Fanta USA: the American fruit flavors way wilder than the Orange we know!

Did you know Fanta was born from a wartime shortage?

Fanta's story is surprising. In 1940, in the middle of World War II, Coca-Cola's German subsidiary could no longer import the syrup needed to make Coke. Its boss, Max Keith, then had a brilliant idea: create a brand-new drink using only the ingredients available locally — leftover pressed-apple residue, surplus fruit, whey from cheese-making. Not very glamorous put that way, but that's how Fanta was born!

The name? It comes from the German word "Fantasie" (imagination, fantasy), chosen through a contest Max Keith ran among his employees. The recipe adapted to each country depending on the ingredients of the moment. It wasn't until 1955, in Naples, that the Fanta Orange we know came to be. Introduced to the United States in 1960, it quickly became one of Americans' favorite sodas.

Why is American Fanta different?

As with Coke, US Fanta doesn't taste quite like the European one. Across the Atlantic, the flavors are often more intense, sweeter and more "candy-like." But above all, the range of flavors is much wider: where most countries stick to Orange, the United States is packed with fruit flavors that MYAM tracks down for you.

US Fanta flavors at MYAM

Fanta Orange USA — the great classic, but in the American version: more intense and sweeter than the one we know.

Fanta Grape — grape! That purple-grape flavor so typical of America, rich and fruity, almost never found in regular stores. A US soda must-have.

Fanta Strawberry — strawberry! A burst of sweet, juicy strawberry, like strawberry candy. Perfect for cooling off.

Fanta Pineapple — pineapple! Often cited as one of the best Fanta flavors, this golden soda tasting of fresh, sunny pineapple is a little tropical vacation.

Fanta Berry — red-blue berries! This vivid blue soda with berry notes (blueberry, raspberry) brings instant freshness and a fun visual effect.

Fanta Peach — peach! An indulgent flavor somewhere between syrupy peach and candy, soft and summery. One of the fans' favorites.

Did you know? Fanta Orange was long the best-selling soda in the world after Coke

In 1969, Fanta Orange became the best-selling drink in Coca-Cola's entire international lineup. Today, Fanta exists in more than 200 flavors around the world — each country often having its own exclusive flavors. It's one of the most creative soda brands on the planet.

A fan's tip: Fanta fruity ice cubes

For an even more fun drink: pour Fanta Strawberry or Pineapple into ice-cube trays and place in the freezer. Then add these colorful cubes to a tall glass of soda (or lemonade): they chill your drink without diluting it and slowly release their fruity flavor. Guaranteed effect for a kids' party or a summer get-together!

Where to find US Fanta?

These American Fanta flavors are hard to find in regular stores. My American Market, your online American grocery store, tracks them down for you straight from the USA. Craving other US sodas? Check out the Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper and other drinks in the shop!