- Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are opting for homemade drinks like ‘Zobo’, ‘Kunu’, tiger nut drink, and fruit juices due to the high prices of soft drinks.
- The residents cited the health benefits and affordability of these local beverages as reasons for switching from carbonated soft drinks.
- The demand for ingredients used to make these local drinks has increased, with traders reporting good patronage.
As soft drink prices continue to rise, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are turning to homemade drinks like ‘Zobo’, ‘Kunu’, tiger nut drink, and fruit juices. These local beverages are not only considered healthier than carbonated soft drinks but are also more affordable.
Residents attributed the rising cost of soft drinks to the festive season, with prices skyrocketing within a year. A bottle of Coke now costs between N450 to N500, while a pack of 12 pieces costs almost N6,000, up from N2,500.
Mrs. Adah Jacob, a resident, opted for ‘Zobo’ as a cheaper and healthier alternative. She noted that preparing ‘Zobo’ at home saves costs and provides a more affordable option.
Miss Mary James, another resident, switched to homemade drinks due to the high cost of soft drinks and her desire to reduce unhealthy consumption. She prefers natural drinks made from foods like tiger nuts and cheaper drinks like Nutri-C.
Mr. Abu Gebu, a father of four, emphasized the growing popularity of homemade drinks as healthier alternatives, especially for children. He noted that with homemade drinks, one can control the amount of sugar used, making them a lot healthier.
Traders in Dutse Market reported an increase in demand for ingredients used to make these local drinks. Malam Saminu Mohammed, a trader, sells hibiscus petals for N1,500 per mudu and sorghum for N1,200 per mudu, citing good patronage due to the increased popularity of local drinks.
