The Buzz on Soda History (2024)

FAQs

What is the oldest soda still sold today? ›

Schweppes (1783)

The oldest soda brand still on the market today is none other than Schweppes. Schweppes was founded initially in 1783 when Jacob Schweppes created carbonated mineral water (via Coca-Cola). The product's notoriety grew, and Schweppes began selling in Geneva and England.

At 239 years of age and counting, Schweppes is not only the oldest soda brand in existence but the first bottled soft drink, period (via RFDTV). Schweppes did not introduce a flavored beverage until 1835, nearly four decades after Johann Jacob Schweppe's retirement (via Schweppes).

The first carbonated drink was discovered by accident, in springs of mineral water that were naturally infused with carbon dioxide, making the water bubbly. In 1767, Englishman Joseph Priestley found a way to reproduce the effect by infusing water with carbon dioxide.

Proper carbonation techniques were developed in the 1760s, while Jacob Schweppe – the namesake of Schweppes – began selling seltzer in Geneva in 1789. In 1798, “soda water” became the mainstream term used for carbonated water. By 1835, the first soda water was being bottled in the US. But it didn't stop there.

Dr. John S. Pemberton created Coca Cola in 1886 while Pepsi did not come about until 1893. Both companies have long histories, and each has had some ups and downs along the way.

Vernor's boasts the oldest soda in America, but not the world. That belongs to Schweppe's, who created a carbonated mineral water in 1783. Other old sodas include Hires Root Beer (1876), Moxie 1876, Dr. Pepper (1885) Coca-Cola (1886) and Pepsi (1893.

It wasn't until the creation of root beer in 1876 that soda began to evolve into a drink option. Cola flavored soda entered the market shortly after in 1881. Dr Pepper was created in 1885 and believed to be the first soda as we know it today followed by Coca-Cola one year later.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is hands down the most popular soft drinks brand! I don't think there is any argument here, especially since Coca-Cola is also one of the world's biggest companies. Over the years, many Coca-Cola variations that appeal to various consumer types have been introduced into the market.

Coca-Cola Classic

Drum roll, please… It is no surprise here, but the number one most popular soft drink is hands down Coca-Cola Classic. Manufactured by the largest soft drink beverage company in the world, co*ke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company.

Before the discovery of carbonation, the first soft drinks were fruit-flavored water with ingredients such as lemon, pomegranate juice, mint, tamarind, honey, and other herbs. These drinks were popular in the Middle East and Europe during the Middle Ages.

Why is it called soda? ›

Where did soda get its name? The modern-day soft drink, however, didn't develop until the 18th century, when scientists started synthesizing carbonated water — also known as soda water. The “soda” part of the word is derived from the sodium salts within the water. (The salts reduce the liquid's acidity.)

“Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, and Moxie all started out as soft drinks that were supposed to have some medical benefit,” says Funderburg. “Nobody worried about sugar in the late 19th century. That was an era when people wanted to be plump; women were supposed to be full-figured back then.

Carbonated soft drinks or sodas are not perishable, and are safe past the date stamped on the container. Eventually flavor and carbonation will decrease.

On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton brought his perfected syrup to Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta where the first glass of Coca‑Cola was poured. Serving about nine drinks per day in its first year, Coca‑Cola was an exciting new drink in the beginning.