History of 7up
7UP, originally introduced as "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda," was created in 1929 by Charles
Leiper Grigg, the founder of The Howdy Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. Initially formulated as a
mood-enhancing beverage containing lithium, the drink was marketed as a medicinal tonic, promoting
its soothing effects. However, in 1948, after the health risks of lithium became known, the formula
was altered to remove the compound, and the drink was rebranded as 7UP. The name "7UP" is believed
to refer to a variety of factors, including the 7 ingredients in the original formula and the
drink’s uplifting effects.
In the following decades, 7UP became one of the leading soft
drinks in the United States and was notably marketed as a refreshing alternative to colas. The brand
rose to popularity with the help of memorable advertising campaigns, including its famous "Uncola"
slogan introduced in 1967. This positioning capitalized on the fact that 7UP was a clear, non-cola
soda, setting it apart from Coca-Cola and Pepsi, the dominant players in the cola
category.
Over the years, 7UP went through several ownership changes. In 1978, it was
acquired by the Philip Morris company, which also owned other prominent brands like Marlboro and
Miller Beer. In the 1990s, it became part of the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, and later, in 2018, it
became part of Keurig Dr Pepper following a merger. Despite these transitions, 7UP has maintained
its distinctive lemon-lime flavor and remains a popular soda choice worldwide.
The brand also
introduced various flavor variations, such as Diet 7UP, Cherry 7UP, and 7UP Free, catering to
health-conscious consumers and expanding its market appeal. Today, 7UP continues to be a household
name, offering a wide range of products while retaining its legacy as a refreshing, caffeine-free
soda.