Yes, a soft drink is a beverage.
Soft Drinks Defined
According to provided reference, a soft drink is defined as:
"any of a class of nonalcoholic beverages, usually but not necessarily carbonated, normally containing a natural or artificial sweetening agent, edible acids, natural or artificial flavours, and sometimes juice." 07-Oct-2024
This definition clearly identifies soft drinks as a type of beverage.
Key Characteristics of Soft Drinks
Here are some key characteristics that define soft drinks:
- Non-alcoholic: Soft drinks do not contain alcohol.
- Carbonation: They are often, but not always, carbonated.
- Sweeteners: They typically contain sweeteners (natural or artificial).
- Flavorings: They contain edible acids, natural or artificial flavors, and sometimes juice.
Therefore, based on the definition and characteristics, soft drinks unequivocally fall under the category of beverages.