Top Soda Brands That Fizz with Flavor

Soda, one of the most beloved carbonated beverages across the globe, offers a refreshing and bubbly experience for countless enthusiasts. From classics that have stood the test of time to innovative new flavors that push the boundaries, there's a soda brand to match every palate. A delightful spectrum of choices ranges from those with bold tastes to options that promise a more subtle, nuanced experience. For a closer look at the best brands that capture the effervescent spirit of this popular drink, continue reading below.

Illustration of soda

Best brands of soda in 2025

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is the leading producer of soda in the U.S., holding a significant market share of 44.9% among carbonated soft drinks as of 2023. The company, which is over 130 years old, sells its products in more than 200 countries and enjoys an estimated 1.9 billion servings worldwide every day. Coca-Cola's portfolio includes popular brands like Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite, with these three brands combined accounting for 35% of the U.S. soft drink market. The company spends approximately $4 billion annually on advertising and employs over 86,200 people globally. Coca-Cola's revenue from North America alone was $16.77 billion in 2023.

Pepsi

Pepsi, one of the leading soda brands, has historically held a significant market share in the U.S. soft drink industry, although it has seen a decline from 15.0% in 1995 to 8.3% in 2023. Despite this drop, Pepsi remains a major player, having regained the second position in the market during the 2010s before being tied by Dr. Pepper in 2024. In 2022, the Pepsi-Cola brand had a market share of almost 9% in the carbonated soft drink segment. PepsiCo's overall market share in U.S. carbonated soft drinks was 24.3% in 2022, highlighting its continued influence in the industry. The brand's longevity and widespread recognition make it a staple in the soft drink market. For more insights about their products, visit Pepsi's official website.

Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper has emerged as the second-largest soda brand in the United States, surpassing Pepsi in 2023 with a market share of 8.3% by volume, according to Beverage Digest's data. Founded in 1885 in Waco, Texas, Dr Pepper has built a loyal following with its unique blend of 23 flavors. The brand's strategic marketing and distribution efforts, including alliances with both Coke and Pepsi, have significantly boosted its presence. Dr Pepper's innovative flavors, such as Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream and Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, have also contributed to its success. As of Q3 2024, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc holds an 8.95% market share in the nonalcoholic beverages industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Sprite

Sprite, a clear, lemon-lime flavored soft drink created by the Coca-Cola Company, is one of the best-selling sodas in the United States, with a market share of 8.1% as of 2023. Introduced in 1961, Sprite was developed to compete against 7 Up and has since become a significant part of the Coca-Cola brand portfolio, which collectively holds 35% of the U.S. soft drink market. Sprite's market share has been increasing, particularly since 2013, and it is available in multiple flavors and variations, including sugar-free options. The brand has undergone several formula changes, including the use of stevia and other sweeteners to reduce sugar content. Sprite's popularity is evident in its large following, especially among teenagers, which it has catered to through targeted marketing campaigns.

Fanta

The Fanta brand, a prominent player in the U.S. carbonated soft drink market, held a market share of just over 2% in 2022, marking an increase of approximately 1% since 2008. Despite its relatively small market share, Fanta is used by 31% of soft drink drinkers in the United States. As a part of the Coca-Cola Company, Fanta benefits from a strong distribution network and brand recognition. The brand's growth indicates its increasing popularity among American consumers. In the broader context, the U.S. soft drink market is anticipated to reach $388 billion in annual sales by 2025.

Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew, a prominent brand under PepsiCo, is one of the leading producers of soda in the U.S., boasting a market share of approximately 6.6% in 2022. Known for its distinctive citrus taste, Mountain Dew has maintained a consistent market share between 6% and 7% over the past decade and a half. The brand has a strong digital presence, particularly in the food delivery market, with a soft drink penetration rate of 29.5% in the U.S. as of Q2 2023. Mountain Dew also enjoys high brand awareness and affinity, with 93% of U.S. consumers aware of the brand and 43% showing brand affinity. Its innovative marketing strategies and partnerships with youth culture events have solidified its position in the market. For more information, visit their official website.

7UP

7 Up, once a leading soda brand, has seen a significant decline in its market share, dropping to 2.3% in 2022, far behind competitors like Sprite, which holds a 6.2% share. Originally launched in 1929 as Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda, 7 Up was a major player in the 1960s and 1970s with its "Uncola" campaign. However, the brand's failure to define its target audience and inconsistent marketing strategies have led to its current irrelevance. Despite being part of the Keurig Dr Pepper Group, 7 Up has struggled to compete with brands like Mountain Dew, which has successfully targeted a specific demographic. The brand's numerous reformulations and varied product lines have further diluted its identity. For more information, visit their official website.

A&W Root Beer

A&W Root Beer is a seminal brand in the soda industry, celebrated for its rich history and consistent quality. Founded by Roy Allen in 1919, A&W has been a leader in the root beer market, with its signature drink being served in over 370 locations across Asia and contributing significantly to the global market, where the USA alone accounts for 31.0% of the total value share. For more information, visit the A&W Root Beer official website.

Schweppes

Schweppes, a renowned brand under The Coca-Cola Company, is a leading producer of soda and tonic water, with a significant presence in the global market. In the United States, Schweppes enjoys a brand awareness of 71% among soft drink drinkers, with 16% of them using the brand, and 75% of its users showing loyalty to the brand. The tonic water market, where Schweppes is a key player, is expected to grow from USD 1.29 billion in 2024 to USD 1.85 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 7.45%. Schweppes recently launched new products, including a premium 600 ml glass bottle in three flavors, further solidifying its market position. The brand's popularity is also evident in France, where an estimated 6.1 million people consumed Schweppes Fruits in 2023. For detailed insights, visit Schweppes Soft Drinks Brand Profile.

Jones Soda

Jones Soda Co. is a notable player in the nonalcoholic beverages industry, recognized for its unique customer-centric approach and innovative marketing strategies. Founded in 1986 by Peter van Stolk, the company achieved significant success by selling uniquely flavored sodas in alternative venues and featuring customer-submitted photographs on its labels. Despite facing a decade of unprofitability from 2007 to 2016, Jones Soda rebounded with a 73% increase in case volume and a 48% increase in revenue by the end of 2016. As of Q3 2024, Jones Soda holds a market share of 0.01% in the nonalcoholic beverages industry, with revenues of $19.86 million.