When 7 Up first hit the market in 1929, it actually had a rather long and convoluted name: Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda. Quite a mouthful, isn’t it? While this name may not have been as catchy as the simple and memorable “7 Up,” it certainly was more descriptive.
Imagine walking into a store back in the late 1920s and seeing a bottle of Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda on the shelf. It’s quite a mouthful to say and doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. But perhaps the creators of the soda wanted to make sure consumers knew exactly what they were getting.
The name “Bib-Label” referred to the paper labels that were wrapped around the necks of the bottles. These labels were commonly used at the time to provide information about the product. In this case, the label would have included details about the soda’s flavor and ingredients.
“Lithiated” was another interesting word choice in the original name. It referred to the addition of lithium citrate, a chemical compound that was believed to have mood-enhancing and energizing effects. In fact, back in the 1920s and 1930s, lithium was considered a popular ingredient in many sodas and tonics. However, it eventually fell out of favor due to concerns about its potential side effects.
And of course, the “Lemon-Lime Soda” part of the name was a straightforward description of the flavor. Lemon and lime were the primary flavors of the soda, giving it a refreshing and citrusy taste.
It’s fascinating to think about how the name of a product can evolve over time. “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda” certainly had a certain charm and specificity to it, but it’s easy to see why the simpler and catchier name “7 Up” eventually took its place.
The original name of 7 Up was Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda. While it may not have been the most memorable or marketable name, it was certainly descriptive and provided consumers with a clear idea of what they were getting.