Is an explanation really necessary?

If you’ve been living on planet earth, you’ve probably tasted this liquidy goodness at least once. Or at the very least, you know what it is.

But what you might not know about the world’s largest beverage company is that Coca-Cola, a registered trademark since 1944, was originally intended as a patent medicine and served at soda fountains all across America. Sold at five cents a pop, it was thought that carbonated water was good for health.

So think about that the next time you take a sip from your 12 oz. with free refills. You are, after all, drinking from the company that dominates the soft-drink market. Unless you happen to be in Cuba or North Korea, you’ll be able to find a Coca-Cola in your local supermarket. And the way things are looking right now, Cuba might start selling it soon, while North Korea doesn’t look too promising. That is unless someone dares challenge Kim Jong-Un!

You might prefer Diet Coke, so you can enjoy your favorite drink, guilt-free. But of course Diet Coke still falls under the Coca-Cola parent company, along with dozens of others like Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, VitaminWater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia, and Del Valle.

Coca-Cola rarely sits out from a major sporting event anywhere in the world, and they often sponsor large athletic events. You have probably seen them at NASCAR, NBA and NCAA events, and, of course, at the Olympic Games and World cups.