Top Brands Revolutionizing the World of Pop!

In today’s bustling beverage market, choosing the right brand of soda can feel overwhelming with the myriad of options available. From timeless classics that have stood the test of time to innovative newcomers bringing unique flavors to the scene, each brand offers its distinct flair and taste experience. Whether you’re a fan of fizzy traditional colas or seeking something bold and fruit-infused, exploring the top brands can lead you to your next favorite pick-me-up. Dive into our comprehensive list below to discover the best brands for pop that promise to refresh and delight your taste buds.

Illustration of pop

Best brands of pop in 2025

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is the undisputed leader in the U.S. soft drinks market, holding a significant 35% market share through its brands, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Sprite. As of 2024, Coca-Cola maintains its position as the best-selling soft drink in the United States, with a market share that has remained relatively stable since 1995. The brand's global reach is impressive, with an estimated 1.9 billion servings across 200 countries. Coca-Cola's dominance is further highlighted by its long-standing presence, celebrating 130 years in the industry. Its market share includes 19.2% for Coca-Cola, 8.1% for Sprite, and 7.8% for Diet Coke as of 2023. For a detailed insight into the market share distribution, explore this visual representation of U.S. soft drinks market share.

Pepsi

Pepsi, one of the leading brands in the soft drink industry, has seen a significant evolution in its market share over the years. As of 2023, Pepsi holds an 8.3% market share in the U.S. carbonated soft drinks market, down from 15.0% in 1995. Despite this decline, Pepsi remains a major player, with its parent company, PepsiCo, having a broader portfolio that includes snack brands like Doritos and Cheetos. PepsiCo's U.S. market share in carbonated soft drinks was 24.3% in 2022, highlighting its substantial presence in the market. The brand continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences, shifting towards healthier alternatives and energy drinks. Learn more about Pepsi's innovations and product offerings.

Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper has emerged as the second-largest soda brand in the United States, surpassing Pepsi in 2023 with an 8.3% market share by volume, according to Beverage Digest. This achievement marks a significant milestone after seven years of continuous dollar share growth since 2017. Dr Pepper's unique taste and innovative flavor introductions, such as Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream and Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, have contributed to its success. The brand has also benefited from broader trends, including the popularity of sweet and spicy items. As of 2023, Coca-Cola remains the leader with a 19.2% market share. For more details on Dr Pepper's rise in the soda market, you can read the full story on ABC7 News.

Sprite

Sprite, one of the world's leading lemon-lime flavored soft drinks, has consistently demonstrated strong market performance. Introduced by the Coca-Cola Company in 1961, Sprite has gained a significant market share, with an expected 20% market share in the U.S. by 2025. As of 2023, Sprite holds an 8.1% market share in the U.S. soft drink market. The brand has successfully expanded its reach, selling in over 190 countries and gaining consumer reach points (CRPs) in key markets such as the U.S., Indonesia, and South Korea. Sprite's innovative marketing strategies and product variations have contributed to its enduring popularity.

Fanta

Fanta, a prominent brand in the soft drink industry, boasts a high brand awareness of 92% among U.S. soft drink drinkers, with 38% of these drinkers expressing a liking for the brand. As of 2022, 31% of U.S. soft drink consumers use Fanta, and 74% of these users show loyalty to the brand. Despite its popularity, only 16% of U.S. soft drink drinkers had heard about Fanta in the media or advertising over the past three months in 2022. Fanta's strong presence is further highlighted by its widespread recognition and usage. The brand's appeal is significant, especially among those familiar with it. For more detailed insights, explore the Fanta soft drinks brand profile in the United States.

Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew, a prominent brand under PepsiCo, maintains a significant presence in the U.S. soft drink market, holding an approximate market share of 6.6% in 2022. This share has consistently ranged between 6% and 7% over the past decade and a half. The brand is known for its strong digital presence, particularly in the food delivery sector, where it achieved a soft drink penetration rate of 29.5% in the U.S. in Q2 2023. Mountain Dew also boasts high brand awareness and affinity, with 93% awareness and 43% brand affinity among U.S. consumers. Its strategic partnerships with extreme sports, music festivals, and gaming tournaments have helped solidify its position.

RC Cola

RC Cola, although no longer a dominant player in the global soft drink market, retains significant popularity in certain regions, notably Tajikistan. Here, RC Cola has managed to dominate the cola sector, particularly in the northern region, due to its early market entry and local bottling plant in Sughd, which allowed it to establish a strong presence before competitors like Coca Cola and Pepsi. In the 1970s, RC Cola held a 10% market share in the US, but this has since declined to around 0.3% by the late 1990s. Despite this decline in the US, RC Cola has innovated over the years, introducing the first diet cola, Diet Rite, in 1958 and pioneering the use of aluminum cans.

7UP

7UP, once the world's third-best-selling soft drink, has seen a significant decline in recent years. Despite its high brand awareness of 93% among U.S. soft drink drinkers, only 35% of them use the brand, and its market share has dropped to less than 3% of the total soft drink market by 2022. The brand, known for its "Uncola" campaigns, has struggled to maintain its position, especially with the rise of competitors like Sprite. Around 28% of 7UP drinkers express loyalty to the brand, but its overall sales have been flat in recent years. 7UP's decline has led to it falling out of the top-10 list of non-alcoholic drink brands. For more insights into 7UP's market profile, you can visit Statista's forecast on 7UP soft drinks in the United States.

A&W Root Beer

A&W Root Beer, a prominent brand in the global root beer market, is celebrated for its rich flavor and wide consumer appeal. As a part of the Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. portfolio, A&W Root Beer contributes significantly to the company's market share. In 2022, the USA, where A&W enjoys high popularity, accounted for 31.0% of the total global root beer market value. The brand's success is driven by its traditional recipe and the increasing demand for craft and artisanal beverages. A&W Root Beer is available through various distribution channels, including retail stores and online platforms.

Sunkist

Sunkist is a renowned brand in the citrus industry, particularly notable for its dominance in fresh fruit sales and extensive licensing program. In 1996, Sunkist licensed products generated $1.2 billion in sales, with royalty income reaching $16.2 million, and licensees spent over $120 million on advertising the Sunkist brand. The company holds a significant market share, with 65% of Valencia orange production and 80% of the fresh lemon market. Fresh fruit sales accounted for nearly 85% of Sunkist's total revenues in 1997, with navel oranges making up over 40% of total shipments. Sunkist's restructuring efforts reduced fixed overhead costs from $54 million to $23.5 million between 1995 and 1998. For additional insights into Sunkist's strategic market positioning, you can read more in detail in the document outlining their market performance.