Coke to launch natural diet Sprite, Odwalla drinks

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) said on Wednesday it is launching three beverages that will contain a natural, calorie-free sweetener.

The world's largest soft-drink maker said the new sweetener it co-developed with Cargill Inc [CARG.UL], known as Truvia, will make its U.S. debut in two Odwalla juice drinks and a version of its Sprite soft drink.

Truvia is made from the leaves of the stevia plant, a shrub native to Paraguay. It provides a natural alternative to chemical sweeteners such as Equal, Sweet'N Low and Splenda, and industry analysts say, could expand the market for low-calorie bottled soft drinks to consumers who prefer natural ingredients.

The Odwalla Mojito Mambo and Odwalla Pomegranate Strawberry juice drinks will hit store shelves this month. The Sprite Green will be launched in two U.S. cities this month, with a broader roll-out planned for early 2009.

The drinks have 50 calories per serving, which is 8.5 ounces for Sprite and 8 ounces for the juices.

(Reporting by Martinne Geller; editing by Gunna Dickson)