Ten Facts You Don’t Know About Soft Drinks and Coca-Cola

Over the years, soft drinks have become a staple, found in our home refrigerators, at lively game nights, or during meals at restaurants. Evolving beyond just refreshments, they have become a part of how we celebrate and socialise. What lies beyond their presence today, is a rich history that many of us might not know. From the colour of the packaging, to their brand names, let’s look at some lesser-known facts about soft drinks. 

1) The term "soft drink" was not popular 

Originally coined in the late 19th century, "soft drink" was a phrase used to differentiate non-alcoholic beverages from alcoholic ones, referred to as "hard." But it wasn't until carbonation gained popularity that the term "soft drink" really took off. The term as we know it today covers a broad spectrum of bubbly, non-alcoholic beverages that to this day continue to evolve in flavour and appeal, forming a significant part of the beverage industry worldwide.

2) Coca-Cola's journey began with just nine drinks a day

In its first year, Coca-Cola, was introduced to the world as a fountain drink, initially selling at a modest pace of nine drinks per day. Served exclusively at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, this innovative beverage began as a simple syrup mixed with carbonated water at the pharmacy's soda fountain. This marked the beginning for what would become a global phenomenon in the years to come.

3) A bookkeeper suggested the name Coca‑Cola

Frank M. Robinson, the bookkeeper for Coca-Cola's creator Dr. John S. Pemberton, was the brain behind the brand's catchy name. Robinson picked "Coca-Cola" for its appealing alliteration and visual impact in advertising. He designed the famous logo in a Spenserian script, quickly becoming a key part of the brand's identity and remaining a core part of the brand's identity today.

4) The Sprite bottle was green to distinguish it from competition  

Sprite was introduced in 1961 as a lemon-lime-flavored soft drink. Conceived to offer a crisp, refreshing taste, Sprite quickly distinguished itself in the competitive market of soft drinks with its unique flavor profile. However, something that significantly made it stand out was the decision to use a green bottle for its packaging. Since the drink is clear, the choice of green was subtly made to associate the brand with green limes while also visually setting it apart on retail shelves.  the brand with the freshness and zest of lime while also setting Sprite apart visually. 

5) Fanta was not always orange

In the 1940s, during the war Coca-Cola Deutschland faced a shortage of ingredients, prompting the head of the company, Max Keith to create a new product, thus Fanta was born. Having been discontinued after the war, Fanta was reformulated in Naples to include oranges in 1955. This is how Fanta has become the drink we know it as today globally.

6) The iconic Coca-Cola bottle was born out of a competition

In the early 1900s, Coca-Cola, faced with numerous imitations, sought a unique bottle design to distinguish its soda. The company launched a competition challenging manufacturers to create a bottle so distinctive that it could be recognised by touch in the dark or identified by shard shape when broken. The Root Glass Company won, proposing a contoured design resembling a cocoa pod. The new bottle's initial adoption was slow due to costs, but it eventually became the iconic standard, embedding the brand into customers' minds and revolutionizing beverage packaging.

7) The first ever diet soda was discontinued

In 1952, the first diet soft drink, called No-Cal, was introduced by Kirsch Bottling in Brooklyn, New York. Designed primarily for diabetics and those seeking fewer calories, No-Cal represented a groundbreaking shift in the beverage industry. Despite its innovative approach to offering a sugar-free option, No-Cal's reliance on saccharin for sweetness didn't suit all tastes, leading to mixed reception. Ultimately, its unique position wasn't enough to sustain it in the fast-evolving market, resulting in its discontinuation as other diet soft drinks began to emerge.

8) Coca-Cola became the first soft drink in space

In 1985, Coca-Cola took a giant leap, not just on Earth but into space, becoming the first soft drink sipped in space. This wasn't a mere publicity stunt; it was a significant technological endeavor. Coca-Cola developed a special can to work in zero gravity, allowing astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger to enjoy a taste of home. This space-bound can is a testament to Coca-Cola's commitment to innovation and its desire to be part of mankind's greatest adventures.

9) Coca-Cola's secret formula is known as Merchandise 7X

The Coca-Cola recipe is one of the food and beverage industry's most closely guarded secrets. However, something you might not know about soft drinks is that this recipe is dubbed as "Merchandise 7X,".  The formula's name reportedly comes from its seven key ingredients which are only known to a handful of company executives at any given time. The formula is so precious that it's secured within a high-security vault in Atlanta, with its secrecy undoubtedly contributing to Coca-Cola's global fascination and allure.

10) Coca-Cola transformed Santa Claus’s image

Coca-Cola is often credited with popularising the modern image of Santa Claus. In 1931, artist Haddon Sundblom created illustrations for Coca-Cola's holiday advertising that depicted Santa as a jolly, rosy-cheeked, and plump man in a red suit with white fur trim, aligned with the company's red-and-white color scheme. These images resonated with the public, solidified the character's jovial and benevolent persona and shaped the enduring image of how Santa is depicted today.

The next time you're sipping on your favourite beverages, you'll find yourself thinking about these fascinating facts about soft drinks. From Coca-Cola's secret recipe to its journey into space and the iconic contour bottle, these are facts you'll want to share with friends, family, and colleagues over your next gathering.