason they can be priced closer to regular drinks. If you would rather cook at home this week, compare the latest Checkers catalogue, Pick n Pay catalogue and Take n Pay catalogue to see current supermarket specials in South Africa.

Core breakdown: how to compare soda offers

CheckWhy it matters
Price per litrePacks range from 330 ml cans to 3-litre bottles; per-litre pricing is the fair comparison
Sugar per 100 mlHigher sugar means a higher built-in levy and more calories
Pack typeReturnable glass bottles often cost less per litre than cans if you return them
Multibuy conditions"Any 3 for" deals may require specific brands or sizes
Loyalty card needed?Some prices apply only to cardholders

Worked example (all prices invented)

OfferTotalVolumePer litre
2 L bottle, regular priceR24.992 LR12.50
2 L bottle, 3 for R60R20 each2 LR10.00
6 x 330 ml can multipackR54.991.98 LR27.78
Returnable 1 L glass bottle with depositR11.99 plus deposit1 LR11.99 (deposit refundable)

The comparison shows that cans cost more than twice as much per litre as large bottles. A family that drinks 6 litres a week would pay about R75 a week at R12.50 per litre, but only R60 a week at R10 per litre, a saving of R15 a week or R780 a year (our calculation on invented prices). If the household cut consumption by a third by swapping some soda for water or diluted cordial, the saving would be larger and the health benefit real.

Practical tips

  • Check expiry dates on multibuys; fizzy drinks lose carbonation over time.
  • Buy house brands, which are often cheaper per litre with similar taste.
  • Dilute fruit squash for children to reduce sugar and cost.
  • Store soda in a cool, dark place and chill only what you will drink.
  • Keep sugary drinks as occasional treats; too much sugar raises the risk of weight gain and dental decay.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Deep multibuy savings are common on large bottles.
  • Low-sugar options avoid most of the levy.

Cons

  • Specials change quickly and by region; cans are costly per litre.

Frequently asked questions

What is the sugary drink levy?

The Health Promotion Levy, R0.021 per gram of sugar above 4 g per 100 ml, in force since 1 April 2018.

How do I find the cheapest soda?

Divide the price by the volume in litres and compare, including multibuy conditions.

Are zero-sugar drinks cheaper?

Often, because they carry little or no levy, but check shelf prices.

Sources

  • National Treasury and SARS: Health Promotion Levy (since 1 April 2018)
  • Retailer leaflets for current prices (not verified for this week)