Coca-Cola has said it will change the way it markets soft drinks in US schools by loading healthier drinks into vending machines, covering up giant logos and advocating nonexclusive deals between bottlers and school districts.

A month ago, the US agriculture department criticised schools that raise money by selling soft drinks and snacks for sending mixed messages about nutrition. The department asked Congress for authority to regulate what foods and beverages can be sold in schools.

Coke's promises are an attempt to fend off such regulation. "We just think there's a more productive way of providing resources to schools and making the appropriate beverages available," said Jeffrey Dunn, president of Coca-Cola Americas.

A Pepsi spokesman said that company was also testing healthier drinks, such as fruit or milk smoothies, for school sales.