08/14/2026
SoBe (short for South Beach Beverage Company) is an American beverage brand famously known for its herbal-infused teas, elixirs, and iconic lizard mascot. Founded in 1995, the brand rode a massive wave of late-90s and early-2000s "New Age" nostalgia. PepsiCo still maintains the brand registration, but products mostly vanished from grocery and gas station shelves around 2017.
Ginseng, a Chinese and Korean traditional medicine, is an adaptogen believed to help the body handle stress, boost energy, and support overall immune function.
Ginseng was a premium ingredient in SoBe from the very beginning. Their first drink, SoBe Black Tea 3G, launched in 1995 with ginseng, guarana, and ginkgo.
I remember reaching into the gas station cooler for their Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri flavors, then flipping the cap over to find phrases like “Can you smell what the lizards are cooking?”
SoBe was a lifestyle, not just a brand.
There weren't influencers back then, but I was a walking advertisement, telling stories with SoBe in my hand about energy, focus, and social rituals.
Whether on the early-2000s to current-day 2026, brain craze companies like Bar None, Alani, and Poppi are not solely brands, but part of the culture.
This is not medical advice, and I am not a medical professional. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking medication.