Is Squirt a 7 Up Product? Unveiling the Citrusy Truth

The answer, unequivocally, is no. Squirt is not a 7 Up product. While both are lemon-lime sodas and often found alongside each other in stores, they belong to different parent companies with distinct histories and formulations.

The History and Ownership of Squirt

Squirt was created in 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona, by Herb Bishop. He initially named it “Gold Rush” before quickly pivoting to the catchy and memorable “Squirt.” From its inception, Squirt was positioned as a refreshing, low-sugar alternative to the syrupy sodas of the era. The brand focused on its unique grapefruit flavor, setting it apart from the lemon-lime dominance of products like 7 Up.

Through various acquisitions and mergers, Squirt’s ownership has shifted over the years. It was eventually acquired by A&W Brands, which was later acquired by Cadbury Schweppes. In 2008, Cadbury Schweppes split its beverage business, creating Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS). Today, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) owns Squirt, following the merger of DPS and Keurig Green Mountain in 2018. This puts Squirt in the same portfolio as brands like Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, and A&W Root Beer, but crucially, not 7 Up.

The Distinct Journey of 7 Up

7 Up, on the other hand, has a separate and equally fascinating history. Created by Charles Leiper Grigg in 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri, it was originally named “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda.” Thankfully, that name didn’t stick! The “7 Up” name, whose origin remains a bit of a mystery with several competing theories, was adopted later.

7 Up has seen its share of ownership changes as well. It was part of the Seven-Up Company, which eventually became a subsidiary of Philip Morris Companies (now Altria Group). After several transactions, the brand was acquired by Cadbury Schweppes in 1995. The same Cadbury Schweppes that eventually owned A&W Brands and Squirt! However, upon the 2008 split, 7 Up stayed with Cadbury Schweppes’ global beverage business, which was spun off as Dr Pepper Snapple Group International. In most of the world, 7 Up is now owned and distributed by PepsiCo. Thus, the brand is connected with PepsiCo and not Keurig Dr Pepper.

Why the Confusion?

The confusion probably arises from a few factors:

• Shared Shelf Space: Both Squirt and 7 Up are staple lemon-lime/citrus sodas and are often placed near each other in grocery stores and convenience stores. This proximity can lead to the assumption that they are from the same company.
• Similar Flavor Profiles: While Squirt has a distinct grapefruit flavor, the general category of “citrus soda” can blur the lines for casual consumers who don’t pay close attention to the labels.
• Historical Connections: The brief period when both brands were under the Cadbury Schweppes umbrella might have solidified the association in some people’s minds, even though they are now separate.

Ultimately, despite their similarities and shared history under Cadbury Schweppes, Squirt and 7 Up are owned and distributed by different companies. Squirt is a proud member of the Keurig Dr Pepper family, while 7 Up resides mostly under the PepsiCo umbrella.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Squirt and 7 Up

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Squirt and 7 Up.

1. What are the main ingredients in Squirt?

Squirt’s primary ingredients typically include carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup (or other sweeteners depending on the formulation and region), grapefruit juice concentrate, citric acid, sodium benzoate (as a preservative), and natural flavors.

2. What are the main ingredients in 7 Up?

7 Up’s typical ingredients consist of carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup (or sugar in some formulations), citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, and calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor).

3. Does Squirt contain caffeine?

No, Squirt is caffeine-free. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to avoid the stimulant effects of caffeine in their beverages.

4. Does 7 Up contain caffeine?

Like Squirt, 7 Up is also caffeine-free. This is a key selling point for both brands, differentiating them from cola-based soft drinks.

5. Is Squirt considered a healthy soda?

While Squirt markets itself as a refreshing option, it’s important to note that it still contains sugar or high fructose corn syrup. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Look for sugar-free or diet versions for lower-calorie alternatives.

6. Is 7 Up considered a healthy soda?

Similar to Squirt, 7 Up also contains sugar or high fructose corn syrup. It’s best consumed in moderation. Diet 7 Up options exist for those seeking a lower-calorie choice.

7. What are some popular Squirt flavors?

Besides the original grapefruit flavor, Squirt has introduced variations like Ruby Red Squirt (grapefruit flavor with a red hue) and limited-edition seasonal flavors.

8. What are some popular 7 Up flavors?

7 Up has expanded its offerings with flavors like Cherry 7 Up, 7 Up Lemon Lemon, and 7 Up Mojito (a non-alcoholic version of the popular cocktail).

9. Where can I buy Squirt?

Squirt is widely available in most major grocery stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets throughout the United States and in some international markets. Its availability may vary depending on the region.

10. Where can I buy 7 Up?

7 Up is a globally recognized brand and can be found in almost any grocery store, convenience store, and supermarket worldwide. Its ubiquitous presence makes it easily accessible to consumers.

11. Are there diet versions of Squirt and 7 Up?

Yes, both brands offer diet versions. Diet Squirt and Diet 7 Up use artificial sweeteners to provide a sugar-free alternative for those watching their calorie intake.

12. How do Squirt and 7 Up compare in terms of sweetness?

Squirt typically has a slightly tarter and less sweet flavor profile compared to 7 Up, due to its emphasis on grapefruit. 7 Up tends to be sweeter and has a more pronounced lemon-lime taste. However, sweetness levels can also vary slightly based on the specific formulation and region.

In conclusion, while Squirt and 7 Up share similarities in the broader category of citrus sodas, they are distinct products with their own unique histories, flavor profiles, and ownership. So next time you’re reaching for a refreshing citrus beverage, remember that Squirt belongs to the Keurig Dr Pepper family, while 7 Up proudly marches under the PepsiCo banner in most of the world.