Milly Gaines
The 7 Up company was privately owned by its founding families until it was sold in 1978 to Philip Morris, which then sold it in 1986 in two parts: the international division to PepsiCo and the US business to a group led by the investment firm Hicks & Haas. Since PepsiCo did not own the rights to 7 Up in the US, certain ads featuring Fido Dido, who was used as a mascot in international markets, were instead reworked to advertise the company's Slice brand of lemon-lime soda. In the US, 7 Up merged with Dr Pepper in 1988 to form Dr Pepper/Seven Up; Cadbury Schweppes bought the combined company in 1995. Today, 7 Up is available in Diet 7 Up and 7 Up Zero varieties, in addition to the original formula.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current owner | Keurig Dr Pepper |
| Previous owners | Philip Morris, PepsiCo (international division), Hicks & Haas (US business) |
| Year of acquisition by PepsiCo | 1986 |
| Year of selling by PepsiCo | 1995 |
| Other products | Pepsi Zero Sugar, Diet Pepsi, Lipton Brisk Lemon |
| Flavors | Lemon-lime, cherry, tropical |
| Ingredients | Filtered carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, potassium citrate, natural flavors, calcium disodium EDTA, potassium benzoate, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, yellow 6, yellow 5, red 40 |
| Calories | 200 per serving |
| Availability | 12-pack cans, 7.5 oz 6-pack cans, 24-pack cube cans, 2-liter bottles, 16 oz bottles, 20 oz bottles |
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What You'll Learn
7 Up was originally called 7up Lithiated Lemon Soda
7 Up, the popular lemon-lime soda, was originally called 7up Lithiated Lemon Soda. The drink was created by Charles Leiper Grigg and launched in 1929 as "Bib-Label" Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda. The "Bib-Label" prefix referred to the practice of hanging a piece of paper around the neck of a soda bottle like a bib and was not part of the name of the soda. The drink was originally marketed as a health tonic and contained lithium citrate, a mood-stabilizing drug.
The name was changed to 7up Lithiated Lemon Soda in 1930-1931, and the beverage was sold as a soft drink with various health benefits. However, in 1936, the federal government forced the manufacturer to remove these health claims as lithium was not an actual ingredient. As a result, the name was simplified to 7 Up in 1937, and the formula was changed to remove the lithium.
The origin of the name 7 Up is unclear, and there are several theories about its derivation. Britvic, the current distributor of 7 Up in the UK, claims that the name comes from the seven main ingredients in the original recipe. This theory is supported by a corporate history book and seems the most logical explanation. However, others have claimed that the number 7 refers to the lithium in the original formula, which has an atomic mass of approximately 7. Another theory suggests that the name alluded to the soda being packaged in seven-ounce bottles when most other soft drinks were packaged in six-ounce bottles.
Over the years, 7 Up has undergone several reformulations and changes in ownership. In 1978, the founding families sold the company to Philip Morris, who then sold it in 1986 to two separate entities: the international division to PepsiCo and the US business to a group led by Hicks & Haas. In the US, 7 Up merged with Dr Pepper in 1988, and the combined company was later acquired by Cadbury Schweppes in 1995. The drink is now owned by Keurig Dr Pepper and is distributed internationally by PepsiCo.
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The drink's name was changed when lithium was removed from the recipe
The soft drink 7 Up was originally privately owned by its founding families until it was sold in 1978 to Philip Morris. In 1986, the company was sold in two parts: the international division to PepsiCo and the US business to a group led by the investment firm Hicks & Haas. The name "7 Up" has a somewhat unclear origin. The drink was initially called "7up Lithiated Lemon Soda" in 1930–1931, as indicated by the use of a logo with a tilted "up" and historical paper labels. In 1936, the federal government forced the manufacturer to remove a number of health claims, and because lithium was not an actual ingredient, the name was changed to just "7 Up" in 1937.
One theory suggests that the name "7 Up" comes from the seven main ingredients in the drink. Another theory suggests that the number was a reference to the lithium contained in the original recipe, which has an atomic mass of 7. 7 Up has been reformulated several times since its launch in 1929, and the current formula contains filtered carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, potassium citrate, natural flavors, and calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor).
Today, 7 Up is a popular soft drink that is often consumed cold, either refrigerated or with ice. It is also used as a mixer for highball alcoholic lemon-lime soda cocktails, such as the 7 and 7 (Seagram's 7 Crown and 7 Up) and CC and Seven (Canadian Club whisky and 7 Up). It is also used in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic punches. 7 Up is known for its refreshing and crisp taste, with a balanced combination of lemon and lime flavors. The drink is available in a variety of packaging options, including 12-pack cans, 7.5 oz 6-pack cans, 24-pack cube cans, 2-liter bottles, 16 oz bottles, and 20 oz bottles.
In terms of its branding and marketing, 7 Up has had several mascots over the years, including "Fresh-Up Freddie," a rooster that appeared in commercials in the 1950s, and "Fido Dido," a cartoon character that was used as a mascot in international areas from the late 1980s through the early 1990s and was reintroduced in international markets in the early 2000s.
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PepsiCo owns the rights to 7 Up outside of the US
Since PepsiCo did not own the rights to 7 Up in the US, certain ads featuring Fido Dido, the 7 Up mascot in international markets, were instead reworked to advertise the company's Slice brand of lemon-lime soda. In the US, 7 Up merged with Dr Pepper in 1988 to form Dr Pepper/Seven Up, which was then bought by Cadbury Schweppes in 1995.
PepsiCo's association with 7 Up is evident in the availability of 7 Up products on the Pepsi MidAmerica website. The website offers a range of 7 Up products, including Diet 7 Up, 7 Up Zero, and Cherry 7 Up, in various packaging sizes.
While PepsiCo owns the rights to 7 Up outside of the US, the brand has a complex ownership history. The rights to 7 Up in the US have changed hands multiple times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the beverage industry and the value of this well-known soft drink brand.
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7 Up is a popular mixer for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
The history of 7 Up as a mixer can be traced back to the 1930s, when metal pedestrian crossing markers in many U.S. cities encouraged people to "Drink 7up Safety First." In the 1950s, the brand's rooster mascot, Fresh-Up Freddie, taught viewers how to plan successful parties and picnics by including plenty of 7 Up. These commercials, produced by Disney, showcased 7 Up as an essential beverage for social gatherings.
The versatility of 7 Up as a mixer is further highlighted by its use in recipes and meals. It can add a crisp, balanced flavour to dishes and is often included as an ingredient in various recipes. The drink's refreshing quality and unique taste have made it a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing beverage to enjoy on its own or as a mixer.
The brand has also expanded its offerings with new flavours, such as 7 Up Cherry, which provides a crisp, clean, and refreshing taste with all-natural cherry flavour. Additionally, Tropical 7 Up blends the original flavour with tropical notes of mango and peach, offering a new dimension to the classic drink. These flavour variations provide additional options for creating innovative cocktails, mocktails, and punches.
The popularity of 7 Up as a mixer can be attributed to its refreshing flavour and versatility. Whether it's enhancing the taste of alcoholic beverages or adding a unique twist to non-alcoholic options, 7 Up has established itself as a go-to mixer for those seeking to elevate their drinking experience. Its widespread availability in various packaging sizes also contributes to its convenience and popularity among consumers.
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7 Up is available in a variety of flavours and pack sizes
In terms of pack sizes, 7 Up is available in 12-pack cans, 7.5 oz 6-pack cans, 24-pack cube cans, 2-litre bottles, 16 oz bottles, and 20 oz bottles. The variety of pack sizes ensures that 7 Up is suitable for a range of occasions, from individual servings to larger gatherings.
The availability of 7 Up in different flavours and pack sizes also allows for versatility in consumption. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink on its own, added to meals and recipes, or used as a mixer for cocktails and mocktails. For those watching their calorie intake, 7 Up also offers zero-sugar options in some flavours.
It is worth noting that the availability of specific flavours and pack sizes may vary depending on the region. While 7 Up aims to provide a diverse range of options, certain products may not be available in all areas.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Diet 7Up is a Pepsi product. The 7Up company was privately owned by its founding families until it was sold in 1978 to Philip Morris, which sold it in 1986 in two parts: the international division to PepsiCo and the US business to a group led by the investment firm Hicks & Haas.
7Up is a lemon-lime soda that is consumed cold, either refrigerated or with ice. It is also used as a mixer for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
7Up was launched in 1929 and has been reformulated several times since then. The trademark "SEVEN-UP" was granted in 1928, and a 1929 taste test advertisement featured a flying "7up" logo. The name became "7up Lithiated Lemon Soda" in 1930–1931. In 1936 the federal government forced the manufacturer to remove a number of health claims, and because lithium was not an actual ingredient, the name was changed to just "7 Up" in 1937.
One of 7Up's slogans was "Make 7 Up Yours".
The ingredients of 7Up are filtered carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, potassium citrate, natural flavors, and calcium disodium EDTA.
