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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Fanta

Fanta is a brand of fruit-flavoured carbonated soft drinks owned by The Coca-Cola Company.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Fanta is a brand of fruit-flavoured carbonated soft drinks owned by The Coca-Cola Company. It was first created in Germany during the Second World War under Coca-Cola’s German operations, and later reintroduced in Italy in 1955 as an orange-flavoured drink. Today it is sold in many markets worldwide in numerous flavours.

History

Fanta began in Germany during World War II, when wartime trade restrictions and ingredient shortages led Coca-Cola’s German operations to develop an alternative soft drink. After the war, the brand was rebuilt and reintroduced in a new form in the 1950s.

Name and branding

The name is generally traced to the German word "Fantasie," meaning imagination or fantasy, though some accounts describe it as a shorter invented brand name chosen through a brainstorming exercise.

Modern product range

Fanta is now a global soft-drink brand with many fruit-based flavours. Coca-Cola describes it as available in more than 100 flavours across 180 countries, while other sources report over 200 flavours worldwide.

Legacy

Fanta is notable as one of Coca-Cola’s oldest brands and for its unusual wartime origin. Its early history is often discussed in relation to wartime industry, corporate strategy, and German Coca-Cola operations.

Key facts

  • Fanta originated in Germany during wartime shortages that limited Coca-Cola ingredient supplies.
  • The brand is associated with Coca-Cola’s German operations and Max Keith.
  • The name is commonly linked to the German word "Fantasie" meaning imagination or fantasy.
  • Coca-Cola says the modern Fanta emerged in Naples, Italy, in 1955 as an orange-flavoured soft drink.
  • Fanta is now sold in many countries and comes in a wide range of flavours.
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Canadian context

Fanta is sold in Canada as part of Coca-Cola’s soft-drink lineup, and Canadian consumers may encounter both classic orange Fanta and other limited or seasonal flavours.

Frequently asked questions

What is Fanta?
Fanta is a fruit-flavoured carbonated soft drink brand owned by The Coca-Cola Company.
Where did Fanta originate?
Fanta originated in Germany during World War II under Coca-Cola’s German operations.
Who created Fanta?
It was developed under the leadership of Max Keith, who headed Coca-Cola’s German operations during the war.
When was the modern Fanta introduced?
Coca-Cola says the modern orange-flavoured version was introduced in Naples, Italy, in 1955.
What does the name Fanta mean?
It is commonly linked to the German word "Fantasie," meaning imagination or fantasy.
How many flavours does Fanta have?
Sources vary, but reports describe Fanta as having over 100 or over 200 flavours worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanta
    Supports: General overview; origin in Germany; created under Max Keith; over 200 flavours worldwide
  2. Politecnico di Milano — https://transatlantictransfers.polimi.it/en/atlas/511/fanta/
    Supports: Wartime German origin; Max Keith; name linked to 'Fantasie'; wartime shortages
  3. The Coca-Cola Company — https://www.coca-colacompany.com/brands/sparkling-soft-drinks/fanta
    Supports: Modern brand history; Naples, Italy reintroduction in 1955; over 100 flavours across 180 countries
  4. McGill University — https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-history/curious-history-coca-colas-fanta-beverage
    Supports: History of Fanta; wartime ingredient substitution; name origin
  5. SnackHistory — https://www.snackhistory.com/fanta/
    Supports: Basic brand facts including origin, type, owner, and historical overview