Why you can’t find your favorite soda flavor right now

Can’t find your favorite soda flavor on the shelves of your local supermarket? There’s a reason — an aluminum can shortage has swept through the United States because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s going on:

• Shoppers across the country reported seeing less soda flavors on their shelves than they previously thought.
• Coke Life, Mello Yellow, Sprite Zero, Fresca, as well as Pepsi products, seem to be missing from people’s stories.
• Companies are facing an aluminum can shortage, KHOU 11reports. Can makers are trying to increase production but it hasn’t moved quickly.
• According to CNN, there’s also a shortage in artificial sweeteners, which has delayed the amount of soda released on shelves, too.
• Coca-Cola said: “Like many companies, we are seeing greater demand for products consumed at home, and we are taking measures to adapt to the demand. We are working closely with our customers and our suppliers to mitigate the challenge during this unprecedented time.”

Coca-Cola looks to rebound

• Coca-Cola saw its earnings fall 33% so far because of the pandemic, CNBC reports. Restaurants, shops and stores were closed, leading to a lack of need for soda in various locations.
• But the company said it has seen increasing demand now that the lockdowns have slowed across the world.