What are some interesting facts about orange soda that most people don’t know?

Orange soda facts worth knowing

Here are facts about orange soda checked against the pages named in Sources, plus some myths to skip.

1. The original Fanta was not orange

According to a Fanta history page, the 1940s Fanta in wartime Germany was made from leftover food-industry materials such as fruit shavings, pulp and beet sugar, because ingredient supplies were limited.

2. Orange Fanta was created in Naples

The same source says Coca-Cola developed a new orange-flavored Fanta in Naples, Italy, in 1955, where a Coca-Cola plant was located and oranges were readily available.

3. Orange Crush once had pulp in every bottle

Chowhound reports that in the 1930s Orange Crush added orange pulp to each bottle, making it look real and a little nutritious. The pulp is no longer in the drink. Early ads also advertised orange juice, flavor from the peel, a fruit acid, color, carbonated water and cane sugar.

4. Real juice content is small

A Fanta Orange label quoted by the history page lists orange juice from concentrate at 3.7 percent and citrus fruit from concentrate at 1.3 percent. Other brands differ, so read the label.

5. It is high in sugar

The same page says a 16 fl oz Fanta Orange has about 57 g of sugar. That is a lot for one bottle; health bodies advise keeping added sugar low, so treat it as an occasional drink. Diet versions use sweeteners instead.

6. The color is added

The bright orange is usually from added food color, not from juice. This is why different brands look different.

7. Orange soda is a global category

It sells in many countries under local brands, and recipes differ by market and brand.

Myths to avoid

• It is a source of vitamin C: check the label for any vitamin C claim.
• It counts as a serving of fruit: it does not.
• Every brand tastes the same: juice content, acids and sweeteners vary.

History in one line

Orange Crush is dated to 1911 in most accounts, but sources differ, so be cautious about claims of one first orange soda.