Brands
Bubz debuts in India: Monk fruit–infused soda with just 18 calories
MUMBAI: India’s soft drink market has a refreshing new entrant with the launch of *Bubz*, a next-generation soda crafted for health-conscious yet uncompromising consumers. Each 250 ml can is naturally sweetened with monk fruit, contains zero added sugar, packs six grams of prebiotic fiber, and delivers just 18 calories, all without artificial sweeteners, caffeine, or preservatives.
Positioned as “soda, rewritten,” Bubz promises to deliver the familiar fizz and flavour of soda while stripping away unnecessary calories. Available in four flavours: Cola, lemon lime, citrus, and strawberry, it is 100 per cent vegan, functional, and indulgent, catering to young professionals, fitness enthusiasts, party hosts, and trendsetters who want their refreshment guilt-free, Instagrammable, and versatile enough to double as a post-gym drink or cocktail mixer.
The brand is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Adai Mehra and Krish Bajaj, who set out to create a soda that matches the aspirations and lifestyles of India’s new-age urban consumer. For Mehra, the project has personal roots. After stints in finance at Avendus and luxury real estate at Isprava, he experimented with ventures ranging from artisanal chocolate to interior design, all while dealing with persistent gut health issues. Yet his love for soda never faded. “I’ve dealt with gut issues for years, and giving up soda always felt like a compromise. With Bubz, I wanted to prove you can still have the fizz and flavour you crave, but in a way that actually works for your body,” he explained.
The arrival of Bubz signals more than the launch of a new beverage; it represents a cultural shift in how India’s youth approach consumption: indulgence without compromise, transparency without trade-offs, and wellness seamlessly built into everyday rituals. As Mehra put it, “Bubz isn’t trying to be a health drink. It’s soda, rewritten. The fizz, the flavour, the nostalgia but smarter, lighter, and designed for the way we live now.”
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
