As we reminisce about the good old days, it's funny how certain memories can trigger a sense of nostalgia, and sometimes, even a hint of envy. For many Australians, growing up in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the contents of one's fridge could be a subtle indicator of social status. Believe it or not, the presence of a particular item was enough to make you the envy of your peers: a fridge stocked with cans of soft drinks.

Back in the day, having a fridge filled with fizzy drinks was akin to a luxury. It wasn't just about quenching your thirst; it was a symbol of affluence. A TikTok user, @Lozleeinfunee, recently brought this conversation to the forefront, reminiscing about how, as a child, visiting friends with a fridge full of soft drink cans made her think they were well off. Now, as an adult, she proudly shows off her crisper drawer packed with Diet Coke, feeling like she's finally 'made it'.

Soft drink cans in the fridge were seen as a sign of wealth by social media users. Credit: @Lozleeinfunee / TikTok

'It felt like I was grabbing a can of gold,' she says in her viral video, which has resonated with thousands, sparking a wave of likes and comments. The sentiment is clear: for those who grew up with less, the sight of a fridge stocked with individual cans of soda was nothing short of dazzling.

This phenomenon wasn't just about the drinks themselves; it was about what they represented. In an era when a two-litre bottle of soft drink was a treat to be savoured and often went flat before it could be fully enjoyed, the idea of having a selection of cans at your disposal was a luxury many could only dream of.

The conversation has opened up a floodgate of memories among Aussies, with many sharing their own experiences. 'We'd only get soft drink cans at Christmas time,' one person recalls. Another mentions the all-too-familiar scenario of a shared family bottle going flat too soon. And then there are those who remember visiting friends' houses, only to be awestruck by a secondary fridge in the garage dedicated solely to an array of chilled beverages.

The divide between the classes, as highlighted by the TikTok user, is a real and tangible memory for many. It's a reminder of simpler times when the markers of wealth were less about the latest gadgets and more about the small comforts and conveniences that not everyone could afford.

For our members here at the Seniors Discount Club, this might bring back memories of your own childhood or how you raised your children. Did you grow up with a fridge that was a treasure trove of fizzy delights, or was a can of soft drink a rare treat to be savoured? And how has this shaped your view of the little luxuries in life?

Credit: TikTok​

We invite you to take a trip down memory lane and share with us: Was your fridge a status symbol growing up? Did you have a variety of soft drinks ready for family and guests, or was this something you aspired to do? Let's discuss how these seemingly small details were part of a larger narrative about wealth and class in Australia's past.

Key Takeaways

• Having soft drink cans in the fridge was seen as a sign of wealth by TikTok user @Lozleeinfunee.
• The TikTok video where the user shows off her crisper drawer full of Diet Coke has gone viral with many likes and comments.
• Many Australians shared their own experiences, noting that soft drinks were a luxury item only occasionally available in their households.
• The topic sparked a discussion about the divide between social classes based on the presence of soft drinks in the home.

And while you're here, why not share your thoughts on how these symbols of status have changed over the years? What are the modern equivalents of the 'canned soft drink in the fridge'? Engage with us in the comments below, and let's have a conversation about the quirky indicators of wealth from our youth to today.

 

[bjakes]

definitely, mum made home-brew ginger beer, no alcohol, for kiddies, grown up supply was discovered by some of us when we heard some pops and went to explore, very strong, that's what I remember thinking, didn't realise we were drunk

 

[Veggiepatch]

You would have an illusion of growing up wealthy if you had cans of beer, and especially Jim Beam and Coke in your fridge!

 

[Maggie96]

I didn't grow up poor, but we never had cans of cordial, we had water cordial.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I didn't grow up poor, but we never had cans of cordial, we had water cordial.

Never seen a can of cordial in my life!

 

[Jo Piper3]

We had a bottle of cordial in the cupboard and powder stuff my father called 'fizzy'.

 

[GrannyJA!]

No such thing as canned softdrinks in our fridge as kids. The closest we came was in about 1979/80 when Crystal deliver bottled softdrinks and came back to collect the empties. In those days GI lime cordial was a staple, probably my Dear old Dad's only indulgence.

 

[Benny's Light]

We used to get a dozen (box) delivered each week from Crystal Soft drinks and then Berts when they stopped delivering. There was a variety of different flavours. We were a bit spoilt as kids. Nothing like today.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I don't remember having cans as a child. We did however have bottles of softdrink that we had delivered in a wooden crate each week.

I remember also having GI cordial and lemon either mynors or cottees cordial as well as a jar of orange tang which I hated.

There was always bottles of VB beer in tall long neck bottles

I now have 3 fridges . One in the kitchen, one in my laundry and one in my garage which is full of drinks . I even have 2 can dispensers.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

Won't find cans of soft drink in my fridge. Better to use the space for food. Besides es I can't stand cold soft drink in any weather. Freezes my brain and I need that brain for other things

Never seen a can of cordial in my life!

Me either

 

[Colette 3799]

We didn’t get fizzy drinks at home as far I remember but my gran used to get a delivery from “The mineral Man” every week. My favourite was the ginger beer that came in a ceramic pot, I think a flagon. So yum

 

[Veggiepatch]

We didn’t get fizzy drinks at home as far I remember but my gran used to get a delivery from “The mineral Man” every week. My favourite was the ginger beer that came in a ceramic pot, I think a flagon. So yum

You old soak!

 

[Barbara V]

Didn't have a fridge had a cold box couldn't keep frozen stuff in that,but on second thoughts didn't have frozen stuff and ice cream was bought fresh few times a week when needed. Shows my age hmmm

 

[bjakes]

I didn't grow up poor, but we never had cans of cordial, we had water cordial.

My Mum made ginger beer, had a "plant" which was fed every day, at the right time, she made it in a big pot, bottled in Dads used beer bottles, stored underneath the house, coolest place, some exploded but we had great fun, occupied our time, great thing we didn't have TV, lots of different music though

 

[relljube]

We had a bottle of cordial in the cupboard and powder stuff my father called 'fizzy'.

The powder stuff was probably "Saline" which came in both orange or lemon and made by Parsons - best thirst quencher you could get.

 

[PepeLePew]

My mum made Ginger Beer occasionally, other than that we only got soft drink at Easter and Christmas time, never ever in between. My dad had a large bottle of Beer every Easter & Christmas and he didn't drink in between those times unless the family attended a wedding. Even today I rarely drink soft drinks but if I do it is either Ginger Beer or Sarsaparilla. As a child I loved Sarsaparilla Floats and still do.
My children grew up without sugary drinks in their diets except for special occasions but my grandchildren seem to indulge in these drinks at their homes on a daily basis. At my house they get water or milk.

 

[Suzanne rose]

The powder stuff was probably "Saline" which came in both orange or lemon and made by Parsons - best thirst quencher you could get.

This is the one we used to have

 

[relljube]

This is the one we used to have
View attachment 63375

Cottee's took over the brand from Parsons during the late 60's I think it was but that is the drink I was referring to - not as effervescent as the original Saline.

 

[Hollingworthlake]

Believe it or not we didn’t even have a fridge let alone know what fizzy drinks (or pop) was