Jolly Good Wins as Wisconsin’s Soda Through the Decades

It’s a sweet sip through the decades. The Jolly Good story includes loads of flavor and the just right amount of fizz. But underneath it all? Resilience through the decades leading to the announcement – Jolly Good Wins – the 2024 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin award!

But let’s go back to understand how Jolly Good Soda is actually a product born out of Wisconsin’s innovative agricultural roots. The year is 1913 and J.B. Krier sees the need for a canning plant to preserve local produce like beets, peas, sauerkraut, and beans. The idea becomes so popular, Krier expands the canning line with soups, juices, and even spaghetti. But after several busy harvests, Krier finds winter to be unpredictable. He starts searching for an additional way to sustain work through those colder months.

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LISTEN to the “Slice of Wisconsin” story featuring Jolly Good here:

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Enter the creation of Jolly Good. The soda quickly turns into a favorite in towns around Sheboygan County where it is being produced. 

Then across the Badgers State. 

And the Midwest.

By the 1960s, Krier decides to turn his entire Random Lake facility into a soda production line. It’s no longer a surprise to find Jolly Good in the coolers at cookouts, family reunions, and community gatherings. 

And the flavors! Cherry, Grape, Orange, Root Beer, Blue Raspberry, Cream Soda, Fruit Punch, and Sour Pow’r. Some have come and gone overtime, but Jolly Good remains a tasty treasure – beloved by both lifelong Wisconsinites and specialty soda fans across the United States.

It really is more than just a beverage. Jolly Good’s history and current success is a “Slice of Wisconsin.” And whether you’re cracking open a can of Cherry Soda or mixing your Brandy Old Fashioned with Sour Pow’r, knowing the wonderful Jolly Good story is sure to add some jolly goodness to your day.