From 1st October 2025, a new UK government law is changing how restaurants serve sugary drinks — and it’s the end of bottomless Coca-Cola Classic.
Thanks to the new High Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) legislation, all restaurants in England are required to follow stricter rules about what they can offer on an unlimited basis. Because Coca-Cola Classic contains a high amount of sugar, it no longer qualifies for free refills under the new guidelines.
Customers can still order Coca-Cola Classic, but only one glass is allowed per meal. If you’re used to unlimited top-ups, this may come as a bit of a surprise.
That said, not all fizzy drinks are off the table. Restaurants can still offer bottomless refills on low-sugar options, including Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and other no-sugar alternatives.
Many restaurants — especially chains that offer unlimited soft drinks as part of their dine-in experience — have already updated their self-service machines to reflect the change. You may notice Coca-Cola Classic is still available, but only through a separate button or under staff control.
The new rule is part of a wider government push to reduce sugar consumption and tackle rising rates of obesity and diabetes across the UK. While some diners may miss the old refill policy, others welcome the shift toward healthier eating and drinking habits.
So next time you’re at your favourite chain and looking for a refill — remember, Coca-Cola Classic is now one-and-done. But don’t worry, your fizzy fix is still covered with plenty of low- or no-sugar alternatives on tap.
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