The Most Popular Carbonated Drink, Ranked

Choose the carbonated drink you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 24, 2024 06:42
Every day, countless people reach for a fizzy, bubbly beverage to quench their thirst or enjoy with a meal. With so many varieties and brands available, it can be a real challenge to decide which ones stand out from the rest. Our interactive ranking aims to simplify this choice by bringing together the opinions of many, reflecting a collective preference for these effervescent drinks. Here, your votes count directly towards creating a live leaderboard of the top carbonated beverages as chosen by users like you. Whether you're an avid fan of these refreshing drinks or just searching for a new favorite, casting your vote here helps ensure that the best ones bubble to the top. Participate today and see where your preferred fizz ranks among the global favorites.

What Is the Most Popular Carbonated Drink?

  1. 1
    70
    points
    Coca-Cola

    Coca-Cola

    A carbonated soft drink manufactured by The Coca-Cola Company. Known for its distinctive taste, it was originally intended as a patent medicine when it was invented in the late 19th century.
    • Year Introduced: 1886
    • Company: The Coca-Cola Company
  2. 2
    29
    points
    Fanta

    Fanta

    A brand of fruit-flavored carbonated drinks created by The Coca-Cola Company. There are more than 100 flavors worldwide. The drink originated in Nazi Germany under a trade embargo for Coca-Cola ingredients in 1940.
    • Year Introduced: 1940
    • Company: The Coca-Cola Company
  3. 3
    29
    points
    Pepsi

    Pepsi

    A carbonated soft drink produced and manufactured by PepsiCo. Originally created and developed in 1893 by Caleb Bradham and introduced as Brad's Drink, it was renamed as Pepsi-Cola in 1898.
    • Year Introduced: 1893
    • Company: PepsiCo
  4. 4
    17
    points
    Sprite

    Sprite

    A colorless, lemon and lime-flavored soft drink created by The Coca-Cola Company. It was first developed in West Germany in 1959 as Fanta Klare Zitrone (Clear Lemon Fanta) and was introduced in the United States under the Sprite brand in 1961.
    • Year Introduced: 1961
    • Company: The Coca-Cola Company
  5. 5
    13
    points
    Mountain Dew

    Mountain Dew

    A carbonated soft drink brand produced and owned by PepsiCo. The original formula was invented in 1940 by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman.
    • Year Introduced: 1940
    • Company: PepsiCo
  6. 6
    0
    points
    Mirinda

    Mirinda

    A brand of soft drink originally created in Spain in 1959, with global distribution. Its name means 'admirable' or 'wonderful' in Esperanto. It is available in fruit varieties including orange, citrus, apple, and grapefruit.
    • Year Introduced: 1959
    • Company: PepsiCo
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Schweppes

    Schweppes

    A Swiss beverage brand that is sold around the world. It includes a variety of lemonade, carbonated waters, and ginger ales. Founded in 1783 by Jacob Schweppe.
    • Year Introduced: 1783
    • Company: Keurig Dr Pepper / Coca-Cola Company
  8. 8
    0
    points
    7 Up

    7 Up

    A brand of lemon-lime-flavored non-caffeinated soft drink. The rights to the brand are held by Keurig Dr Pepper in the United States and by PepsiCo (or its licensees) in the rest of the world.
    • Year Introduced: 1929
    • Company: Keurig Dr Pepper / PepsiCo
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Dr Pepper

    A carbonated soft drink marketed as having a unique flavor. The drink was created in the 1880s by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas, and first served around 1885.
    • Year Introduced: 1885
    • Company: Keurig Dr Pepper
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Sunkist

    Sunkist

    A brand of primarily orange flavored soft drinks that launched in 1979. Sunkist is licensed by Sunkist Growers to the Keurig Dr Pepper company for soft drinks.
    • Year Introduced: 1979
    • Company: Keurig Dr Pepper

Missing your favorite carbonated drink?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular carbonated drink. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beverage is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2758 views
  • 158 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beverage once every 24 hours. The rank of each beverage is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Carbonated Drink

Coca-Cola
Rank #1 for the most popular carbonated drink: Coca-Cola (Source)
Carbonated drinks have a long history. Their origins date back to the late 18th century. Scientists discovered how to infuse water with carbon dioxide. This process created bubbles and gave the drink a fizzy texture. Early versions were simple. They often had no added flavors.

In the 19th century, things changed. People began adding various ingredients. These included sugar, herbs, and spices. The goal was to create unique tastes. Some of these drinks became very popular. They were seen as refreshing and enjoyable. Many people believed they had health benefits.

The growth of carbonated drinks continued. In the early 20th century, mass production became possible. Factories could now produce large quantities. This made these drinks more accessible. People could buy them in stores and enjoy them at home. They were no longer a luxury item.

Marketing played a big role in their popularity. Companies invested in advertising. They used colorful posters and catchy slogans. This helped create a strong brand image. People began to associate these drinks with fun and relaxation. They became a staple at social gatherings and events.

The ingredients in these drinks are simple. They include carbonated water, sweeteners, and flavorings. Some also contain caffeine. This adds a stimulating effect. The combination of these elements creates a refreshing experience. The bubbles tickle the tongue. The sweetness satisfies the taste buds. The flavors offer a pleasant aroma.

Over time, many variations have emerged. There are now options with less sugar. Some use artificial sweeteners. Others have added vitamins and minerals. There are also versions with natural ingredients. These cater to health-conscious consumers. Despite these changes, the core elements remain the same.

Carbonated drinks are often paired with food. They complement meals well. The fizz helps cleanse the palate. This enhances the dining experience. They are popular at fast-food restaurants. They are also a common choice at parties and picnics.

The industry has faced challenges. Health concerns have risen. People worry about the high sugar content. There are also concerns about artificial ingredients. This has led to a decline in sales. Companies have responded by offering healthier options. They have also reduced portion sizes. These efforts aim to address consumer concerns.

Environmental issues are another challenge. The production process can be resource-intensive. It uses water and energy. The packaging also creates waste. Companies are working to reduce their environmental impact. They are using recycled materials. They are also improving their production methods.

Despite these challenges, carbonated drinks remain popular. They have a strong cultural presence. They are featured in movies and TV shows. They are part of many traditions. People enjoy them for their taste and refreshment. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

The future of carbonated drinks is evolving. Companies are exploring new flavors. They are also focusing on sustainability. Innovation will continue to shape the industry. Yet, the core appeal of these drinks remains unchanged. They offer a simple pleasure. This is why they have stood the test of time.

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