Going for a movie or having a heavy meal or celebrating a party? Soda or soft drink will be the best thing in each activity. Soda has been the most popular source of refreshment in modern times, yet when was soda invented?
The answer here isn’t a simple one because soda evolved throughout centuries with various people. Carbonated water was brought into existence in the 17th century. Then the sweetened or flavored sodas as we know today have their origin in the 19th century. Many scientists and entrepreneurs started throwing carbonation at drinks through trial and error. Finally it resulted in those fizzy drinks we enjoy today. In this blog, I am going to take you through the amazing history of soda from its early years to today’s exciting flavors and cans.
Timeline of Soft Drinks
Before going to the history in detail, just go through the major milestone in it that changed the world of carbonated drinks today.
- 1676 – In this year, the soft drinks became a commercial product in the European market and first introduced in the Paris market by Compagnie des Limonadiers.
- 1767 – The popular and top famous Joseph Priestley who invented carbonation by infusing water with carbon dioxide in this year.
- 1771 – The major milestone that Torbern Bergman did was the carbonation of water himself.
- 1783 – J. J. Schweppe himself developed the process for high grade carbonated mineral water and then founded Schweppes Company in Geneva that was famous at that time.
- Late 1700s – John Mervin Nooth improved the carbonation of mineral water for larger scale production in it.
- 1798 – In this year, the word- “soda water” was first coined and then the name got wide reach.
- 1810 – For doing the same production method from mineral waters, U.S. patent issued in this year.
- 1819 – In this year, one scientist named Samuel Fahnestock got patents for the brand “soda fountain.”
- 1835 – Most of the people in U.S. regions started carrying bottled soda water.
- 1850 – Invented the best easy and convenient manual filling in bottles. In the same year, also introduced corking devices for soda water bottles.
- 1851 – The brand for health benefits, Ginger ale, came into the market in Ireland.
- 1861 – The word that is common to open soda- “pop” was initially coined and used.
- 1874 – The most popular and known first ice-cream soda was sold in this year.
- 1876 – The root beer is very much mass produced for public sale and increased revenue in this year..
- 1881 – The flavored and tasty cola that we have today is first introduced in this year.
- 1885 – Charles Aderton created the best and most popular brand, Dr. Pepper, in Waco, Texas.
- 1886 – The top and most popular carbonated drink company- Coca-Cola was invented by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 1898 – The Pepsi Cola was founded by Caleb Bradham.
- 1899 – The very first patent for a glass blowing machine that helps to make the glass bottles is issued.
- 1913 – The trucks that are gas powered to replace the horse drawn carriages for fast and easy delivery came.
- 1919 – The formation of organization for the carbonated rinks named American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages happened in this year.
- 1920 – The U.S. got the census reports of over 5,000 bottlers in this year.
- Early 1920s – The year is not accurate, but during this time, the first and automatic soda vending machines were discovered.
- 1923 – The most popular six pack soft drink of that era and the cartons named “Hom-Paks,” were made in this year.
- 1929 – There is one company named Howdy Company and it comes up with a drink “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Sodas,” It later renamed as 7 Up as wel all know now.
- 1934 – In this year, the trend of applying the color labels on bottles are first used on soft drinks.
- 1952 – The first diet conscious and health concerning soft drink, “No-Cal Beverage,” came into the market.
- 1957 – Started using the aluminum cans in this year.
- 1959 – People became more diet conscious and it resulted in the sale of the very first diet cola.
- 1962 – There is a pull ring tab that was discovered this year.
- 1965 – The trend of so many soft drinks in cans are arised from vending machines.
- 1965 – The resealable top we found in some brands today was invented.
- 1966 – The organization American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages that formed earlier is renamed to a new one and the name is The National Soft Drink Association.
- 1970 – Plastic bottles were first used for soft drinks and replaced the glass bottles and also aluminum.
- 1973 – The PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottle was created and started using in industry.
- 1974 – There is a stay on tab that was discovered in this year..
- 1981 – The so-called “talking” vending machine, that was the major talk of most of the people, was invented and became popular.
- 1982 – Caffeinated drinks came into the market with various flavors and forms..
- 1987 – Dietrich Mateschitz made the perfect and clear formula for energy drink named- Red Bull.
- 1993 – Emergence of organic and juice sodas in this year.
- 2001 – Energy drinks became popular and people started the wide usage of energy drinks as well as carbonated drinks.
Before There Was Soda, There Was Beer
Before soda became the popular carbonated beverage of today, beer was the first fermented drink for many cultures for centuries. In fact, beer and other fermented drinks such as mead and cider are very ubiquitous across ancient civilizations.
Since fermentation generates carbon dioxide, and carbonation is exactly how sodas are made, beer may be considered a sort of far removed ancestor of modern soft drinks. Ancient Egyptians and Romans – like later Europeans – brewed their own versions of beer, often functioning as both a provider of hydration and as nutrition. Interestingly, the heritage of this brewed tradition transformed into this completely different soda.
Soda History
The discovery of soda comes hand in hand with the rise of carbonated water. Even since the 18th century, experiments were already taking place about carbonated water, and one such breakthrough was that of Joseph Priestly who was able to infuse water with carbon dioxide.
However, it was only in the early 19th century that carbonated water was commercially produced and sold. Initially, it was used as a medicinal tonic and sold in pharmacies. In time, entrepreneurs began to add flavors to the carbonated water and thus birthed the very first sodas, though they were so different from the sweetened drinks we know today.
When Was Soda Invented and How?
A man named John Stith Pemberton is said to be the inventor of soda. I know that you may wonder when did soda come out, in 1886, an Atlanta, Georgia-based pharmacist produced a drink which went on to become Coca-Cola. He initially formulated it for medicinal purposes and later he marketed it as a cure for headaches and various other ailments.
Within months of its invention, the drink now known as a mixture of carbonated water, sugar, and flavors was shortly after favorite for quenching thirst. However, though by Pemberton’s invention this was not the first soda that established the origin of modern production in soda. Infusion of carbonation with sweeteners and flavors transformed soda into an international phenomenon.
Who invented soda?
Soda, or carbonated water, was first invented by Joseph Priestley in 1767. Priestley, an English chemist, discovered a method to infuse water with carbon dioxide, which created a fizzy beverage. His work was further expanded upon by Johann Jacob Schweppe, a German-Swiss watchmaker and chemist, who developed a practical way to produce carbonated water on a commercial scale in the late 18th century.
Schweppe founded the Schweppes Company, which popularized the production of carbonated beverages and laid the foundation for modern soft drink manufacturing. Over time, various flavors and sweeteners were added, leading to the diverse range of sodas we know today.
Where Was Soda Invented?
Soda, as we know it today, was invented by John Stith Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886. Soda is traceable back to the discovery of carbonated water by Englishman Joseph Priestly. Before soda became commercialized by adding sugar and flavors, it was sometimes referred to as a curative form of soda water.
The United States also saw the rise of soda fountains, where carbonated water was mixed with many flavors to concoct many early sodas. While Pemberton’s Coca-Cola may be the most famous, the history of soda stretches across the Atlantic and includes many contributing figures from Europe as well as America.
When were fizzy drinks invented?
Fizzy drinks were invented before soda as we know it today. Carbonated water, the base for fizzy drinks, was first created by Joseph Priestley in 1767. The addition of flavors and sweeteners to carbonated water began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with Johann Jacob Schweppe’s invention of a method to produce carbonated water commercially in 1783. This led to the creation of flavored sodas. So if you ask who invented fizzy drinks, the first credit goes to Priestley and then Johann Jacob Schweppe. So, fizzy drinks (carbonated water) came first, and sodas (flavored and sweetened fizzy drinks) were developed later.
What Was the First Soda?
While John Pemberton’s Coca-Cola was the first major commercial soda, it did not represent the first ever to be made in the strictest terms. Early sodas were merely carbonated mixtures of water and flavors and were commonly sold over the counter in pharmacies as medicinal drinks.
Root beer and ginger ale contain some of the earliest evidence of flavored sodas, which dates back even to the 19th century. Although, the first carbonated soft drink bottled and sold commercially was by the Coca-Cola Company, and it marks a significant epoch in soda history.
When Did Soda Become Popular?
Soda became extremely popular in the middle 1800s. With the invention of the soda fountain, drinking soda became a social act. Usually established in drugstores, a soda fountain created the “soda jerk” serving coolers full of fizzy drinks at counters.
Its popularity was further fueled with the advent of popular flavors such as root beer, ginger ale, and later colas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, soda had become a popular treat enjoyed by many in the U.S., firmly cementing it as part of American culture. Through the 20th century, advancement in bottling, marketing, and the addition of vending machines only ensured it continued to be very popular. Even the soft drinks or soda can be the main highlight in functions than using beer for wedding. Even people who like to have other drinks have confusions like Champaign have alcohol or not, in that case, soft drinks are safer ones.
From Soda Water to Just Soda
This medicinal tonic initially was carbonated water. They used it to drink away ailments. Oftentimes, the tasteless and lightly flavored water aimed to cure. Gradual movement in soda transition was from a soda water stage to the sweetened sodas. Once carbonation became widespread, business enterprises started adding sugar and other ingredients that would make palatable flavors.
It was not before the late 1800s that the sodas began tasting like the ones we drink today, as sugar syrups were mixed with carbonated water that contained flavors such as cola, root beer, and lemon-lime.
Introducing Flavor – Sweetening the Deal
Flavors were introduced to the soda world and it changed everything. Some of the early sodas were simple and just added some fruit extracts or spices while others. But by the late 1800s, the manufacturers started experimenting with different flavorings. This results in the soda having started to get more varied.
Quick development of flavors such as cola, ginger ale, and root beer transformed the soda into a refreshing treat rather than a medicinal drink. That is, the sweetening process with syrups made it possible for sodas to become a true consumer product, accessible and enjoyable for people from the old to the new. Cola flavor is typically a mixture of citrus oils, spices in the form of cinnamon and nutmeg, caramel to be used for sweetness and coloring purposes, and sometimes caffeine derived from kola nuts.
What Was the First Flavored Soda?
The first flavored soda was the root beer. Its existence can be traced back to the 18th century. Root beers of yesteryear were prepared using roots and herbs, mainly sassafras, wintergreen, and licorice, and brewed at home or by pharmacists depending on preference. Commercially, this soda became one of the first flavored sodas marketed in the United States in the early 1920s with A&W beginning production.
Invention of Soda Fountains
Soda fountains played an important role in the rise in popularity for soda. As people could get freshly mixed fizzy drinks in a soda shop, these always went along with ice cream and other goodies.
Soda fountains became most common in the United States towards the end of the 1800s, especially in towns and cities. These increased the availability of soda in drugstores. Also the customer sat at the counter and ordered sodas dispensed by soda jerks. That social changed the main role of sodas within American culture, and they were popular throughout much of the 20th century.
The Power of the Media
It was not until relatively early that the power of advertising was realized by the soda companies. Brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, with mass media rising in the early 20th century, took advantage of radio, television, and print to promote their sodas.
The advertisements not only marketed soda as a refreshing beverage but also as a badge of happiness and as a lifestyle. Along with popularizing the names of sodas in a household, it is sung and danced along with on top of catchy jingles and iconic imagery. Thus, among brands for soda, marketing today remains a significant factor for their success.
Enter the Soda Can
Packaging of soda have a very different story to tell. One of the pivotal innovations in the packaging of soda was the invention of the soda can. Prior to cans, sodas came in bottles. Bottles are usually heavy and fragile, which makes transporting them dangerous.
The aluminum can that emerged in the 1960s revolutionized the entire industry. For the first time, soda firms could produce and offer their beverages en masse through a lightweight, takeable, and packable medium. Perhaps the can will soon be the new standard packaging for soda, though innovations continue designing the can in ways to better and make it more sustainable.
Soda Pop to Craft Soda
One thing we’re seeing lately is the popularity of craft sodas, small-batch products, with unique flavors, all-natural ingredients, and in some instances, unique flavor combinations. This is reflecting a growing consumer marketplace that asks for more artisanal and locally produced products.
Craft sodas feature innovative flavors such as hibiscus and lavender and, indeed, more exotic combinations appealing to a more health-conscious and adventurous crowd. While the masses’ desires have been fulfilled with mass-produced sodas, there is a niche carved out by craft sodas, offering a more personal and creative alternative to traditional brands.
The Changing Face of the CSD (Carbonated Soft Drink) Industry
It has been a big change for the carbonated soft drink industry in terms of the structure and also consumers number over a few decades. There are growing concerns today about the amount of sugar content and its health impacts, and low-sugar and sugar-free product lines from major soda companies filled the bill.
Brands of soda have also emphasized healthier alternatives by including functional ingredients like vitamins or probiotics. Even there are healthier beer to drink and healthy options in alcohol are there too. Consumer preferences are toward more natural ingredients, and the carbonated beverage companies respond by manufacturing beverages that fit the requirements of consumers. It is obvious that the soda industry needs to catch up with the changing times.
Evolution of Soda
Soda has undergone great changes in terms of production and flavor over the years. Improvements in the carbonation process through technological development have made sodas fizzier and fresher to drink.
Flavor profiles, which were confined in the past to cola and root beer, evolved into diverse tastes. Manufacturers experiment with various kinds of sweeteners, carbonates, and blends in flavoring to create some new drinks that cater to diverse tastes. This industry is bound to keep changing with new technologies and trends being a continuous hallmark in shaping the future of soda production.
The Healthier Options like Gluten-Free, Vegan, Natural Soda on Market
The market for sodas has today branched to healthier niches into more inclusive products. Today, many soda companies have introduced gluten-free and vegan sodas, making it easier for those diagnosed with sensitive foods or have ethical concerns to find a refreshing soda drink.
Moreover, natural sodas, that are made from organic ingredients with minimal processes, are becoming the soda dreams. This is in line with an overall trend for healthier and greener products. Consumers are looking for conscious choices; therefore, the soda companies must also change accordingly.
Top Soda Companies
Now you may get the idea about how soda was invented and the whole history. So it’s time to know the top soda companies that rule the entire industry. Most of the names may be known to you or even you have tried the drink also.
The Coca-Cola Company: A Timeless Global Giant
Among all the known soda brands, The Coca-Cola Company is one of the prominent ones and famous for brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Diet Coke. To be a number one competitor in the world of soda, Coca-Cola has emphasized through marketing, branding, and innovative offerings, such as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, that remain adept towards becoming a favorite in the minds of its consumers. The company also emphasizes sustainability by introducing projects that can be related to recyclable packaging and reduction in plastic usage.
The success of the company is much higher than ever expected. Even other competitive nrads were shocked by hearing how many bottles did coca cola sell in its first year, they just sold an average of just nine drinks per day, totaling around 3,285 servings.
When Was Coca Cola Invented?
The Coco cola was invented by Dr. John S. Pemberton, a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia in 1886. He invented it primarily as a medicinal tonic to relieve headaches and give energy to the person using it. The pharmacy at first that sold it was Jacob’s Pharmacy. Customers could get it for five cents a glass. It was quickly popularized, and time will follow to develop it into the renowned soft drink brand.
Where Was Coca Cola Invented?
Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta, Georgia. The beverage was developed by Dr. John S. Pemberton, a pharmacist, in his laboratory and was first sold at Jacob’s Pharmacy in the center of Atlanta in 1886. It was advertised as a temperance drink available from the soda fountain of the pharmacy.
PepsiCo: Coca-Cola’s Biggest Rival
PepsiCo stands as Coca-Cola’s primary competitor, with popular brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Sierra Mist. It is known for its dynamic marketing and sponsorships, PepsiCo frequently connects with younger audiences through pop culture. In addition, PepsiCo has expanded into healthier beverage options, offering Pepsi Zero Sugar and committing to eco-friendly packaging initiatives.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group: A Diverse Soda Portfolio
The brand Dr Pepper is formerly known as the Dr Pepper Snapple Group and it continues to expand in its market. It includes brands like 7UP, A&W Root Beer, and, of course, Dr Pepper. Known for bold flavors, it has carved out a space in the industry as one that creates nostalgic, flavorful beverages. The company product lines go beyond just sodas and extend into flavored waters and fruit drinks.
Who Made Dr Pepper?
Dr. Pepper was invented by Charles Alderton, a pharmacist, in 1885 at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas. He worked at the store as a soda fountain operator, blending together his unique fruit extracts and spices, thus creating the very successful soft drink we know today.
When Was Dr Pepper Invented?
Dr. Pepper was formulated in 1885. Alderton mixed a variety of fruit extracts and spices to develop the unique flavor of the drink, which soon became popular among local consumers. It was sold as a medicinal tonic against various illnesses.
-
7UP: The Lemon-Lime Standout
7UP is one of the most recognizable lemon-lime sodas in the world. The 7UP company is comes under Dr Pepper in the U.S. and PepsiCo in international markets, 7UP is known for its crisp, refreshing taste. It has consistently marketed itself as a caffeine-free alternative to other popular sodas, positioning it as a lighter, refreshing choice. Over the years, 7UP has introduced various limited flavors and sugar-free options, catering to diverse preferences.
National Beverage Corp, The Affordable Drink
While National Beverage Corp may be popularized with LaCroix, Faygo and Shasta soda brands are also popular. Affordable varieties of soft drinks are together with a range of flavors appeal equally to nostalgic customers as well as healthy enthusiasts with less flavored and sugar-free beverages. The company has managed to ingrain itself within the loyal customer base that it has developed by innovation of product lines and a very pleasing brand identity.
RC Cola (Royal Crown Cola)
RC Cola, or Royal Crown Cola, has its own hardcore and devoted consumer base. It also offers a different taste compared to Coca-Cola or Pepsi and even sold at a friendlier price. Even though its scale was way lower, the distinct taste and affordable price helped carve out a niche for itself. Strong regional popularity can be seen in the southern United States and international markets to demonstrate staying power despite stiffer competition from bigger brands.
Types of Soda
There are various types of soda in varieties and flavors. Among it, the top varieties are:
- Cola – This is the typical sodas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi that have caramel flavored with some caffeine content.
- Lemon-Lime- The citrusy refreshing sodas seen with brands 7UP and Sprite.
- Root Beer – Sweet and spicy soda with sassafras flavor and vanilla added by its brands A&W and Barq’s.
- Ginger Ale – Fizzy, fairly sweet and gingerly flavored. Ginger ale is widely used in mixers.
- Orange Soda – Strong orange flavored sodas; the original Fanta and more vivacious Sunkist.
- Cream Soda – A silken, vanilla-flavored soda; frequently sweetened and carbonated for a rich flavor.
- Dr. Pepper and Variants – The distinctive blend of 23 flavors that makes Dr. Pepper is such a distinctive soda.
- Energy Drinks: These are sodas like Red Bull and Monster, designed to give a person a caffeine fix and a sugar rush.
FAQs on Soda
When was the first soda made?
In 1886, John Stith Pemberton, a pharmacist from Atlanta created the first commercial soda that was similar to the modern definition. He formulated Coca-Cola by combining carbonated water with sugar and flavorings.
Which is older, Coke or Pepsi?
In both coke and Pepsi, coca cola is the oldest and it was created in 1886. Here, the Pepsi was first made as “Brad’s Drink” by Caleb Bradham in 1893 and would not be called Pepsi-Cola until 1898. Coca-Cola’s longer history has given the company a more firmly established position around the world, but Pepsi, in their own right, have had an influence on the soda market.
What did people drink before Coca-Cola?
Before soda became a pop icon, people drank all manner of things-beer, cider or mead, fermenteds. Carbonated water was an 18th-century drink celebrated for its health benefits. Many drank medicinal tonics, some including herbs or flavorings, and those eventually were the sodas of today.
Why was soda invented?
Soda was invented to create a fizzy, carbonated water drink that could be enjoyed as a refreshing beverage. Initially, it was also believed to have health benefits, such as aiding digestion and treating various ailments.
Was there soda in the 1700s?
Yes, the soda was there in the 1700s in its early form but was way different compared to what we drink today. The early carbonated water was made by Joseph Priestley back in 1767 for health purposes. After that, it goes through flavorings to be added to carbonated water that were sold in pharmacies as a type of health tonic.
Does coke own dr pepper?
No, Coca-Cola does not. Dr. Pepper is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, a different company. While Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper shares some commonalities in their distributorships in certain territories, they are indeed different competitors in the beverage industry.
Who makes 7UP?
7UP is currently made by Keurig Dr Pepper in the United States. However, in other parts of the world, the 7UP is owned and distributed by different companies. For example, in many countries outside the U.S., 7UP is produced by PepsiCo.
When was 7up invented?
It was in 1929 when American businessman Charles Leiper Grigg invented 7UP.
What was 7 up originally made for?
The drink was originally made and advertised at first as a refreshing and medicinal soda, intended to help with ailments like headaches and digestive issues.
Why is 7 up called 7 up?
The origin of its name is unclear, but one version claims that it is named after seven components in the original formula, while another theory suggests that “7” actually represents the number of words in the first ever tagline used by the company.
What was the first soft drink in space?
Coca-Cola was the first soft drink in space. NASA teamed up with Coca-Cola in 1985 and developed a specialized can, which was ultimately used by the astronauts on board the Space Shuttle Challenger to drink their soda. Since this was a drink that required a suitable nozzle inserted into the can, it could be dispensed via a straw.
When were carbonated drinks invented?
Carbonated beverages emerged in the late 18th century. An English scientist named Joseph Priestley discovered the process of carbonating water as early as 1767, infusing water with carbon dioxide, which led to the first artificially carbonated beverage and its use for medicinal purposes.
How old is soda?
Soda was first invented in 1767 and now it’s 2024. So it had 257 years of history.
Who invented carbonation?
Carbonation was first discovered by Joseph Priestley in 1767 when he found a way to infuse water with carbon dioxide gas, creating what he called “fixed air.”
