The Coca-Cola company is celebrating America’s semiquincentennial with new packaging representing every state, including Mississippi.
Mini cans of coke products are now featuring a design unique to all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. From Georgia peaches to California’s surf scene, each design features one symbol representing cultural contributions to the United States over the past 250 years. July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“For nearly 140 years, Coca-Cola has been part of the American experience,” said Stacey Jackson, vice president of Coca-Cola Trademark, North America. “From our collectible mini cans to our community outreach initiatives, our goal is to uplift Americans throughout every zip code and create optimism for the future.”
As Jackson noted, The Coca-Cola Company is celebrating America’s semiquincentennial in more ways that just the mini cans. The company is aiming to “generate” 250,000 volunteer hours in 2026, work with local artists across the country to produce dozens of public murals, and will place America-themed branding at events throughout the year such as the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600, the PGA Tour Championship, and various music festivals.
What does Mississippi’s mini can look like?
Mississippi’s mini can became available on the shelves April 6 and features a paddle wheeler – representing the historic riverboats that have cruised the Mississippi River for over a century.
Commemorative cans are available nationwide at retailers like Walmart and Target. Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero packs are included. However, the cans are distributed randomly within packs, meaning Mississippi consumers will have to try their luck to get their home state’s symbol.
Each commemorative product also features a QR code for consumers to scan for the chance to unlock prizes and rewards, including the opportunity to win a new Jeep Wrangler or an “epic American getaway,” per the sweepstakes page.
Mississippi moved the needle for Coke
Mississippi played a key role in The Coca-Cola Company becoming the world’s largest non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer.
In 1894, Biedenharn Candy Shop in Vicksburg became the first to bottle Coca-Cola. Store owner Joseph Biedenharn decided to start bottling his soda to expand sales beyond the fountain, and as they say, the rest is history. Today, Coca-Cola sells roughly 2 billion drinks a day – or more than 20,000 every second.
The site of the original shop is now the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, where visitors can check out memorabilia, view a replica of the original bottling works, and enjoy a soda or Coke float.
