It is the brand name of carbonation systems for home use. They were invented in the early 1900’s to add carbon dioxide (CO2) to drinking water. At that time they were called “apparatus for aerating liquids”. The newer versions allow for adding flavored concentrates – and before you know it – you have homemade carbonated, flavor drink – or soda pop.
The very first machines made were rather large and were sold to the larger households of the upper classes of London, including the royal household. There were flavors with odd names, one being the famous sarsaparilla introduced in the 1920s. The commercial carbonation machines were also introduced in the 1920s and were very popular. The first smaller machines for home carbonation was produced in 1955.
With so many types of concentrate, different and unique flavors of soft drinks can be made. In the days when the systems were most popular, many well-known brands were available for SodaStream in the concentrate – such as Fants, and Sunkist.
In the early 1990’s, the company merged with Soda-Club and has since relaunched with a marketing plan geared more towards health or healthiers drink for children or families.
The SodaStream drink maker features a canister with CO2 which is forced into water which makes the water fizzy. The total product includes a machine, carbon dioxide canister, and several reusable drink bottles specially made for pressurizing. After filling a bottle with water, you screw it on the machine, push a button, and create sparkling water. Carbonated sparkling water is also known as seltzer water. There are different flavors of concentrated syrups which allows the user to create regular or diet soda pop (or soft drinks). When the canister is empty, you return it and purchase a new canister of CO2.
The popularity of the SodaStream during the 70s and 80s in the UK and presently are associated with nostalgia for those periods of time. The advertising jingle in 1970 was “get busy with the fizzy” and was so very popular, that the slogan was added to their logo. It was finally dropped in 1996 after 17 years.
MilkStream is a machine made by the same company for making milkshakes. You simply add milk, ice cream and syrup in a tall glass, insert into the machine and a wand extends into the tall glass to wipe up a foaming, delicious milkshake.
Today, SodaStream is part of Soda-Club and there are several websites where they can be purchased and all the supplies can be ordered and reordered when needed.