No, 7UP Does Not Contain Lithium Anymore
To dispel the most common misconception immediately, modern 7UP does not contain lithium. Lithium citrate was removed from the soda's formula over 75 years ago. This fact surprises many people due to the drink's unusual past. While the inclusion of lithium seems bizarre today, it was not uncommon for early 20th-century "patent medicines" to contain such ingredients.
The Birth of a 'Brain Tonic'
The story begins with Charles Leiper Grigg, who created the lemon-lime soda in St. Louis in 1929. Initially named "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda," it was marketed as a mood-enhancing beverage just before the stock market crash. The name referenced lithium citrate, a mood-stabilizing drug used for conditions like bipolar disorder. This marketing reflected a trend where lithium-infused "lithia water" was believed to have curative properties.
Why Was Lithium Removed from 7UP?
The removal of lithium from 7UP was due to federal regulation. In the 1940s, lithium chloride was used as an unregulated salt substitute. After fatalities linked to excessive consumption, the FDA banned lithium compounds in food and beverages in 1948. Consequently, 7UP's formula changed, though the name had been shortened to "7UP" in 1936.
What's in Modern 7UP Instead of Lithium?
Today's 7UP is a standard carbonated soft drink. According to 7up.com, key ingredients include:
- Filtered carbonated water
- High fructose corn syrup (in some markets)
- Citric acid
- Potassium citrate
- Natural flavors
- Potassium benzoate (as a preservative)
Diet versions use artificial sweeteners. A 2006 campaign promoted "100% natural" ingredients, but additives are now common again. The original mood-altering properties are gone; the ingredients are typical of modern sodas.
Comparison: Original 7UP vs. Modern 7UP
| Feature | Original 7UP (pre-1948) | Modern 7UP (post-1948) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Contained lithium citrate | Contains citric acid and natural flavors |
| Primary Purpose | Marketed as a mood-stabilizing 'brain tonic' and hangover cure | Marketed as a crisp, lemon-lime flavored soft drink |
| Name | Originally "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda" | "7UP" |
| Legality | Legal until the FDA ban in 1948 | Compliant with all modern food and beverage regulations |
| Health Claims | Promoted as a beneficial health drink | No longer makes medicinal health claims |
| Flavor Profile | Likely had a different flavor due to the inclusion of lithium citrate | Standard lemon-lime soda taste |
The Misconception's Modern-Day Legacy
The belief that 7UP still contains lithium persists because the history is intriguing. Many are unaware of the past use of unconventional ingredients in patent medicines. The internet and social media also spread this information. While modern 7UP is safe and free of mood-altering substances, its history shows how the beverage industry has changed.
Conclusion
Original 7UP contained lithium citrate and was sold as a medicinal drink, but the modern version does not. The FDA banned lithium in soft drinks in 1948, leading to the recipe change. Today's 7UP is a standard soda. The historical detail is interesting trivia but irrelevant to the current product.
For more information on the history of lithium in beverages, you can refer to the International Lithium Association website.
