Stuff You Should Know
Short Stuff: Fanta - Nazi Favorite?
Feb 26, 2025
Discover the surprising origins of Fanta, created in Nazi Germany during WWII to solve ingredient shortages. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by Coca-Cola as it navigated its association with oppressive regimes. Learn how a wartime necessity transformed into a beloved global soft drink, despite its complex and controversial past. The conversation also highlights Fanta's colorful flavors and cultural significance, shedding light on the drink's enduring legacy.
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Quick takeaways
- Fanta was created in Germany during WWII as a response to ingredient shortages, originally tasting poor but symbolizing resourcefulness.
- Post-war, Fanta underwent rebranding with an appealing orange flavor, disconnecting from its Nazi origins to achieve global popularity.
Deep dives
The Origins of Fanta
Fanta originated during World War II when Coca-Cola's German subsidiary faced severe supply shortages due to the war. Max Kite, the head of Coca-Cola GmbH, had to innovate a new beverage using unconventional ingredients like apple pulp, beet sugar, and whey. This new drink, which was initially unpalatable, was named Fanta, a term derived from the German word for 'fantasy.' Despite its questionable taste, Fanta became a symbol of German resourcefulness during wartime, highlighting the nation's pride in creating something new amidst adversity.
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