Category: Beverage history

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially declared that the caffeinated alcoholic beverage Four Loko was a public health concern, leading to its reformulation. So what was wrong with the old Four Loko, dubbed the 'blackout in a can' by critics, that made it so controversial and ultimately led to its removal from shelves in its original form?.

Since its introduction in 1999, PepsiCo’s Sierra Mist was consistently marketed as a caffeine-free beverage. This fact addresses a common question among consumers, clarifying that the soda’s formulation never included caffeine throughout its entire run. To understand why and what ultimately replaced this iconic drink, it's essential to look at its journey through the soda market.

Invented in the late 19th century, egg phosphate was a popular soda fountain drink, with some pharmacies selling it as a health tonic before it became a mainstream favorite. This classic beverage combines a raw egg, flavored syrup, and acid phosphate with carbonated water to create a unique, frothy, and tangy refreshment.

First launched in 2002, Sparks quickly gained popularity as a novelty alcoholic energy drink before facing intense legal and regulatory scrutiny over its controversial ingredients. Its once-distinctive blend of alcohol and stimulants led to its eventual downfall, fundamentally changing what the product was and ultimately resulting in its discontinuation.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, most U.S. soft drink manufacturers, including Dr Pepper, transitioned from using cane sugar to high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in response to rising sugar costs. This major industry shift was a direct result of government price supports and quotas on imported sugar, which made domestic corn a more economically viable alternative.

According to reports, the Lost energy drink was officially discontinued around 2010, nearly five years after its initial launch. While some dedicated fans may still be searching, the product has not been manufactured for well over a decade, with its parent company shifting focus to other brands.

The alcohol percentage in Sparks has varied throughout its history, with original caffeinated versions offering different strengths before all versions were officially discontinued by Molson Coors in 2021. The original silver can formula contained 6% alcohol by volume (ABV), while stronger versions reached up to 8% ABV.

For centuries, indigenous people across Central and South America have used the root of the sarsaparilla plant for its purported medicinal qualities, brewing it into a therapeutic tea. The drink's journey from a traditional remedy to a nostalgic soda staple reveals a story of changing tastes, cultural shifts, and a lingering appreciation for its unique flavor and heritage.

First released in 1985, the original Jolt Cola contained around 72 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can. The exact number of milligrams of caffeine did Jolt have, however, has varied significantly across its history with different product formulations, ranging from its notorious 1980s peak to later energy drink varieties and a modern comeback.

In 1985, a soft drink with double the caffeine and all the sugar hit the market, signaling the arrival of the first modern, carbonated energy drink in the USA. This groundbreaking beverage was Jolt Cola, paving the way for the energy drink industry that we know today and answering the question: what was the first energy drink in the USA?.