Frequently Asked Questions I have compiled a list of the most common questions I receive at Sodafinder. Please read through this before submitting your question or comment. Thanks!
No. I do not have any of the above-mentioned products. Everyone of these products listed above have been discontinued by the manufacturer, and syrup is no longer produced. Therefore, local bottlers cannot obtain the concentrate to produce them. Josta was marketed by Pepsi from 1997 to 1999 and only sold in limited markets. O.K. Soda was produced by Coca-Cola and again only sold in limited areas from 1995 to 1997. Fanta Red Cream was a flavor I do not remember personally, however, I do receive many requests for it. I would imagine that Coke has phased this out and replaced it with Barq's Red Cream or Red Flash, which is sparcely available. Citra was Coke's version of Squirt. It is also essentially foreign Fresca. Fresca in the United States is a diet soda, but not elsewhere. Citra was phased out Summer 2003. It is reported that Summer 2004's release of Fanta Citrus was the identical product to Citra. Mt. Dew Pitch Black was a grape variant of Mt. Dew, sold nationwide by Pepsi. It subsequently went away, and then the next year reappeared, reformulated and touting the name Mt. Dew Pitch Black II. It then, went away again. Tropicana Sugar-Free Fruit Punch was discontinued Summer 2008 and replaced with Sugar Free Tropicana Berry. Ramblin' Root Beer was Coke's root beer. Coke began nationally phasing this brand out when they obtained Barq's in 1987 and rolled it out to their local bottlers as the Ramblin' contracts came up for renewal. Hires is the closest thing to it that I have found. Diet Mello Yello was cancelled by most local bottlers as Coke began requiring them to carry Vault and Vault Zero. I do not know if this is a nationwide decision or only impacts specific areas. No. Slice, Pepsi's answer to compete with Sprite in the mid-80's, was a hit for a long time. It, however, was not sold everywhere since Pepsi maintained the rights to 7up in many markets. During Slice's run, the brand was used to extend out to the miscellaneous flavor profiles, such as orange, grape, strawberry, peach, pineapple, apple, fruit punch. This profile competed with Coke's Minute Maid line. Unrelated initially, during the late 1990's Pepsi began test marketing "Storm", which was a new formula lemon-lime soft drink with caffeine. A diet variety was also created. In the early 2000's, Pepsi decided it no longer wanted 7up in its nationwide system. Pepsi, having had a positively tested lemon-lime drink, took the formula for Storm, sans caffeine, and Sierra Mist was born. Slice held on for a little while with its extensions. Storm was never nationally released, however many collectors of the limited edition Star Wars cans from the trilogy re-release have at least two. Regular "Storm", and the aptly named "Light Storm" diet cans dawned Star Wars characters. Storm went away shortly before Sierra Mist appeared. In conjunction with Walmart, Pepsi released Slice Zero, a new diet version in Orange, Grape, and Strawberry. It was only available from Walmart stores. In an effort to bolster sales of the profile, Pepsi decided to retire Slice and use Tropicana, a well-known brand name they had acquired in the late 1990's with the purchase of Quaker Oats. They figured to sell juice-related flavors, consumers would relate better with it than Slice. At this time, any flavor that did not fit into the Tropicana brand identity was phased out. Dr. Slice, in some markets, was replaced by the local bottler's own concoction, like Dr. Wham or Dr. Denali, for example. Other bottlers signed an agreement with Cheerwine to begin selling that in its place. Some have replaced it in fountain with Dr. Wells. Slice Red was completely phased out. In October 2008, Pepsi signed a new agreement with Cadbury Schweppes / DPSU to have nationwide rights to distribute Crush. Tropicana will be going away for carbonated beverages as of January 1, 2009 in markets that do not have Crush already. Non-carbonated items, such as orangeade, lemonade, and fruit punch will remain Tropicana for the foreseeable future. As of April 2009, the Crush roll-out seems to be in full swing, with a majority of Pepsi markets selling diet and regular orange, and grape. Strawberry has appeared in some but not all markets. Interestingly, I have observed at least 3 markets where Crush has remained in the 3rd tier system. Every one of these markets has a commonality that there is already a 3rd tier Orange in the mainstream system. In these markets, usually, coke has Sunkist Orange. More to follow as this pattern, confirmed by me, has not been officially confirmed.
Soda does not "expire". The date on the package is provided as a "freshness date" or "best by date". All sodas contain ingredients that are mixed, and after some time will start to separate. After the date passes, there is not a magical transformation and breakdown of the product. And if the can remains intact and untampered, after several years, the seams of the can will start to separate. Carbonation will leak out first, and eventually liquid seeps out. Soda is difficult to store for more than five years. The date printed on most regular soda is 9 months from the date of production. Dates on diet soda are usually only 3 months out from the production date. Some sodas do not contain recognizable dates. The code on the can, however, can be deciphered. Like beer, this date is a “born on” date. To read it, find the 4 digits that are numeric. The first or last of these 4 is the year code. It may be a 8, 9, or 0 (2008, 2009, 2010). The other 3 digits are the ordinal date, meaning, the # of days since January 1st. You can usually divide this # by 30 to get an approximate day of the month. (There is a chart Typically, soda in cans will be fine up to two years after the freshness date. Soda is a consumable item, and will taste different at any stage of storage. A soda two days old will taste different than one month, six months, one month before the expiration date, or one month after. Typically after a year and a half, the breakdown of regular sodas will reach a point where the difference in taste becomes noticeable. The ingredients in the can are not changing, and if consumed will pose no additional health risk than when the drink was new. Diet soda, which contains artificial man-made sweetners, breaks down much sooner. I would not recommend drinking diet soda more than 6 months after its posted (or calculated) freshness date. |
FAQs
What is the oldest soft drink in America? ›
DR PEPPER IS THE OLDEST MAJOR SOFT DRINK IN AMERICA.
Originally made in Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, the drink's unique flavor was a hit when it was first sold in 1885.
How Long Does Soda Last After Opening? An open bottle or can of soda will retain its carbonation for about 3 to 4 days if sealed and refrigerated. After that period, it'll lose most of its fizz, and you probably won't enjoy it nearly as much.
Has Pibb Xtra been discontinued? ›Though Pibb Xtra is still found at restaurants and in grocery stores, sort of, the story of Mr. Pibb ebbs and flows with some good drama. Think color changes, wild fans stopping at nothing for a case of the stuff, and some great vintage memorabilia and connections to old stunt shows.
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.
Coca-Cola and Pepsi are being banned across several Indian states after an environmental pressure group said it had found pesticides in drinks produced by the Indian arms of the companies.
Can you drink 10 year old soda? ›Carbonated soft drinks or sodas are not perishable, and are safe past the date stamped on the container. Eventually flavor and carbonation will decrease.
Can you drink 40 year old Coke? ›“The quality and taste of expired soda may be severely impacted,” Schwan said. “Carbonated soft drinks or sodas will decrease in flavor and carbonation – they may taste awful and 'flat' if consumed long after their expiration date.”
Does water expire? ›While water doesn't expire, some concerns are associated with its plastic bottles. These vessels can produce health concerns and odd tastes as they degrade over time and microplastics enter the water. Properly storing water in your warehouse, office or facility may help mitigate these risks.
What was Dr Pepper originally called? ›It was created in 1885 by a pharmacist, Charles Alderton, in Waco, Texas. And its original name was Waco – it was served there at the soda fountain in the drugstore. The drink was an instant hit; customers would sit down on one of those old spinning stools and say, “Shoot me a Waco.”
What was Mr. Pibb originally called? ›First introduced as "Peppo" to compete against Dr Pepper, the name was changed to "Mr. Pibb" after Dr Pepper sued The Coca-Cola Company for trademark infringement. The original test markets for Mr. Pibb in 1972 were located in Waco, Texas, the birthplace of Dr Pepper, before the company moved to Dallas, Texas.
What was in 7 Up? ›
Ingredients are: filtered carbonated water and contains 2% or less of each of the following: citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, potassium benzoate (protects flavor), aspartame, potassium citrate, acesulfame potassium, red 40. Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine.
What was the most popular soda in 1950? ›1950s: Diet-Rite Cola
It quickly became the biggest-selling diet soda and one of the top sellers overall, behind only Coca-Cola, Pepsi and 7-Up.
- 1 Coca Cola Can Factory Error, $281,000.
- 2 Coca-Cola Factory Error Unopened Can, SOLD $250,000.
- 3 6 100th Anniversary Laredo Coca Cola Bottling Co, $11,000. ...
- 4 Antique Kiesener Swiss Apple Juice from 1942, $7,950.
- 5 3 Vintage Pepsi-Cola Cans From The '50s, SOLD $5,995. ...
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.
Which soft drink is most unhealthy? ›Number One: Hype Energy Drink
The worst soft drink for your health might well be Hype, a carbonated energy drink that contains 160 mg of caffeine in a 16-oz. can and an industry leading 8.4 g of sugar per oz. The sugar is derived entirely from high fructose corn syrup.
Thums Up is the best among the three most popular black beverages in the test because of the following factors: Comparatively speaking, they have less sugar than Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Thumps up has 9g of sugar per 100ml, compared to 11g per 100ml for Coca-cola and Pepsi.
Is it safe to drink a bulging soda can? ›Bulging and/or leaking cans can be caused by freezing, improper storage, overfilling of the can during processing, denting or contamination by spoilage bacteria. Since the cause of the bulging or leaking can is unknown those cans must be DISCARDED.
Can you take soda out of the fridge and put it back? ›It is generally safe to take cold drinks out of the fridge and consume them at room temperature, even if they are unsealed.
Can I give my 2 year old Coke? ›Sugar-sweetened drinks (such as soda, pop, soft drinks, flavored milks, sports drinks, flavored water with sugar, and juice drinks) contain added sugars. These drinks are different than 100% juice. Children younger than 24 months old should avoid added sugars.
What is the rarest Coke bottle? ›The toughest bottles to collect are the early Hutchinson bottles, the first bottles for Coca-Cola®, which were used from the mid-1890s to the early years of the 20th Century. Because they were in the market for a limited period of time, they're hard to find. In good condition, they can bring premium dollars.
Are old soda bottles worth anything? ›
The vast majority of antique and vintage soda bottles aren't worth vacation-winning money; rather, these collectibles can fetch between $5-$25 dollars per bottle, with antique bottles being worth just a bit more based on their age.
Does unopened toothpaste expire? ›You might not even realize it, but toothpaste does have an expiration date. Contrary to popular belief, toothpaste is not a non-perishable thing like most people seem to think. Toothpaste typically has an expiration date that is approximately two years from the manufacture date.
What are some foods that never go bad? ›- Honey. Thanks to the magic handiwork of bees (they have special enzymes that basically inhibit bacterial growth) and the way it's processed for storage, honey is the longest lasting of the bunch. ...
- Rice. ...
- Instant Coffee. ...
- White Vinegar. ...
- Vanilla Extract. ...
- Salt. ...
- Dried Beans. ...
- Sugar.
But because plastic can begin leaching into bottled water over time, they generally have an expiration date of 2 years from the date of manufacture. Figuring out how to stay hydrated is vital to your health, with water doing everything from preventing dehydration to carrying nutrients and oxygen to your entire body.
What two sodas make Dr Pepper? ›Pepper is a combination of cola and root beer, so dr. . Pepper is invented in 1885 by . charles pemberton and morrison's old corner drugstore in . waco, texas. .
What is the oldest soft drink? ›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.
What does 10 2 4 Dr Pepper mean? ›Not really, but at the time, it won an ad campaign request put out by the brand after research in the 1920s showed that folks generally suffer from a sugar low around 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Hence the need for a sugary, bubbly beverage like Dr Pepper to get you going again.
What is the flavor of Dr Pepper? ›Dr Pepper has been described as having a sweet and savory flavor, with subtle notes of cherry and caramel. Dr Pepper is not overly sweet like some sodas, but it still packs enough of a punch to satisfy your cravings for something refreshing. Dr Pepper has a unique taste that no other soda can claim.
Which is older pibb or Dr Pepper? ›Pibb are two cola-esque soft drinks that share a similar flavor profile, but their history is somewhat different and there are a number of things that set them apart. For starters, Dr Pepper is the older of the two beverages.
Is Dr Pepper a root beer? ›Is Dr Pepper a root beer? No. Dr Pepper is not a root beer. It's not an apple, it's not an orange, it's not a strawberry, it's not a root beer, it's not even a cola.
How much was a Coke in the 50s? ›
1920 - a nickel, 1930 - a nickel, 1940 - a nickel, 1950 - a nickel. As late as 1959, you could buy a 6-and-a-half-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola for one nickel.
Why was lithium banned? ›The United States Food and Drug Administration categorizes lithium as having positive evidence of risk for pregnancy and possible hazardous risk for lactation.
Why is it called Sprite? ›Lippincott created the name Sprite for the Coca-Cola Company's lemon-lime soft drink in 1961. The word means “elf, fairy, or goblin,” and comes from the Latin spiritus, for spirit.
What is America's oldest drink Coca-Cola or Dr Pepper? ›Dr Pepper is the oldest soft drink in America. Older than Coca-Cola, in fact, by a full year. It was created in 1885 by a pharmacist, Charles Alderton, in Waco, Texas. And its original name was Waco – it was served there at the soda fountain in the drugstore.
Which drink is older Coke or Pepsi? ›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.
What was the first canned soft drink? ›The first soft drinks to be sold in all-aluminum cans were R.C. Cola and Diet-Rite Cola, both made by the Royal Crown Cola company, in 1964.
What is the oldest flavored soda? ›Vernors Ginger Ale is widely recognized as the world's oldest soda by most people since it is made with carbonated water and has a distinct flavor. What is this? That said, 1767 was the year carbonated drinking water was first created. But the first flavored carbonated drink was this ginger ale, developed in 1866.
What is America's number 1 soda? ›According to Beverage Digest, Coca Cola is by far the best selling soda in the United States.
What is the most popular soda? ›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, Coke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company. Crisp, delicious, and super refreshing, Coca-Cola Original is an all-time favorite.
What was soda originally called? ›| Year | Term |
|---|---|
| 1809 | Ginger pop |
| 1812 | Pop |
| 1863 | Soda pop |
| 1880 | Soft drink |
What was Pepsi before it was called Pepsi? ›
On August 28, 1898, “Pepsi-Cola” got its name. Beginning in 1893, New Bern pharmacist Caleb Bradham developed and began serving a carbonated drink he called “Brad's Drink.” He served the beverage from the soda fountain in his pharmacy at the corner of Pollock and Middle Streets.
What was Coke called in 1985? ›That changed, of course, in the summer of 1985 as the consumer outcry over "new Coke" was replaced by consumer affection for Coca-Cola classic. The fabled secret formula for Coca-Cola was changed, adopting a formula preferred in taste tests of nearly 200,000 consumers.
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.)
What was the famous soft drink in 1886? ›The Origin of Coca-Cola
On May 8, 1886, Dr. John Pemberton sold the first glass of Coca-Cola at Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta.
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.
When did Coke stop using steel cans? ›By 1963 12 ounce aluminium beverage cans were beginning to be produced in larger quantities and in 1967 that volume swelled considerably when Coca Cola and Pepsi converted to aluminium cans.
What was the first ice cream soda? ›The generally acknowledged creator of the ice cream soda is Robert M. Green, who fathered it in October, 1874, at the semicentennial celebration of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, where he was a concessionaire selling soda fountain drinks from a three-foot-square dispenser.