A Definitive Ranking of Popular Soft Drink Brands
Whether you call it pop or soda or something else entirely, here is how your favorite soft drink brands stack up.
Besides bottled water and juice boxes, children and adults alike love soft drinks. Depending on where you live, some of us call them “pop” while others call them “soda.” Maybe there are even a select few of us out there who call these beverages “soda pop.” But no matter what you call them, a soft drink is a beloved beverage for many of us.
A soft drink is a beverage that usually contains a mixture of carbonated water, a sweetener, and a natural or artificial flavoring along with a dose of caffeine. (Perfect for those of us who prefer a bit of pop or fizz in the morning instead of a classic cup of coffee).
Carbonated soft drinks (CSD) are dominated by three major players — The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper. Each of these companies boasts a large number of soft drink brands, but Coca-Cola reigns supreme as the king of the soft drink industry. We took a sip of some of the most popular soft drink brands and here is a definitive ranking of some popular soft drink brands.
Diet Mountain Dew
Diet Mountain Dew, or Diet MNT Dew, has all of the great, exhilarating taste of traditional Mountain Dew. Also available in caffeine-free, Diet Mountain Dew is perfect for those who enjoy the refreshing taste of this citrusy soft drink, only with fewer calories. More flavor, less guilt.
Fanta
Owned by the Coca-Cola Company, Fanta is a brand of fruit-flavored carbonated soft drinks. Choose from a variety of fresh fruit flavors including its iconic orange as well as grape, pineapple, strawberry, fruit punch, and berry, among many others. This soft drink may even have some of us singing the song from those catchy commercials from the 2000s with the Fanta Fantanas asking, “Don’t you wanna Fanta?”
Coke Zero
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, or Coke Zero, allows Coca-Cola fans to enjoy the refreshment of Coca-Cola with zero sugar and zero calories. Fans of Coke can also enjoy a Cherry Vanilla flavor, Cherry, Vanilla, or Orange Vanilla. Coke Zero also offers caffeine-free options.
Diet Pepsi
One of PepsiCo’s original creations, Diet Pepsi, has a crisp, light taste, giving fans all of the refreshment they are craving without any calories, carbs or sugar. As the PepsiCo website says, “Nothing refreshes like a Diet Pepsi.”
Sprite
As part of the Coca-Cola Company and family of soft drink brands, Sprite is a fan favorite beloved by many soft drink connoisseurs. This colorless, lemon-lime flavored soft drink was first introduced to the United States back in 1961 when it went against a major competitor from Keurig Dr Pepper, 7 Up. Available in a variety of refreshing flavors, Sprite is also available in sugar-free options.
Mountain Dew
This is the second time this soft drink is making an appearance on our rankings, but this time, it is PepsiCo’s classic combination coming in at the fifth spot — Mountain Dew. MTN DEW Original is the original soft drink beverage from PepsiCo that started it all. This “green magic” will quench your thirst. Whether you enjoy sipping it from a bottle, can or glass, like their website says, “It is always a good time for a DEW.”
Dr Pepper
One of the oldest major brands in the United States, Dr Pepper was established in 1885. Their signature blend of 23 flavors makes every sip of Dr Pepper a one of a kind experience for consumers and their taste buds. Available in a dozen flavor varieties, there is a bottle or can of Dr Pepper for almost every taste preference.
Diet Coke
The second-most popular beverage produced by the Coca-Cola Company, Diet Coke provides the perfect balance of crisp and refreshing flavors. It is a deliciously fizzy go-to companion that is a soft drink beverage you can count on. A total original except with zero calories. Available in an array of fresh flavors, Diet Coke is a soft drink you can drink up.
Pepsi
Next on our countdown is the ever-popular Pepsi. With the iconic blue, red and white logo, Pepsi is a soft drink brand recognized worldwide. Slightly sweeter than a can of Coke, Pepsi embodies a subtle citrusy taste that leaves many people preferring it over the taste of Coke. Available in a variety of flavors, Pepsi holds the second spot on our definitive rankings of popular soft drink brands.
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, Coke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company. Crisp, delicious, and super refreshing, Coca-Cola Original is an all-time favorite. Whether we love the original flavor combination or prefer one of their many flavor variations, there is a reason Coke is a fan favorite.
Ashley Martens is a wellness writer based in Chicago. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics. Ashley is also a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
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