Finding bag-in-the-box (BIB) soda syrups that use sugar (like cane sugar) instead of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) can be tricky, as HFCS dominates the commercial soda fountain market due to its cost-effectiveness and stability. HFCS is much cheaper, as it comes from the most ubiquitous crop in America. When I opened my restaurant in Central Florida 8 years ago, I was already an enemy of HFCS. It was the main culprit that made my older brother obese, causing a strange dependency. I tried to force him to drink my iced tea with no sugar or even with sugar, and he claimed he would start shaking if he didn’t have his HFCS Coke or Pepsi. More on why it’s bad for you in a follow-up post.
There are options available, particularly from brands prioritizing natural ingredients or catering to health-conscious consumers. Check with your sales reps or district managers to see which sugar sweetened BIB sodas are available in your area. I like these selections because they compete directly with Coke, Diet Coke, and other standard flavors. If you do make this change, remember it has marketing value, but you will have to provide some resources to ensure the soundness of your decision to hardened HFCS addicts.
Options for BIB Soda Syrups Without HFCS, Using Sugar
Boylan Bottling Co. Cane Sugar Syrups
Details: Boylan offers a range of BIB syrups sweetened with cane sugar, avoiding HFCS entirely. Flavors include Cane Cola, Diet Cane Cola (uses alternative sweeteners, not HFCS), Root Beer, Black Cherry, and Ginger Ale.
Specs: Typically 5-gallon BIB, yielding ~30 gallons of soda (1:5 mix ratio with carbonated water).
Why It Fits: Known for craft soda vibes, these are ideal for a blog pushing natural ingredients.
Availability: Sold through distributors like WebstaurantStore or direct from Boylan’s partners.
Tractor Beverage Co. Organic Soda Syrups
Details: Tractor’s organic BIB syrups use cane sugar, not HFCS. Options include Organic Root Beer, Organic Cola, Organic Cherry Cream, and Organic Lemongrass. Certified organic and non-GMO.
Specs: 2.5-gallon or 5-gallon BIBs, depending on the flavor, with a similar 1:5 ratio.
Why It Fits: Perfect for a food blog angle on clean eating or sustainability—could pair with a “healthier soda” post.
Availability: Available via WebstaurantStore or Tractor’s commercial channels.
Jones Soda Cane Sugar Syrup
Details: Jones, a craft soda brand, offers some BIB syrups sweetened with cane sugar instead of HFCS. Flavors like Cane Sugar Cola or specialty options may be available, though their BIB line is less extensive.
Specs: Often 3-gallon or 5-gallon BIBs.
Why It Fits: Retro appeal and a smaller-batch feel could resonate with your audience.
Availability: Check with Jones directly or specialty beverage suppliers—less common than Boylan or Tractor.
Portland Syrups (Customizable Option)
Details: Portland Syrups isn’t a traditional BIB soda syrup but offers concentrated cane sugar syrups (e.g., Root Beer, Ginger, Citrus) that you can adapt for fountain use. Mix with carbonated water at a custom ratio.
Specs: Sold in smaller bottles (e.g., 12 oz), but bulk options exist for commercial setups.
Availability: Direct from Portland Syrups or Amazon for bulk.
Custom Regional Suppliers
Details: Some regional or niche soda brands (e.g., Hansen’s in certain markets) offer cane sugar BIB syrups, often through local distributors. These vary by area and aren’t as widely documented online.
Specs: Typically 5-gallon BIBs.
Availability: Contact local restaurant supply stores or beverage distributors near you.
Key Considerations
Mix Ratio: Most BIB syrups are designed for a 1:5 ratio (1 part syrup to 5 parts carbonated water) in soda fountains.
Storage: These don’t need refrigeration pre-use—store at 40–77°F, per industry norms—but sugar syrups might crystallize if too cold, unlike HFCS.
Cost: Since Pepsi and Coke are over $100 per 5-gallon BIB soda, the sugar BIB options are competitively priced. I found very little interest in Central Florida 8 years ago, so I went with Coke for the first 4 years, then switched to a local brand that was roughly half the price of Coke, but used the same High Fructose 55 Corn Syrup. We marketed that product as part of our locally sourced mantra, as our produce, craft beers, meats, etc. were all local products. Only a few 400-lb customers noticed anything different about the soda.
Availability: Big players like Coca-Cola and Pepsi use HFCS in their standard BIBs (e.g., Coca-Cola Freestyle Sweetener is HFCS-based). You’ll need specialty suppliers for sugar-based options.
Why Limited Options?
HFCS is king in BIB because it’s cheaper, more shelf-stable, and blends smoothly in high-volume production. It starts as a liquid so it is easy to use. Sugar-based syrups are a niche market, often from craft or organic brands, so your choices lean toward smaller producers like Boylan or Tractor.
Source It: Start with WebstaurantStore—they stock Boylan and Tractor. Call their customer line (1-717-392-7472) to confirm stock, as listings fluctuate.
