Double Gulp No More: 7-Eleven Reduced Drink Size Even Before NYC Crackdown

We wonder if New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg knows that before he announced his proposed ban on sugary drinks larger than 16 ounces, 7-Eleven had already reduced its 64-ounce “Double Gulp” by 14 ounces.

Why did the convenience store giant shrink the size of its “Double Gulp”?

It’s not what you think. Contrary to what you might assume, 7-Eleven didn’t change sizes in preparation for Bloomberg’s controversial ban. No, it was for something much more practical: “Double Gulps” were too big for cup holders in most American cars, said 7-Eleven spokeswoman Margaret Chabris.

“It was a request for something that was a little more car-friendly,” she told The Daily.

7-Eleven estimates that 25 percent of the U.S. population lives within a mile of one of its stores, The Daily reports.

“The chain sells nearly 38 million gallons of fountain drinks per year worldwide, or enough to fill 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” the report adds.

Because of its ability to provide so many Americans with sugary goodness, The Daily asked Chabris whether she believes 7-Eleven has a responsibility to help fight obesity. She responded by pointing out that the chain sells an awful lot of diet and sugar-free drinks.

“As for the size of the containers, she said 7-Eleven was merely responding to demand,” the report adds. “While declining to give specific numbers, Chabris said sales of the 50-ounce Double Gulp remain the fastest-growing of all the company’s cup sizes.”

The store’s business philosophy, according to Chabris, is simply: “If it didn’t sell, we wouldn’t still be carrying it.”

But let's say you just can't go on without you favorite mondo-sized 7-Eleven über-gulp. Don't worry, The Daily has good news for you:

Lovers of the old 64-ounce drink size need not despair. It’s still possible to find at least one other chain that still sells half-gallon containers of soda. A monster offering from Roy Rogers is available at several of the chain’s restaurants located along the New Jersey Turnpike, as part of a special deal on 64-ounce insulated plastic mugs whose thick handles appeared sized for a thirsty gorilla.

An employee at the franchise in the travel plaza near Haddonfield, N.J., said the $6.99 mugs are particularly popular with families who want to keep a lot of soda cold and share it on long drives.

Image courtesy The Daily

(H/T: myfoxdfw.com, front page photo source: flickr user soonerpa)