We created Zevia because the world needed an all natural zero calorie soda. Before Zevia, soda lovers had to choose between chemicals or calories. A couple smart guys knew there was another way. With stevia and other natural ingredients, they solved the dilemma that plagued soda lovers since the invention of soda itself.
How was it that we came up with the world's first all natural zero calorie diet soda? Two smart people and a lot of passion.
Don Thrasher, a health concious entrepreneur from Los Angeles, had already begun to work on a prototype soda using stevia. We'll call him the "Godfather of stevia soda."
Bill Bluemer is a flavorist, although we like to say flavor artist, because we know soda creation takes the skills of an artist and scientist.
It was the combination of Bill and Don that created the first stevia soda in history. They discovered that combining stevia with erythritol would reduce any aftertaste in the stevia, and bring out the sweetness of the erythritol. Don's product was originally called Diet Zero, and then he changed the name to Z-Cola.
When we started the company that would eventually introduce Zevia, we worked with Don and Bill to improve the invention and intellectual property. Don became our company's initial Chief Operating Officer, and oversaw the first ever production of Zevia. Bill designed the original Zevia flavor. A can of which still lives in at Zevia HQ. While the team, flavor and ingredients have come a long way since the creation, it's with great honor and gratitude that the Z team continues to pursue the dream of healthier soda for all. Thanks to Don and Bill for their innovation and taste.
