Diet Squirt: A Refreshing Zero-Sugar Citrus Soda with a Rich History

Squirt is a unique grapefruit drink known for its refreshing, crisp taste, balancing the 'zip' of grapefruit with the sweetness of soda. Diet Squirt, now known as Squirt Zero Sugar, offers the same distinct flavor without the calories. This article delves into the ingredients, nutritional information, history, and marketing of Diet Squirt/Squirt Zero Sugar, providing a comprehensive overview of this popular beverage.

A Brief History of Squirt

Squirt's origins trace back to 1938 in Phoenix, Arizona. The brand quickly gained popularity, particularly in the West and Southwest of the United States. In 1941, a mascot, "Lil' Squirt," was created to aid in marketing the product. Over the years, Squirt has changed hands several times. In 1978, it was sold to Michigan bottler Beverage America. A&W acquired Squirt in 1986. In October 1993, A&W Beverages was folded into Cadbury Schweppes. Finally, on July 9, 2018, Keurig acquired the Dr Pepper Snapple Group in an $18.7 billion deal, bringing Squirt under its umbrella.

The Appeal of Diet Squirt/Squirt Zero Sugar

Diet Squirt, rebranded as Squirt Zero Sugar, maintains the original Squirt flavor profile while eliminating sugar and calories. It's marketed as a light, refreshing, and fun soda with natural citrus flavors. A key selling point is that it's caffeine-free, making it a suitable choice any time of day.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

While the exact ingredient list of Diet Squirt/Squirt Zero Sugar requires consulting the product packaging, several characteristics are consistently highlighted:

  • Naturally Flavored: The soda boasts natural citrus flavors, contributing to its refreshing taste.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Squirt contains less than 2% grapefruit juice.
  • Zero Calories: Diet Squirt/Squirt Zero Sugar contains zero calories per 12 fl oz serving.
  • Caffeine-Free: It's a caffeine-free beverage.

A sample nutrition label indicates the following (per 20 fl oz serving, though this may vary):

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  • Calories: 5
  • Vitamin A: 0% DV
  • Vitamin D: 0% DV
  • Vitamin E: 0% DV

Note: The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

Marketing and Consumption

Squirt Zero Sugar is positioned as more than just a soda; it's an experience. The marketing emphasizes enjoying "good times" with its bright flavor. It's promoted as a versatile beverage, suitable as a casual refresher or a cocktail mixer. A popular suggestion is mixing Squirt Zero Sugar with tequila and lime to create a refreshing Paloma cocktail. The slogans "Thirst Quencher" and "Trusted Since 1938" reinforce its long-standing appeal and ability to satisfy thirst.

Squirt Flavors

While the classic Squirt flavor is grapefruit, the brand has expanded its offerings over the years. Berry-flavored Ruby Red and Diet Ruby Red Squirt have been introduced, offering variations on the original taste. In 2008, Squirt Citrus Power was introduced.

Squirt in the Soda Market

Squirt has carved out a niche for itself as a unique grapefruit soda. In the past, The Coca-Cola Company introduced Fresca, a lime and grapefruit drink, to compete with Squirt. Squirt's enduring popularity demonstrates its success in the competitive soda market.

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