ATHENS – Greece’s Green Cola, naturally sweetened from the stevia plant and without sugar, is now in the United States and expanding its operations to reach the world's biggest soft drink market.

Green Cola trumpets itself as the alternative to sticky, sugary American colas, saying the product has no sugar, no preservatives, no artificial sweeteners and is naturally caffeinated with green coffee beans.

A big hit was being accepted into the Whole Foods supermarket chain that vets products to meet higher standards than traditional supermarkets where shelves are full of foods and drinks loaded with preservatives, sugars and processed substances.

Since the beginning of this year Green Cola has established a presence in seven US states: Texas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island, said Kathimerini.

The deal with Whole Foods – where you can't buy Coca-Cola or Pepsi – is seen as gaining a bigger share of the American market as consumers turn away from major corporate brands, Green Cola being available in 60 of the company's stores.

“Green Cola will be the first cola product meeting (Whole Foods) standards and entering its stores, as it is aimed at consumers seeking a product with natural ingredients,” Executive Chairman, Yiannis Hitos, told the paper, saying the company expects US sales of $45-$50 million for now.