Ownership
Sunkist – It was original launched by General Cinema Corporation in 1978 who licensed the use of the name from Sunkist Growers. Sunkist quickly became the top-selling orange soda. The Sunkist license was eventually sold to Del Monte and then to Cadbury Schweppes in 1986. The Sunkist license is currently with Keurig Dr Pepper.
Fanta – Fanta started in World War II Germany. During the war, the Coca-Cola factory in Germany was cut off from the ingredients used to produce Coke. The proactive head of Coca-Cola Germany, Max Keith, decide to invent a new soda as a replacement for the missing Coca-Cola. It was called Fanta and was made from beet sugar, whey, and apple pomace. The popular orange Fanta wasn’t invented until 1955 in Naples, Italy using local oranges. Fanta still remains a brand of Coca-Cola.
Ingredients
When you compare the ingredients of Sunkist vs Fanta, there are many similarities with the primary ingredients. However, a difference in the ingredients that stands out is the caffeine in Sunkist. Sunkist has 19mg of caffeine in 12 fluid ounces whereas Fanta is caffeine-free. It should be noted that most orange soda are caffeine-free, so the caffeine lovers out there are getting something special with Sunkist.
The Sunkist and Fanta ingredients are as follows:
Sunkist – Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural Flavors, Modified Food Starch, Ester Gum, Caffeine, Yellow 6, Red 40.
Fanta – Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (To Protect Taste), Natural Flavors, Modified Food Starch, Sodium Polyphosphates, Glycerol Ester Of Rosin, Yellow 6, Red 40.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts are extremely similar between the two sodas. The only difference based on the nutrition date below is the 10mg higher sodium in Sunkist.
| Sunkist | Fanta | |
| Serving Size | 12 fl oz | 12 fl oz |
| Calories | 160 | 160 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 65mg | 55mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44g | 44g |
| Total Sugars | 44g | 44g |
| Added Sugars | 44g | 44g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
Prices
The tables below show the prices of 2 liters (1st table) and 12 pack of cans (2nd table) at various stores. Based on this data, Sunkist 2 liters are cheaper than Fanta 2 liters, on average. Additionally, Sunkist 12 packs are more expensive than Fanta 12 packs, on average.
Of course, sales take place and prices may fluctuate. Check your local store for the latest Sunkist and Fanta prices.
| Sunkist (2 Liters) | Fanta (2 Liters) | |
| Walmart | $1.00 | $1.25 |
| Meijer | $1.25 | $1.67 |
| Target | $1.69 | $1.89 |
| Kroger | $1.69 | $1.99 |
| H-E-B | $1.72 | $1.37 |
| Safeway | $2.35 | $2.67 |
| Albertsons | $1.99 | $1.67 |
| Big Lots | $1.35 | $1.35 |
| Giant | $1.50 | $2.00 |
| Wegmans | $1.79 | $1.99 |
| Average | $1.63 | $1.79 |
| Sunkist (12 Pack, Cans) | Fanta (12 Pack, Cans) | |
| Walmart | not available | $4.98 |
| Meijer | $4.49 | $4.49 |
| Target | $4.99 | not available |
| Kroger | $5.99 | $5.99 |
| H-E-B | $3.43 | $4.12 |
| Safeway | $8.43 | $4.99 |
| Albertsons | $6.49 | $4.99 |
| Big Lots | $4.80 | not available |
| Giant | $4.50 | not available |
| Wegmans | $5.59 | $5.59 |
| Average | $5.41 | $5.02 |
Blind Taste Test
Our blind taste test revealed the following:
The Sunkist was said to be sweeter with a linger orange taste. One taste tester said it tasted like a melted Popsicle with a lasting sweet orange flavor through to the finish.
Fanta was found to be smoother with a more subtle orange taste compared to Sunkist. The orange flavor disappeared quickly leaving a fizzy finish.
Our not so large blind taste test of three people found Fanta to be the preferred soda. Two people selected Fanta versus one who preferred Sunkist.
Poll: Sunkist vs Fanta
We are curious to learn what you think about Sunkist vs Fanta. Which one do you prefer? Please vote for your favorite in the poll below!
References:
drpeppersnapplegroup.com/brands/sunkist-soda
fanta.com