Stubborn Soda

Introduction

Stubborn Soda was founded by a group of beverage enthusiasts who sought to create an authentically crafted soda that stood apart from the plethora of options flooding the market. Positioned as a brand under the larger umbrella of the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, the founders were inspired by the idea of making a high-quality, bold soda that could satisfy a more discerning consumer palate. Their journey began with a mission to challenge the ordinary and elevate the soda experience, prioritizing creativity and flavor above all.

The philosophy behind Stubborn Soda revolves around the belief that great flavor is non-negotiable. This is reflected in the brand’s commitment to using natural ingredients and real cane sugar, steering clear of artificial sweeteners often prevalent in soft drink offerings. With an emphasis on authenticity, Stubborn Soda appeals to consumers who appreciate the craftsmanship involved in soda-making, and it aims to evoke a sense of generosity and community in each sip. The brand’s tagline, “Crafted with real ingredients,” encapsulates its vision of providing a product that is both delicious and uncompromising in quality.

What sets Stubborn Soda apart in a crowded marketplace is its unique flavor profiles and inventive combinations, often incorporating surprising ingredients not typically found in traditional sodas. Each variant strives to provide an experience that tugs at nostalgia while simultaneously offering something fresh and new. This distinctive approach helps foster a loyal following, as consumers gravitate towards the brand's offerings, putting Stubborn Soda on the radar of those seeking a more refined, exciting beverage option.

Signature Products

Stubborn Soda features a variety of products, each offering an exciting twist on classic flavors, appealing to adventurous soda drinkers everywhere.

• Black Cherry : A bold take on a traditional flavor, featuring a rich cherry taste balanced with a hint of spices.
• Root Beer : A craft-style root beer that combines vanilla, sassafras, and hints of wintergreen for a complex profile.
• Orange Cream : A creamy and citrusy blend that captures the nostalgia of an ice cream truck classic.
• Pineapple Coconut : A tropical combination that transports you to sunny shores with each sip.
• Strawberry Rhubarb : A refreshing mix that pairs sweet strawberries with a tart rhubarb twist, offering a unique balance of flavors.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Stubborn Soda

• Sugar : Sugar is a common sweetener derived from plants, primarily sugarcane or sugar beets. In Stubborn Soda, it is used to provide sweetness and balance the flavors of the beverage, enhancing the overall taste experience for consumers who enjoy a sweeter profile in soft drinks.
• Lactic Acid : Lactic acid is an organic acid that can be naturally found in fermented products. In Stubborn Soda, it is used to add a tangy flavor and can also help in preserving the freshness of the beverage. This ingredient contributes to the overall flavor complexity and helps in creating a refreshing soda experience.
• Sodium Benzoate : Sodium benzoate is a preservative commonly used in food and beverages to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds. In Stubborn Soda, this ingredient is used to ensure the product maintains its quality and safety throughout its shelf life, allowing consumers to enjoy the soda for an extended period without spoilage.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Stubborn Soda

There are several supply chain issues related to the ingredients used by the brand that need to be taken into consideration.

Deforestation:

The production of sugar often leads to significant deforestation, particularly in tropical regions. As rainforests are cleared to make way for sugarcane plantations, biodiversity is lost, and important carbon sinks are depleted. For example, in countries like Brazil, large areas of forest have been converted to agriculture, contributing directly to habitat destruction and climate change. This not only affects wildlife but also indigenous communities who rely on these lands for their livelihoods. Additionally, deforestation causes soil erosion and disrupts water cycles, which can lead to further environmental challenges.

Water Consumption:

Sugarcane is known for its high water demands, often leading to water scarcity in regions where it is grown. In many developing countries, where irrigation systems are underdeveloped, water use for sugarcane production can divert resources away from local communities and other agricultural needs. For instance, in India, the sugar industry has been criticized for exacerbating water scarcity, affecting both human populations and local ecosystems. Sustainable water management practices are crucial to mitigate this issue and ensure that production does not compromise water availability for future generations.

Labor Conditions:

The sugar industry has historically been associated with poor labor practices, including low wages, child labor, and inadequate working conditions. In countries where labor laws are not enforced strictly, sugar plantations may exploit workers, leading to social injustices and community discontent. The conditions faced by workers can be severe, with long hours under harsh environmental conditions and limited access to healthcare and education, trapping families in cycles of poverty.

Soil Degradation:

Intensive sugarcane farming can lead to soil degradation due to overuse of agricultural chemicals and continuous monoculture practices. Over time, this can reduce soil fertility and lead to increased dependence on fertilizers and pesticides, which further contaminate land and water sources. This form of agriculture also contributes to the loss of topsoil, making it challenging for the land to recover once nutrients are depleted.

Carbon Emissions:

The production of lactic acid, particularly from industrial fermentation processes, can contribute to carbon emissions, especially if the energy used comes from non-renewable sources. Fermentation also produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct, adding to the carbon footprint of lactic acid production. For example, in large-scale production facilities, significant amounts of energy are consumed in maintaining fermentation conditions, which can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions if sustainable practices are not implemented.

Fermentation Byproduct Management:

During the production of lactic acid, the management of byproducts is a critical issue. Fermentation processes can generate organic waste products, which, if not managed properly, can lead to pollution and contribute to bad odor, affecting surrounding communities and ecosystems. Implementing strategies to recycle or safely dispose of these byproducts is essential to reduce environmental impact and improve the sustainability of lactic acid production.

Resource Consumption:

The production of lactic acid involves the consumption of substantial agricultural feedstocks like corn or sugar beets, which itself requires land, water, and energy. The choice of feedstock affects the overall sustainability of lactic acid production, necessitating considerations of how these inputs are sourced and their cumulative impact on natural resources. Sustainable sourcing and efficient use of feedstocks can help reduce the environmental footprint of lactic acid production.

Petrochemical Sourcing:

Sodium benzoate is often derived from petrochemicals, which raises significant environmental and sustainability concerns. The extraction and processing of petroleum contribute to pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions. As sodium benzoate is largely synthesized from these non-renewable resources, there is a pressing need to explore alternative and more sustainable sources to mitigate these impacts.

Energy-Intensive Production:

The chemical synthesis processes used to create sodium benzoate are energy-intensive, requiring significant amounts of electricity and heat. This high energy demand often relies on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and exacerbating climate change. For example, switching to cleaner energy sources, like solar or wind, could drastically cut emissions, but such changes require investment and innovation in the production processes.

Chemical Waste:

The manufacturing of sodium benzoate can produce chemical waste that, if improperly managed, poses a pollution risk to waterways and soil. Disposal of this waste must be handled with care to avoid contaminating local environments. Implementing comprehensive waste management and recycling strategies can help reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with the production of sodium benzoate.