Kristal (drink)
Israeli soft drink series launched in 1958.
Kristal (Hebrew: קריסטל) is a line of beverages from the Israeli company Yafura-Taburi, first introduced in 1958. The brand debuted in April of that year under the Tabori company (now Yafura-Taburi) with three original flavors: soda water, lemon drink, and orange drink. It was promoted as a health-conscious option, made from soft water that had been stripped of harmful substances, and containing no artificial coloring or additives. A year later, in 1959, the brand launched its iconic slogan: "Make a break – Drink Kristal."
Initially sold in glass bottles, the product range included both still and carbonated drinks. Over time, packaging shifted to plastic bottles, and the labels saw many redesigns, though the Kristal logo itself remained largely unchanged. The series now includes two categories: soft drinks (grapefruit, mango, grape, raspberry, orange, and diet grapefruit) and carbonated drinks (exotic, apple, grapefruit, diet grapefruit, strawberry, lemon-lime, grape, mint, orange, and cola). For Israel’s 75th Independence Day, a retro-style version in glass bottles was released.
In 1982, the comedy trio HaGashash HaHiver appeared in an advertising campaign for Kristal, using the slogan: "The heat was cancelled, we drink Kristal."
- field
- Soft drinks and carbonated beverages
- nationality
- Israeli
- known_for
- Being a long-running Israeli soft drink series launched in 1958
- launch_year
- 1958
- original_flavors
- soda water, lemon drink, orange drink
Lore & Background
The Kristal series was launched in April 1958 by the Tabori company with three flavors: soda water, lemon drink, and orange drink. It was marketed as a healthy drink made from soft water, from which harmful substances had been removed, and without the addition of food coloring or artificial substances. In 1959, the advertising slogan 'Make a break - Drink Kristal' was introduced. Initially sold in glass bottles, the product line included both soft and carbonated beverages. Over the years, packaging transitioned to plastic bottles, and labels underwent numerous design changes, though the Kristal logo remained consistent. In preparation for the 75th Independence Day of the State of Israel, a retro-styled version in glass bottles was launched.
Reader's Guide
Kristal represents a longstanding presence in the Israeli beverage market, having been continuously produced by Yafura-Taburi since 1958. Its launch emphasized healthfulness, using soft water and avoiding artificial additives, which set it apart in its early years. The brand's marketing campaigns, including the 1959 slogan 'Make a break - Drink Kristal' and a 1982 campaign featuring the comedy trio HaGashash HaHiver with the slogan 'The heat was cancelled, we drink Kristal', helped embed it in Israeli popular culture. The product line expanded over time to include a wide range of soft drink and carbonated drink flavors. The transition from glass to plastic bottles and the later retro glass bottle release for Israel's 75th Independence Day illustrate its adaptability and enduring appeal. Kristal's consistent logo and long history make it a recognizable fixture in Israeli soft drinks.
Did You Know?
- Kristal was launched in April 1958 with three flavors: soda water, lemon drink, and orange drink.
- The brand's 1959 advertising slogan was 'Make a break - Drink Kristal'.
- In 1982, Israeli comedy trio HaGashash HaHiver participated in a Kristal advertising campaign.
- A retro-styled version of Kristal in glass bottles was launched for the 75th Independence Day of the State of Israel.
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