Tag: Soda history

Launched in 1985, Jolt Cola was the definitive answer to the question, "What 80s soda has a lot of caffeine?". With its unapologetic slogan, "All the sugar and twice the caffeine," it became a cultural icon for college students and gamers needing a stimulant boost.

While most root beers are caffeine-free, a 12-ounce can of Barq's currently contains about 22 mg of caffeine. The question, 'Did Barq's always have caffeine?', reveals a surprising history of formula changes and regional variations, distinguishing it from traditional root beer recipes from its inception.

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.

In the 1920s, a Columbia University study claimed that the average person experienced a significant energy slump three times a day, a finding that would become the foundation for one of the most brilliant and enduring marketing campaigns in advertising history. This research was a goldmine for Dr Pepper, which used it to create the iconic slogan, 'Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2, and 4,' forever linking the beverage to a daily routine.

Created in 1885, Dr. Pepper is older than Coca-Cola, but for decades, drinkers have struggled to categorize its flavor. Unlike traditional colas or root beers, this American soft drink boasts a unique, complex, and proprietary blend of 23 flavors that put it in a category all its own.

Before 1948, the popular lemon-lime soda 7UP contained a curious ingredient: lithium citrate. Originally called "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda" upon its 1929 launch, it was advertised as a mood-boosting tonic. This unusual component was removed due to a 1948 ban by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that prohibited its use in soft drinks after reports of lithium toxicity and unregulated sales.

Coca-Cola competitor Surge, once considered a direct rival to Mountain Dew, was never officially banned by any government body. Despite the persistent urban legends, the citrus soda's disappearance from store shelves in 2003 was the result of a complex mix of market pressures, negative health rumors, and aggressive competition. This article explores the real story behind why Surge was discontinued, explaining why many still believe it was banned.

A 12-ounce can of Jolt Cola in the 90s contained approximately 71 mg of caffeine, significantly more than typical colas. This article explores **what drinks were high in caffeine in the 90s** and fueled a generation of students and gamers.

First brewed as a fermented tonic by American colonists, birch beer has evolved from a historical medicinal remedy into a distinctively flavored carbonated soft drink. This regional beverage is most popular in the northeastern United States, especially Pennsylvania, where its unique, crisp, and minty taste has a strong following. So, what does birch beer have in it to produce this unique flavor?

In November 1984, Pepsi-Cola USA officially announced it would exclusively use high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to sweeten its soft drinks in the US, marking a definitive shift away from sugar. This change was a strategic move driven by economic factors and had a significant impact on the beverage industry.