Modern Marvels: Inside the Fizzy World of Soft Drinks (S15, E13) | Full Episode

HISTORY・2 minutes read

Soft drinks are a significant industry, with unique brewing methods distinguishing companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, while Dr. Pepper's secret blend remains closely guarded. Health-conscious consumers are turning to natural sodas like Hansen's, and energy drinks have seen immense growth, with Jetset aiming to establish itself in the industry.

Insights

  • Dr. Pepper Snapple group, the third-largest soda maker, boasts a closely guarded secret of blending 23 flavors to create its signature taste, with a production facility in Irving generating 70 million cases of soft drinks annually.
  • 7-Eleven's iconic Slurpees, originating from a broken soda dispenser in 1959, offer a variety of flavors with a special syrup formulation allowing for a smooth texture, produced in two and a half gallon boxes, each capable of making over 150 22-ounce drinks, with a computer monitoring the freezing process for the ideal pour.

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Recent questions

  • What are the top-selling soft drink brands in the US?

    Coca-Cola and Pepsi

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Summary

00:00

"Soft Drink Industry: Brewing Methods and Market"

  • Soft drinks are a significant industry, with unique brewing methods distinguishing some companies.
  • Soft drinks are popular in the US, with nearly 15 billion gallons consumed annually, surpassing coffee, beer, and bottled water.
  • Carbonated soft drinks are the largest beverage category in the US, with Coca-Cola and Pepsi leading the market.
  • Dr. Pepper Snapple group is the third-largest soda maker, producing 6 of the top 10 non-cola carbonated soft drinks.
  • Dr. Pepper's signature taste is a blend of 23 secret flavors, a closely guarded company secret.
  • Dr. Pepper Snapple group's Irving plant produces 70 million cases of soft drinks annually, with a large manufacturing facility.
  • Water is the main ingredient in soft drinks, purified before adding high fructose corn syrup 55 for sweetness.
  • The syrup-water mixture is carbonated with carbon dioxide at specific temperatures to preserve fizziness.
  • Soft drinks have a rich history, originating as pharmacist elixirs and evolving into popular beverages.
  • Health-conscious consumers are turning to natural sodas like Hansen's, which use natural flavors and pure cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.

15:20

"Energy drinks: growth, risks, and innovation"

  • Carbohydrates are essential for the body's energy, being the second key ingredient in Gatorade after electrolytes.
  • Gatorade, a mix of carbs and electrolytes, was developed in the mid-1960s by University of Florida researchers for the Florida Gators football team.
  • Energy drinks, containing caffeine and guarana, have seen immense growth in the last decade, with US sales reaching over $7 billion in 2007.
  • Energy drinks are often introduced in nightclub settings to boost sales and exposure.
  • Jetset, a brand of energy drinks, offers traditional mixers with a contemporary twist, aiming to establish itself in the industry.
  • Combining alcohol with caffeine from energy drinks can send mixed messages to the nervous system and potentially cause cardiac issues.
  • A microbrewery in Los Angeles produces ginger ale using fresh ginger and a traditional brewing process.
  • Root beer, originally brewed by Native Americans, faced a ban due to its key ingredient safrole being labeled a potential carcinogen.
  • Some root beer makers now use safrole-free sassafras extract to maintain the drink's distinct taste.
  • 7-Eleven celebrates its birthday by offering free Slurpees, a semi-frozen soft drink that originated from a broken soda dispenser in 1959.

29:49

"Slurpee: Syrup, CO2, and 20 Flavors"

  • 20 different Slurpee flavors are available, including energy Slurpees and sugar-free options.
  • The core taste of Slurpees comes from flavored syrup in two and a half gallon boxes.
  • Each two and a half gallon bag of syrup makes over 150 22-ounce Slurpee drinks.
  • Slurpee syrup has a special formulation allowing CO2 to be absorbed, creating a smooth texture with yucca as the foaming agent.
  • A compressor pumps syrup, water, and CO2 to the dispenser for trademark consistency.
  • Sweetener in the syrup allows pouring at 24 to 28 degrees, preventing it from freezing solid.
  • Slurpee dispensers mix water, syrup, and CO2 in chilled barrels, each holding 176 ounces of product.
  • A computer monitors the freezing process, turning off the compressor at the ideal point for the perfect Slurpee pour.
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