You've Been Using Soda Can Tabs The Wrong Way

Did you know that the little tab on your beverage can is more than just a way to crack it open? For decades, we've been blissfully unaware of its clever dual-purpose design. Sure, it's perfect for popping the top on an ice-cold soda, but there's a simple hack that can change the way you enjoy your beverage — especially if you're a straw user.

Here's the secret: After opening your soda, rotate the tab 180 degrees and align the hole with the can's opening. You now have a built-in straw holder. This setup is especially handy with fizzy drinks,  where carbonation often has a pesky habit of lifting your straw or knocking it out of the can entirely.

It's one of those delightful moments when form and function come together in a way most of us overlook. But where did this genius concept originate? To truly appreciate its brilliance, we need to look back at how soda can tabs have evolved over the years.

The journey began in the early 20th century, back when canned drinks had flat tops and opening one required a small metal lever called a churchkey to puncture holes into the can's top — a functional but inconvenient process. Fast forward to the 1960s, when the pull-tab revolutionized beverage packaging. You could just pull the tab right off the can, and the top would open up — no tools required. 

But, while it was a cool invention, the loose tabs ended up being a bit of a headache, turning into litter or even a safety risk. That's when the modern day stay-on tab was born, giving us a safer, more practical solution. Introduced in 1975, it was meant to stay attached after opening, eliminating the problem of the tabs that detached entirely. Over the years, the mechanism has been tweaked to make it more durable and user-friendly. The stay-on tab is stronger, quicker to open with one hand, and better for the environment, offering thoughtful innovation for modern-day soda drinkers.

The stay-on tab's ability to double as a straw holder might just be an accidental stroke of genius. It's a perfect example of how good design can quietly accommodate multiple uses. Next time you're sipping a soda upgraded to a dessert with a bit of coffee creamer this simple idea can prevent your straw from bobbing around. When you open a soda, give the tab a twist, stick in a straw, and show off this neat little trick to your friends.