7 Up

7 Up is an American lemon-lime, non-caffeinated soft drink first released in 1928.

7 Up is an American lemon-lime, non-caffeinated soft drink first released in 1928. The brand was created by Charles Leiper Grigg and is now owned by Keurig Dr Pepper in the United States, with PepsiCo handling many international markets. Originally sold as Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda, the drink has become a widely recognized alternative to cola beverages.

History

7 Up was developed by Charles Leiper Grigg and introduced in the late 1920s. Sources disagree on the precise launch year, with some giving 1928 and others 1929, but all identify the same early product and inventor.

Name and original formula

The drink first appeared as Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda, later shortened to 7 Up. Its original formula contained lithium citrate, and the meaning of the name “7 Up” remains uncertain.

Ownership and distribution

In the United States, the 7 Up brand and formula are owned by Keurig Dr Pepper. PepsiCo owns or distributes the brand in many international markets, including the United Kingdom through Britvic.

Marketing and cultural presence

7 Up became especially associated with campaigns that emphasized its non-cola identity, including the “Uncola” branding. These campaigns helped establish it as a recognizable lemon-lime competitor in the soft-drink market.