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Shasta’s history started out in mineral water where it eventually transitioned into a soda empire.
Founded in 1889, the company pioneered new flavors and formats, reshaping how Americans drink.
Shasta can trace its origins to Mount Shasta's natural springs where it was founded in 1889.
The pristine water source rooted the business in California's rugged terrain.
At first, Shasta focused on one task: bottling and selling mineral water to meet the growing market demand of the late 1800s.
The company pioneered the use of glass-lined rail cars, protecting its fragile bottles during transport.
Shasta ventured beyond mineral water in 1931, launching a ginger ale.
Introduced during the Great Depression, it reflected a calculated response to market pressures.
The ginger ale appealed to consumers seeking affordable beverages while providing a popular mixer for cocktails.
This is how Shasta became a popular ingredient in mixers and became a major soft drink producer.
In 1953, Shasta began selling soft drinks in aluminum cans instead of glass bottles.
Giving customers a lighter, more portable container and it was also the first time a major beverage company had fully embraced cans.
It propelled Shasta's growth and sparked an industry-wide move toward canned drinks.
During this same period, Shasta launched sugar-free sodas and sold directly to grocery stores instead of using middlemen.
In 1983, Shasta hired Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen to create their national ad jingle.
Choosing the metal musician helped Shasta capture new audiences through edgy, contemporary sound.
Shasta is known for coming up with many flavors over the years.
Their 1931 launch of ginger ale planted the seed for decades of deliberate expansion.
Classic offerings like cola and root beer were classics that never went away.
The 1960s and 70s brought precise fruit formulations, while the 80s and 90s delivered bold, distinctive creations.
Tiki Punch carved its own category, and Grapefruit Zazz spoke through its name.
In the 2000s Shasta experimented beyond traditional soda flavors, crafting unexpected options like Bubble Gum and Chocolate.
They also had targeted releases like Horchata and alcohol-free Sangria.
Shasta established its first headquarters at the base of Mount Shasta, linking the company's identity to the mountain's grandeur.
The building doubled as a health resort and vacation retreat, serving visitors seeking both business and leisure.
Shasta got creative in the 1990s and early 2000s to capture young consumers through targeted product design.
The company launched video game-themed drinks in 1990, packaging "Mario Punch" and "Princess Toadstool Cherry" in small cans sized for children's hands.
The company also introduced "Shasta Shortz" between 2003 and 2006—mimicking candy flavors like Cotton Candy and Red Grape Stain.
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