Bottled water is about to dethrone soda as America's drink of choice.
Sales research conducted by the Beverage Marketing Corporation found the nation's bottled water consumption rose by 8.9 percent in 2015, compared to 2014. They predict bottled water will pass carbonated soft drinks as the country's largest beverage category some time this year.
"Americans increased their annual consumption by more than 11 gallons [in the past decade]," said Michael Bellas, CEO of Beverage Marketing Corporation, in a statement. He claims Americans consumed about 36.5 gallons of bottled water per person in 2015, up from 25.4 gallons per person in 2005.
Bellas also said soda consumption dropped by 12.4 gallons per person in the same decade. Consumption of milk, fruit beverages and other drink categories also fell from 2005 to 2015. It seems only bottled water saw a sharp spike.
American sales of bottled water totaled $14.2 billion in 2015, the Beverage Marketing Corporation stated.
Earlier this year, sales data showed soda consumption in the United States was at its lowest point since 1985.
Clint Davis is a reporter for the Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @MrClintDavis.
