Big Red is a popular soft drink found in vending machines and convenience stores across the Southern United States. With its bright red color and unique flavor, Big Red has cultivated a loyal following since first being introduced in 1937. But what exactly is the mysterious vermilion liquid inside each can and bottle? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional information of Big Red to find out what gives this iconic beverage its distinctive taste and appearance.
Is Big Red a soda?
While it may look like a soda, Big Red does not fit the traditional definition of a soda pop. Unlike colas or other carbonated soft drinks, Big Red is not carbonated and does not contain caffeine. However, with its sugary taste and lack of nutritional value, most consumers would still consider it a sugary soda beverage.
What type of drink is Big Red?
Big Red is classified as a “fruit-flavored” soft drink, putting it in the same general category as drinks like Crush or Fanta. But while orange and grape may be the predominate flavors of those brands, Big Red is in a flavor category of its own.
What does Big Red taste like?
The unique taste of Big Red has been described in many colorful ways – bubblegum, cream soda, strawberry, cinnamon, clove, and even “nuclear meltdown.” But according to its manufacturer, the predominant flavors in Big Red are orange and strawberry with a twist of lemon-lime. The exact formula remains a proprietary secret. The lurid crimson color comes from Red Dye #40.
Big Red Ingredients
To understand what gives Big Red its special flavor and color, let’s examine the ingredients in a 12 ounce can:
Carbonated water – While not as fizzy as a traditional soda, Big Red does contain carbonated water to give it some light effervescence.
High fructose corn syrup – Like most mass-produced soft drinks, Big Red uses high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. A 12 oz can contains 44g of sugar.
Natural and artificial flavors – This proprietary blend of natural and artificial flavorings gives Big Red its unique taste. Without this secret formula, there would be nothing to distinguish Big Red from the countless other fruit-flavored sodas on the market.
Citric acid – A common food additive used as a preservative and to impart a tart, citrusy flavor.
Sodium citrate – Helps balance the acidity of the citric acid and enhance tartness.
Sodium benzoate – Another preservative.
Red 40 dye – Provides the signature vivid crimson color. Red dye #40 is one of the most widely used food colorings.
Yellow 6 dye – Adds a brighter, more orange/yellow tone to the red color.
Are there any preservatives in Big Red?
Yes, Big Red contains several preservative ingredients including sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, and citric acid. These are added to extend the shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Is there caffeine in Big Red?
No, unlike many sodas, Big Red does not contain any caffeine. This makes it an option for those looking to avoid caffeine intake.
Big Red Nutrition Facts
Now let’s take a look at the nutrition facts for a 12 fl oz can of Big Red:
| Nutrition Facts | 12 fl oz (355ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Sodium 55mg | 2% |
| Potassium 25mg | 1% |
| Total Carbs 44g | 14% |
| – Sugars 44g | |
| Protein 0g |
How many calories are in Big Red?
There are 160 calories in one 12 oz can of Big Red. This calorie count is fairly typical for a sugary soda.
Is there sugar in Big Red?
Yes, the main sweetener used in Big Red is high fructose corn syrup. A 12 ounce can contains 44g of sugar, which is equivalent to about 11 teaspoons of white granular sugar.
Does Big Red have any fat, protein, fiber, or vitamins?
No, Big Red contains no fat, protein, fiber, or vitamins. The only nutrients are 44g of carbohydrates (sugar) and 25mg of potassium. So despite its bright color, Big Red provides no real nutritional value.
History of Big Red
Let’s take a quick look at how Big Red first originated:
1937 – The first Big Red is formulated by Grover C. Thomsen and R.H. Roark in Waco, Texas. It is produced by Sunspot Bottlers, owned by Thomsen and Roark.
1960s – Big Red begins widespread distribution throughout Texas with the help of the Dr Pepper Company.
1970s – Big Red expands beyond Texas into 10 other Southern states.
1996 – Big Red is acquired by Austin-based Thomas & King Inc. Production is moved to San Antonio.
2009 – Brand is purchased by Gary Smith, owner of Gary’s Brewing and Malting Co.
Today – Big Red is still formulated and bottled in San Antonio, Texas and sold in select regions of the Southern United States. Annual sales are estimated at 125 million cans.
When was Big Red invented?
Big Red was first invented in 1937 in Waco, Texas. It has been in continuous production for over 80 years.
Where is Big Red produced?
After being produced in Waco for many decades, Big Red moved production to San Antonio, Texas in 1996. It continues to be bottled and canned in San Antonio today.
Popularity of Big Red
While not as widely distributed as major national brands like Coca-Cola or Pepsi, Big Red still enjoys a cult-like following in its regional Southern strongholds:
| State | Big Red availability |
|---|---|
| Texas | Very popular |
| Oklahoma | Popular |
| Arkansas | Popular |
| Louisiana | Popular |
| New Mexico | Less popular |
Big Red is commonly found in vending machines, convenience and grocery stores, and restaurants throughout Texas and adjoining states. Annual sales in the U.S. total approximately 125 million cans, mostly within regional markets in the South.
Outside of the United States, limited quantities of Big Red are exported to Japan. It enjoys niche popularity there as an iconic taste of Americana.
Why is Big Red only available in some states?
As a smaller regional soda brand, Big Red does not have the national distribution of Coke or Pepsi. It has strategically focused its efforts on maximizing market share in a handful of Southern states where the unique taste consistently sells well year after year. Expanding to nationwide distribution would be a major undertaking requiring significant investment.
Which states drink the most Big Red?
By far, Texas is the #1 consumer of Big Red soda, accounting for an estimated 70-80% of total sales. After Texas, other top consuming states include Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Per capita consumption is highest in the city of San Antonio, home of Big Red’s current production facility.
Big Red in Pop Culture
Over its long history, Big Red has made numerous appearances in movies, TV shows, songs, and cultural references:
Movies – Big Red makes cameo appearances in movies like “Office Space”, “Killer Joe”, and “Bernie” to reinforce Texas setting.
TV Shows – On “King of the Hill”, Hank Hill is a dedicated drinker of Alamo Beer and Big Red soda.
Songs – Texas country singers like Robert Earl Keen and Charlie Robison reference Big Red in their music.
Museums – The Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, TX has a large Big Red exhibit.
Big Red and Barbecue – BBQ joints throughout Texas serve Big Red as the classic pairing with smoked brisket.
Big Red Machine – The most rabid University of Texas Longhorns fans call themselves the Big Red Machine, fueling up on Big Red soda.
So while not as famous as Dr Pepper, Big Red enjoys a cult following as an iconic Texas beverage.
Why is Big Red associated with Texas?
Big Red has cemented itself in Texas culture because it was formulated there in 1937 and continues to be produced in San Antonio. Generations of Texans have grown up drinking Big Red at family barbecues and high school football games. Its one-of-a-kind flavor profile is now forever linked with Texas food and lifestyle.
Is Big Red the official soft drink of Texas?
No, Big Red does not have official state soft drink status. But it has arguably become the unofficial drink of Texas, along with Dr Pepper which was invented in Waco in 1885. The popularity of these two drinks helps reinforce Texas pride.
Big Red Alternatives
Fans of Big Red’s unique flavor and crimson hue have a few other options if Big Red is not available in their area:
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Red Cream Soda | Cream soda with strawberry flavoring to produce a pink cream soda |
| Big Peach | Fruit flavored soda with strong peach and citrus taste |
| Big Blue | Blueberry flavored cream soda |
| Red Pop | Bright red cherry flavored sodaoriginally created in Detroit |
While none of these quite replicate that magical Big Red flavor, they may help satisfy a craving for red soda in a pinch. Big Red remains in a class of its own.
Where can you buy Big Red outside of Texas?
Outside the core Southern states where Big Red has strong distribution, your best bets for finding it are:
– Specialty soda shops or nostalgia stores
– Online retailers like Amazon.com or SodaEmporium.com
– Expensive imported American foods aisle at gourmet grocery stores
So while not impossible to find outside Texas, be prepared to pay a premium price for this scarce regional delicacy.
Conclusion
With its one-of-a-kind fruity and spicy taste profile, Big Red has earned a devoted cult following in its home state of Texas and throughout parts of the Southern United States since it was first created in 1937. The ingredients are relatively simple – carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors. But it is the proprietary secret blend of flavors that sets Big Red apart from the competition and makes it an enduring regional favorite, even as the brand has changed ownership over the years. An affordable 12oz can continues to be a refreshing treat with beloved nostalgic appeal for Texans of all ages.