No-Cal

No-Cal is a brand of sugar-free soft drink that was first produced in the 1950s by the No-Cal Corporation in Brooklyn, New York. It was one of the first sugar-free soft drinks on the market, and was initially targeted towards diabetics.

History

No-Cal was created by Hyman Kirsch, a Russian immigrant who founded the No-Cal Corporation in Brooklyn, New York. Kirsch was a pharmacist and was looking for a way to create a soft drink that could be enjoyed by his diabetic patients. He developed No-Cal as a sugar-free alternative to traditional soft drinks, using saccharin as a sweetener.

The drink was first introduced in 1952, and was initially only available in a cherry flavor. However, the product quickly gained popularity, and additional flavors such as vanilla, lemon-lime, and black cherry were soon added.

Popularity and Decline

No-Cal was popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s, particularly among diabetics and those looking to reduce their sugar intake. However, the brand faced increasing competition from other sugar-free soft drinks, such as Diet Rite and Tab, which were introduced in the 1960s.

By the 1970s, sales of No-Cal had declined significantly, and the brand was eventually discontinued. Despite its decline, No-Cal is remembered as one of the pioneers in the sugar-free soft drink market.

Legacy

Today, No-Cal is often cited as a precursor to the modern diet soft drink industry. Its use of saccharin as a sweetener paved the way for other sugar-free soft drinks, and its success demonstrated a market for low-calorie beverage options.

See also

• Diet drink
• Sugar substitute
• History of soft drinks