Brazil is the third-largest consumer of soft drinks in the world, and produces their own original soft drink called guarana that is made from an extract of an Amazon fruit with the same name. It looks like an eyeball with a fleshy white fruit that surrounds dark brown seeds. These seeds are about the size of coffee beans, but they contain twice the concentration of caffeine found in coffee seeds.
Being high in caffeine, the drink has made inroads in the U.S. as a result of the energy drink craze. In the U.S you can find it in six-packs cans (aluminium) and liters (plastic) formats in most major U.S cities and through various Latino and Brazilian markets.
In Brazil, the guarana is the second best-selling soft drink in Brazil, behind only Coca-Cola, an absolute leader in its segment. Besides the popularity of guarana in Brazil, this soft drink is one of the top ten best-selling soft drink brands in the world.
But, what does it taste like?
The taste is mild, slightly apple-like, with a distinct berry after-flavor. However, some also say it has a slight ginger ale based tinge with a raspberry twang in it. Some Americans say that it is compared to a cherry Sprite but has its own unique twist.
Historic facts
- A physician from Rio de Janeiro first developed guarana soda to market its medicinal properties
- The first attempt at mass-producing the soda was unsuccessful because of its bitter taste
- In 1921, Guarana Antarctica patented a formula that removed the bitter taste and created a sweet, fruity soda
Guarana Jesus, another guarana soda, was created in 1920 by pharmacist Jesus Norberto Gomes
Other facts: Guarana is produced now also abroad in Brazil in countries like Argentina, Portugal, and Japan, and it is a well-known drink/snack from Brazil.
