Faaji LLC

ZZAI is a US-based craft soda brand rooted in West African beverage traditions, producing a line of sparkling drinks inspired by the culinary and cultural heritage of Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and the broader West African diaspora. The company positions itself as an authentic voice in the emerging African-inspired beverage category, drawing on centuries-old recipes and cultural practices rather than loosely interpreting them for mass-market appeal.

The current product lineup consists of four distinct sparkling sodas: Zobo, a hibiscus-forward drink with ginger heat and clove depth inspired by the Nigerian sobolo tradition; Obì, a kola nut and natural bitters drink with blood orange, designed for consumers who enjoy amaro, Campari sodas, or complex botanical beverages; Chapman, a citrus and spice soda layered with cucumber and warm spice evoking the iconic Nigerian street drink; and TamTam, a tropical blend of mango and tamarind with a lemon finish. Each product is sold in 12-ounce cans, with 12-packs priced at $51 and a mixed-flavor tray option available.

All ZZAI formulations are made with real cane sugar and a touch of stevia leaf extract as a natural sweetener, and are free from high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, sucralose, artificial colors, and artificial preservatives. The brand emphasizes real-source ingredients including fruit juices, botanical extracts, and plant-based colors. Every SKU in the lineup is certified Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, with calorie counts ranging from 50 to 72 calories per can.

Ingredient transparency is a core brand pillar. ZZAI uses botanicals such as hibiscus, ginger, clove, kola extract, blood orange, tamarind, and fruit and vegetable juice-based natural colors. The Obì flavor contains naturally occurring caffeine from kola nut, while other flavors are caffeine-free. The brand markets directly to consumers via its website, offering flat-rate standard shipping and free shipping on orders of two trays or more.

Beyond product formulation, ZZAI incorporates cultural storytelling into its packaging, featuring a heritage portrait series that honors historical West African figures — including Queen Amina of Zazzau and an Igbo Elder — on individual can designs. This positions the brand within the growing cultural beverage movement that connects diaspora communities and curious mainstream consumers to African traditions through everyday consumption.