FAQ
What is Fabio Soda?
Fabio Soda is an Italian-style soft drink brand made in Melbourne, Australia. We craft three citrus sodas the Italian way: less fizz, real sugar, a hint of bitterness, and designed to pair with food—especially Italian street food like pizza and panini.
Our range includes Lemon (Limonata), Mandarin (Mandarino), and Chinotto (Italy's national soda). All are gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and made with natural ingredients.
Italian soul. Australian-made. Real good.
What flavours does Fabio Soda make?
We make three flavours:
Lemon (Limonata)
Light, crisp, and refreshing with a slight bitter note. Perfect with pizza and panini.
Mandarin (Mandarino)
Tangy and bright with citrus character. Great with food, solo, or as a mixer.
Chinotto
Italy's national soda. Complex, warming notes of cinnamon and clove. Prized for digestive qualities.
Not sure which to try?
Start with our Mixed Pack ($50) — it includes 4 cans of each flavour.
Where can I buy Fabio Soda?
Online:
Order from fabiosoda.com.au — we ship to NSW, VIC, QLD, and ACT. $10 flat rate shipping for metro areas, or free shipping over $99.
In-Store:
You'll find Fabio Soda in select cafes, restaurants, delis, and independent retailers across NSW, VIC, and QLD—including the Northern Rivers, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Gold Coast.
Wholesale/B2B:
B2B customers can order via Upstock or contact us directly at ciao@fabiosoda.com.au.
Is Fabio Soda healthy?
We don't make health claims—we make Italian-style sodas with real ingredients.
Here's what's in them:
- Real Australian sugar (no stevia, erythritol, or aspartame)
- Natural fruit juice (lemon, mandarin, or chinotto citrus)
- Natural flavors
- Light carbonation
- Gluten-free, vegan-friendly
We use real sugar instead of artificial sweeteners because:
- It's gentler on your gut (especially if you have digestive sensitivities)
- It delivers proper flavour
- It's transparent and simple—no weird chemicals
Is it "low-calorie"? No. Is it "sugar-free"? No. But it's honest, natural, and designed to be enjoyed with food—which is the Italian way.
Who should drink Fabio Soda?
Fabio Soda is for:
- Italian food lovers — if you love pizza, panini, and pasta, you'll love how these sodas pair
- People with digestive sensitivities — real sugar instead of gut-irritating artificial sweeteners
- San Pellegrino fans — if you appreciate Italian sodas, try the Australian-made alternative
- Craft beverage enthusiasts — if you value quality ingredients and thoughtful flavor
- Anyone tired of mainstream sodas — if you're over overly sweet, gassy drinks, this is for you
What does chinotto taste like?
Chinotto is complex, bitter, and warming—nothing like mainstream sodas.
You'll taste:
- Warm spice notes: cinnamon, clove, and a hint of nutmeg
- Sour citrus: rhubarb, quince, and grapefruit
- Bitter finish: from the chinotto citrus fruit
- Not sweet: this is a grown-up soda with character
Think of it as Italy's answer to cola—but more interesting, more complex, and designed to pair with food.
Warning: Chinotto is polarising. Some people love it immediately. Others find it too bitter. If you're curious but cautious, try our Mixed Pack first.
How is Fabio Soda different from other sodas?
vs. San Pellegrino:
- Made in Australia (not imported)
- Real sugar (vs. artificial sweeteners in some San Pellegrino lines)
- Less carbonation (Italian style, gentle on the stomach)
vs. Mainstream Sodas (Coke, Sprite, etc.):
- Not syrupy sweet
- Natural ingredients, no artificial flavours
- Designed to pair with food (nota standalone refreshment)
- Craft/premium positioning
vs. Health Sodas (Olipop, Poppi, Bobby, etc.):
- No gut irritants (stevia, erythritol, sugar alcohols)
- Real sugar approach for digestive sensitivities
- Italian culinary tradition (not wellness trend)
Bottom line: Fabio Soda is made the Italian way—less fizz, real ingredients, designed for food.
Does Fabio Soda contain artificial sweeteners?
No. We use real Australian sugar—no stevia, erythritol, aspartame, or any other artificial sweeteners.
Why?
Founder Fabian Capomolla has firsthand experience with how artificial sweeteners can wreak havoc on your gut (especially after bowel surgery). Most "low-sugar" sodas use sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or sugar alcohols—which can cause:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Digestive discomfort
- Gut irritation
We keep it simple: real sugar, natural ingredients, proper flavour. Sweet, but not silly.
Can I use Fabio Soda as a mixer?
Absolutely. Fabio Soda makes an excellent premium mixer for cocktails and mocktails.
Why Fabio Soda works as a mixer:
- Real flavour complexity — not overly sweet like mainstream sodas
- Light carbonation — won't overpower spirits or dilute cocktails
- Italian-style bitterness — adds depth and balance to drinks
- Natural ingredients — no artificial flavours or sweeteners
- Versatile flavours — each soda pairs with different spirits and occasions
Popular cocktail pairings:
Lemon Soda (Limonata):
- Mix with vodka or gin for a refreshing spritz
- Add to Aperol for a twist on an Aperol Spritz
- Perfect for white wine spritzers
- Great with limoncello or elderflower liqueur
Mandarin Soda (Mandarino):
- Pairs beautifully with tequila or mezcal
- Mix with whisky for a citrus old-fashioned twist
- Excellent with rum or bourbon
- Try Campari for a bitter-citrus cocktail
Chinotto:
- Mix with dark rum or bourbon (Italian-style cola alternative)
- Pairs with amaro or Fernet for a digestif cocktail
- Add to a Negroni for extra complexity
- Works brilliantly with spiced rum
Non-alcoholic serve:
All three flavours are delicious on their own over ice with a citrus garnish, making them perfect premium non-alcoholic options for entertaining.
Order Fabio Soda for your next event → Shop Now
Is Fabio Soda a good non-alcoholic option for entertaining?
Yes — Fabio Soda is perfect for entertaining, whether you're hosting a dinner party, BBQ, or special occasion.
Why Fabio Soda elevates entertaining:
1. Premium alternative to soft drinks
- More sophisticated than Coke or Sprite
- Designed for adults who want something interesting
- Pairs beautifully with food (especially Italian)
2. Versatile for all guests
- Delicious on its own for non-drinkers
- Works as a premium mixer for cocktails
- Great for pregnant guests, designated drivers, or anyone choosing not to drink
3. Conversation starter
- Unique Italian-style sodas guests haven't tried before
- The Chinotto story (Italy's national soda) is always a hit
- Beautifully packaged cans add to your table presentation
4. Food-pairing design
- Less carbonation won't leave guests feeling bloated
- Bitterness cuts through rich foods (perfect with pizza, charcuterie, BBQ)
- Refreshes the palate between courses
How to serve Fabio Soda at your event:
- Casual BBQ: Serve ice-cold in the can alongside beer and wine
- Dinner party: Pour over ice in glassware with citrus garnish
- Cocktail hour: Set up a DIY spritz bar with Fabio Soda, Aperol, prosecco, and garnishes
- Italian night: Pair with pizza, pasta, or antipasti
Entertaining tip: Order a Mixed Pack so guests can try all three flavours and choose their favourite.
What's the best Fabio Soda flavour for cocktails?
It depends on the cocktail style you're making:
For citrus-forward cocktails: Lemon or Mandarin
- Spritzers, gin cocktails, tequila drinks, white wine spritzers
- Light, refreshing, and versatile
For spirit-forward or bitter cocktails: Chinotto
- Whisky, bourbon, dark rum, amaro, Campari
- Complex, warming, and sophisticated
For entertaining (when you're not sure): Get the Mixed Pack
- Let guests choose their favourite
- Covers all cocktail styles
- Great for DIY cocktail bars
Bartender tip: All three flavours work beautifully in non-alcoholic serves too — just add ice, fresh herbs, and citrus.
Do you offer subscriptions?
Yes! Subscribe & Save 15% on any of our sodas.
You can choose delivery frequency:
- Every 2 weeks
- Every 4 weeks
- Every 6 weeks
Subscriber perks:
- 15% off every order
- Free shipping on all subscription orders
- Pause or cancel anytime (no lock-in)
- Early access to new flavors
Can I return or exchange my order?
Yes—we want you to love Fabio Soda.
If you're not happy with your order, contact us at ciao@fabiosoda.com.au within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort it out.
Full refund and return policy: View here
Do you wholesale to cafes, restaurants, and retailers?
Yes! We work with:
- Distributors (like Better Foods, The Forage Company)
- Food service venues (cafes, restaurants, pizzerias)
- Independent retailers (delis, bottle shops, specialty stores)
Interested in stocking Fabio Soda?
Contact us for wholesale inquiries →
B2B customers: Order via Upstock or email ciao@fabiosoda.com.au
Are Fabio Sodas gluten-free and vegan?
Yes. All three flavours are:
- Gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly
- All-natural ingredients
- No artificial colours or preservatives
Why "Italian style"?
Italian style means a few things:
- Less carbonation — gentle on your stomach, easy to drink
- Slight bitterness — cuts through fats and cleanses your palate
- Designed for food — meant to enhance your meal, not overpower it
- Care for taste — flavour comes first. Basta.
Italian sodas aren't meant to be chugged solo like a Coke. They're meant to be sipped with pizza, panini, or a long lunch—where they refresh your palate and make each bite taste as good as the first.