Ribena

A blackcurrant-based soft drink

The Ribena logo

Ribena is a brand of fruit-based soft drink originally created in the United Kingdom. It is made from blackcurrants and is known for its distinctive taste and high vitamin C content. The drink is available in various forms, including ready-to-drink bottles and concentrated syrups.

History

Ribena was first developed in the 1930s by Dr. Vernon Charley at the University of Bristol. The drink was initially created as a blackcurrant syrup to provide a source of vitamin C. During World War II, Ribena became popular in the UK due to the scarcity of citrus fruits, which were the primary source of vitamin C at the time.

Production

Ribena is made from blackcurrants, which are rich in vitamin C. The production process involves extracting juice from the blackcurrants and then concentrating it to create a syrup. This syrup can be diluted with water to make a drink. Ribena is available in various flavors and formulations, including sugar-free versions.

Varieties

Ribena is available in several varieties, including:

• Original Blackcurrant
• Light Blackcurrant (sugar-free)
• Sparkling Blackcurrant
• Mixed Berry

A bottle of Ribena blackcurrant juice drink

Nutritional Information

Ribena is known for its high vitamin C content, which is derived from the blackcurrants used in its production. The drink is often marketed as a healthy beverage option, although some formulations contain added sugars.

Marketing and Branding

Ribena has undergone several rebranding efforts over the years. The brand is recognized by its distinctive purple packaging and logo. Marketing campaigns have often focused on the health benefits of blackcurrants and the drink's refreshing taste.

Controversies

In the past, Ribena has faced scrutiny over its sugar content and marketing claims. Efforts have been made to reformulate the drink to reduce sugar levels and offer healthier options.

Related pages

• Blackcurrant
• Soft drink
• Vitamin C