Soda cans come in a variety of sizes, but the most common size in the United States is 12 fluid ounces (oz). This standard size was popularized in the 1950s and has remained the norm for decades. However, some brands and styles deviate from the 12 oz standard. Understanding the different soda can sizes available can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
The History Behind the 12 oz Soda Can
In the early 20th century, sodas were sold in glass bottles in a variety of sizes. However, glass bottles were heavy and prone to breaking. Steel cans provided a convenient and durable alternative. The first commercially successful steel cans were introduced in the 1930s. These early cans held 6 oz of soda.
In the 1950s, companies started producing 12 oz cans, which could hold a full serving of soda. This 12 oz size quickly became the standard. It was the perfect single-serving portion that was highly portable and stackable. Soda brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi cemented the 12 oz can size in the American consciousness in the 1950s and 1960s through massive advertising campaigns and distribution.
Some key factors that made the 12 oz can size so popular include:
- Portion control – 12 oz was considered the ideal single-serving portion of soda.
- Cost-effectiveness – Canning 12 oz of soda at once allowed for economies of scale.
- Profitability – The 12 oz can encouraged consumption of more than one can per sitting.
- Consistency – Standardizing on a single can size simplified manufacturing and distribution.
Despite some changes in consumer habits and packaging innovations, the 12 oz can remains the standard soda can size today in the U.S. market. However, cans now come in a wider variety of volumes.
Modern Soda Can Sizes
While 12 oz remains the norm, sodas today are packaged in a range of can sizes:
- 12 oz – Still the most common size for major brands like Coke, Pepsi, and Sprite.
- 20 oz – Resealable plastic bottles as well as aluminum cans. Provides more volume per container.
- 7.5 oz – The “slim can” size that contains roughly 5-6 gulps of soda. Positioned as a portion control option.
- 8.4 oz – Slightly smaller than the standard 12 oz can.
- 16 oz – 1 pint-sized can, equivalent to two regular 12 oz cans.
- 24 oz – An extra-large can holding two full servings of soda.
- 32 oz – A “super-sized” can with nearly three servings per can.
- 1 Liter – 33.8 oz cans are popular for some international soda brands.
This range of sizes allows consumers to select cans based on their thirst level, desired portion size, or price point. While 12 oz remains ubiquitous, bigger cans offer more volume for the money while smaller cans encourage moderate single-serve consumption.
Advantages of the 12 oz Can Size
There are some key reasons why the 12 oz soda can has endured as the market leader:
- Portability – The small, lightweight 12 oz can travels easily in bags and lunchboxes.
- Stackability – Cans are highly stable and stack neatly when chilled in the fridge.
- No spillage – Resealable pull tabs prevent accidental spills or leaks.
- Exact serving – 12 oz matches the recommended single-serving size nutritionists advise.
- Right amount – For many, a 12 oz can quenches thirst without excessive volume.
- Drinkability – The can is consumed before the soda goes flat after opening.
For these practical reasons, the 12 oz soda can remains a staple of pantries, coolers, vending machines, and convenience stores after over 60 years.
Disadvantages of 12 oz Cans
However, some downsides to the ubiquitous 12 oz can include:
- Less volume than bottles or bigger cans – Lower value per container.
- Quickly consumed – Some may desire more than 12 oz of soda.
- Less packaging efficiency – Takes up more shelf space than liter sizes.
- Must buy multiples – Those wanting more soda have to buy several cans.
- Less eco-friendly – More cans are produced and recycled versus other formats.
- Chug effect – contents are drained rapidly, unlike resealable bottles.
While 12 oz cans have clear benefits for convenience, portability, and exact portioning, consumers wanting more volume for their money or multi-serving containers may prefer bottles or bigger cans up to 1 liter in size.
12 oz Can Dimensions
While a 12 oz soda can always contains 12 fluid ounces of liquid, its physical dimensions may vary slightly between brands and styles. However, most standard 12 oz cans measure approximately:
- 4.83 inches tall
- 2.13 inches in diameter
Thisresults in a can with a slim profile that easily fits in cup holders, bags, or refrigerators. Can heights can range from 4.75-5 inches tall, while diameters range from 2.06-2.17 inches across. The walls of the can are only 0.0035 inches thick on average.
For comparison, a modern-day 12 oz aluminum can is significantly smaller than glass soda bottles of the past. In 1915, a Coca-Cola bottle measured 6.5 inches tall with a 2.5 inch diameter – much larger proportions than today’s sleek cans.
Weights of Empty and Full 12 oz Cans
An empty 12 oz aluminum soda can weighs approximately:
- 14-16 grams (0.49-0.56 oz)
When full, a 12 oz can weighs approximately:
- 368 grams (13 oz)
This means a standard 12 oz soda can weighs about 14-16 times more when full compared to when empty. The liquid contents make up the vast majority of the weight.
Are Soda Can Sizes Regulated?
In the United States, can sizes and labels are regulated by the FDA under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under these rules, a “12 oz” soda can must contain 12 ounces of liquid by volume. Allowable variation is +/- 5% of the stated volume.
That means a “12 oz” can must hold between 11.4 oz and 12.6 oz. If the volume falls outside this range due to manufacturing inconsistencies, it is considered “misbranded” under FDA regulations.
In addition, soda cans must follow FDA labeling rules for displaying the name of the product, net quantity of contents, ingredient list, name and address of the manufacturer, etc. Strict oversight – in addition to internal company quality controls – help ensure soda cans match the labeled volume.
12 oz Can Design Evolution
While always 12 oz in volume, the look and design of soda cans have evolved:
1930s-1950s
- Steel cans with flat tops and bottoms
- Only available in smaller 6-8 oz sizes
- Had to be opened with a separate can-piercing tool
1960s
- Cans transitioned to aluminum
- 12 oz cans gained popularity
- Cone top cans required a separate opener tool
1970s-1980s
- Top tabs introduced for pull-top opening
- Cans became slightly shorter and wider
- Easier openability increased consumption
1990s-Today
- Pull tabs evolved into resealable pop tops
- Sleek, colorful branding printed directly on can
- Cans became lighter and thinner but retained strength
- Innovations like wide-mouth and resealable lids
While retaining the iconic 12 oz volume, can engineering has vastly improved convenience, resealability, and drinkability over the decades while allowing bold marketing graphics.
Consumer Behavior Factors
When choosing between different can options, consumer preferences and behaviors play a key role. Factors influencing consumers include:
| Factor | Behavior Impact |
|---|---|
| Thirst level | Bigger cans selected when very thirsty |
| Price sensitivity | Smaller cans to control spending |
| Time of day | Larger cans favored later in day |
| Special offers | Buy bigger sizes on promotion deals |
| Dieting habits | Prefer small cans to control calories |
| Convenience needs | Portable 12 oz ideal for mobility |
| Bulk buying | Stock up on 12/24 packs for value |
These motivations help explain consumer gravitation between small portion cans versus value-sized cans when purchasing soda.
12 oz Can Recycling Facts
Thanks to large-scale recycling programs, a significant portion of 12 oz aluminum cans are recycled rather than landfilled:
- Aluminum cans are 100% recyclable and can be recycled repeatedly
- 68% of aluminum cans were recycled in the US in 2020
- Recycling 1 can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours
- US aluminum can recycling saves over 60 million tons of CO2 emissions annually
- A recycled can can be back on store shelves in as little as 60 days
Because they are lightweight, economically valuable, and easy to process, aluminum soda cans have much higher recycling rates than other beverage containers. Encouraging can recycling also significantly reduces the carbon footprint of aluminum production.
Future Outlook
Despite increasing competition from plastic bottles, the iconic 12 oz aluminum soda can seems poised to continue its reign for years to come. However, innovators continue looking for ways to improve the can’s functionality and sustainability:
- New opening mechanisms – Pull tabs and resealable lids keep getting easier to use
- Embedded technology – QR codes and near-field communication for interactive engagement
- Unique shapes – Contoured and shaped cans help brands stand out
- Higher recycled content – Some brands using cans with 70% recycled aluminum
- Lower carbon footprint – Continued improvements in recycling rates and energy efficiency
While the 12 oz soda can has deep roots in American culture, new generations of enhanced cans keep this iconic package relevant for the future.
The Bottom Line
In summary, the 12 oz soda can is the standard single-serve size that Americans have known and loved for over 60 years. It provides an ideal individual portion that is highly portable and stackable. However, cans are now produced in a wider range of sizes to suit different needs. Despite competition from plastic bottles and larger cans, the 12 oz soda can remains a staple of grocery store shelves and family refrigerators, and looks poised to continue its reign thanks to convenience, exact portioning, and recyclability. So for those who wonder “is a soda can 12 oz?”, the answer is a definite yes…along with a range of other sizes.
