Beer is one of the oldest and most beloved alcoholic beverages in the world. Whether you’re enjoying a cold one with friends, watching a sports game, or just relaxing after a long day, beer has become a staple in many cultures around the globe. With so many different brands and styles to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know which beers are the most popular. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 most popular beers in the world, as well as some interesting facts and FAQs about these beloved brews.
10 Most Popular Beer Drinks in the World
When it comes to the most popular drinks in the world, beer ranks third, right after water and tea. According to a study by Euromonitor International, beer sales reached an impressive $661 billion in 2018. It’s clear that beer is a crowd favorite, and here are the top 10 most popular beers that people around the world are drinking:
- Budweiser: This American-style lager is brewed by Anheuser-Busch InBev and is sold in over 80 countries. It’s known for its crisp and light taste, making it a popular choice for many beer drinkers.
- Tsingtao: Originating from China, this pale lager has been brewed since 1903 and is now available in over 100 countries. It’s made with rice, giving it a unique flavor profile compared to other beers on this list.
- Snow: Another Chinese beer, Snow is the best-selling beer in the world by volume. It’s a light and refreshing lager that has a loyal following in its home country.
- Bud Light: The lighter version of Budweiser, Bud Light is also incredibly popular and is the best-selling beer in the United States. It’s known for its low calorie and low carbohydrate content, making it a popular choice for those watching their waistline.
- Skol: This Brazilian lager was introduced in 1967 and has since expanded to over 20 countries. It’s known for its crisp and smooth taste, and is often marketed as being “the beer that goes down round.”
- Heineken: Hailing from the Netherlands, Heineken is a pale lager that is sold in over 170 countries. It’s known for its signature green bottle and red star logo, as well as its refreshing taste.
- Harbin: Another Chinese beer, Harbin is brewed with rice and water from the Songhua River. It has a clean and mild flavor, making it a popular choice among beer drinkers.
- Yanjing: This Chinese beer is named after Beijing, its city of origin. It’s known for its light and crisp taste and is considered a premium brand in China.
- Corona Extra: Originating from Mexico, Corona Extra is a pale lager that is now sold in over 180 countries. It’s often served with a wedge of lime and is known for its light and refreshing taste.
- Coors Light: The second best-selling beer in the United States, Coors Light is a light beer that is brewed with Rocky Mountain water. It’s known for its clean and crisp taste and is popular among sports fans.
10 Most Popular Soft Drinks in the World
While beer takes third place in the list of most popular drinks, soft drinks are also highly consumed around the world. Here are the top 10 most popular soft drinks according to Euromonitor International:
- Coca-Cola: With its iconic red and white logo, Coca-Cola is the best-selling soft drink in the world. It’s known for its sweet and bubbly taste that has been a favorite since it was introduced in 1886.
- Pepsi: Coca-Cola’s biggest rival, Pepsi is the second best-selling soft drink in the world. It’s known for its sweeter and slightly citrusy taste compared to its counterpart.
- Diet co*ke/Coca-Cola Light: The diet version of Coca-Cola, Diet co*ke is also a popular choice among those looking for a low-calorie option. It’s known for its similar taste to regular co*ke but with no sugar.
- Mountain Dew: This neon green soft drink is known for its high caffeine content and unique citrus flavor. It’s owned by the same company as Pepsi and is popular among gamers and extreme sports enthusiasts.
- Sprite: Owned by Coca-Cola, Sprite is a clear lemon-lime flavored soft drink. It’s known for its crisp and refreshing taste and is often marketed as a caffeine-free alternative to colas.
- Fanta: Another brand under Coca-Cola, Fanta is a fruity soda that comes in a variety of flavors such as orange, pineapple, and grape. It’s popular among younger consumers and has a loyal following in many countries.
- Dr Pepper: This carbonated soft drink was created in the United States in the late 1800s and has since become a beloved beverage around the world. It’s known for its unique blend of 23 different flavors.
- Mirinda: Originally a brand in Spain, Mirinda is now available in over 100 countries and is owned by PepsiCo. It’s a fruity soft drink that comes in a variety of flavors such as orange, strawberry, and apple.
- 7 Up: This clear lemon-lime flavored soft drink was created in the United States and is now sold in over 80 countries. It’s known for its crisp and refreshing taste and is often marketed as a caffeine-free option.
- Aquarius: This non-alcoholic, isotonic beverage was created by The Coca-Cola Company and is marketed as a sports drink. It’s sold in over 35 countries and comes in a variety of flavors such as lemon and grapefruit.
The Story Behind Coca-Cola and Pepsi
Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been rivals in the soft drink industry for over a century. Both brands have a long and interesting history, which has helped them become the two top-selling soft drinks in the world.
Coca-Cola was created in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. The original formula contained cocaine, which was later replaced with caffeine. In the late 1800s, the brand expanded overseas and began selling in Cuba, Canada, and Mexico. Today, Coca-Cola is available in over 200 countries and is known for its iconic red and white logo.
Pepsi was created just a few years after Coca-Cola in 1898 by Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist from North Carolina. The original formula contained pepsin, which was believed to help with digestion. The brand quickly gained popularity and became known for its “Pepsi Generation” marketing campaign in the 1960s. Pepsi is now sold in over 200 countries and is known for its blue and red logo.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Soft drinks have become a staple in many people’s lives, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that they became widely popular. In the 1800s, carbonated water was used as a mixer for alcoholic drinks, but it wasn’t until the creation of Coca-Cola and Pepsi that non-alcoholic beverages really took off.
These brands paved the way for other soft drinks such as Dr Pepper, Mountain Dew, and 7 Up to gain popularity. Today, soft drinks are available in a variety of flavors and are enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
The Influence of Advertising
One of the reasons why these soft drink brands have become so popular is due to their successful advertising campaigns. Coca-Cola and Pepsi are both known for their catchy slogans and memorable commercials, which have helped them become household names.
In addition to traditional advertising methods, these brands have also utilized social media to reach a wider audience and engage with their customers. By constantly reinventing their marketing strategies, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been able to stay relevant and maintain their popularity over the years.
The History Behind the Top-Selling Beers
Many of the beers on this list have been around for decades, and some even over a century. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind some of the top-selling beers:
- Budweiser was first introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch and has since become one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
- Tsingtao was first brewed in China in 1903 by German settlers and has become a beloved beer in many countries around the world.
- Bud Light was first introduced in 1982 and quickly became the best-selling beer in the United States.
- Heineken was first brewed in Amsterdam in 1873 and has since expanded to over 170 countries worldwide.
- Corona Extra was created in Mexico in 1925 and has become a popular choice for beachgoers and party enthusiasts.
Different Styles of Beer
While the top 10 most popular beers in the world are all pale lagers, there are many different styles of beer available. Here are some of the most common styles
- Pilsner: A type of pale lager that is characterized by its light color, high carbonation, and bitter hop flavor.
- India Pale Ale (IPA): A type of pale ale that is characterized by its strong hop bitterness and higher alcohol content.
- Stout: A dark beer that is made with roasted malt and often has a creamy texture.
- Wheat Beer: A beer that is made with wheat instead of barley, giving it a light and refreshing taste.
- Sour Ale: A type of beer that is brewed with bacteria and yeast, giving it a tart and sour flavor.
The Global Impact of Beer
Aside from being a popular beverage, beer also has a significant impact on the global economy. Here are some interesting facts about the beer industry:
- The global beer market was valued at $520 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $758 billion by 2025.
- China consumes the most beer in the world, followed by the United States, Brazil, Russia, and Germany.
- The beer industry supports over 2 million jobs in the United States alone.
- Belgium has the highest per capita consumption of beer in the world, with an average of 93 liters per person annually.
- The Czech Republic is known as the birthplace of pilsner, with the first batch being brewed in 1842.
FAQs about Popular Beers and Soft Drinks
As with any popular product, there may be questions that people have about these beloved beers and soft drinks. Here are some frequently asked questions about the top 10 most popular drinks in the world:
Is Budweiser really “the king of beers?”
Budweiser has been marketed as “the king of beers” since the 1900s, but this claim has been disputed by many beer enthusiasts. While it may be the best-selling beer in the world, taste is subjective and many argue that there are better-tasting beers out there.
What’s the difference between Coca-Cola and Pepsi?
Coca-Cola and Pepsi are both cola-flavored soft drinks, but they have subtle differences in taste. Coca-Cola has a more citrus and vanilla flavor, while Pepsi is sweeter with a hint of lemon.
What makes Chinese beers so popular?
Chinese beers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their light and refreshing taste, as well as the country’s large population. Brands like Snow and Tsingtao have also expanded to other countries, making them more accessible to consumers around the world.
Are there any healthier options for soft drinks?
While most soft drinks are high in sugar and calories, some companies have introduced diet versions that contain artificial sweeteners. However, these should still be consumed in moderation as they may have negative health effects in the long term.
How do I choose the right beer for me?
With so many different styles and flavors of beer available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. The best way to find your preferred beer is to try different types and see what you enjoy. Ask for recommendations from friends or bartenders, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new.
Conclusion
Beer and soft drinks are two of the most popular beverages in the world, and the top 10 most popular beers and soft drinks are enjoyed by millions of people every day. These brands have become a part of our culture and have had a significant impact on the global economy. Whether you prefer a cold beer or a refreshing soda, there’s no denying the popularity and widespread appeal of these beloved drinks. So next time you crack open a can or bottle, remember the rich history and worldwide influence behind your favorite beverage. Cheers!
