In a world where big soda brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have dominated for decades, a new drink is shaking things up and it’s doing so with heart and purpose. Salaam Cola, founded by 27-year-old Irish entrepreneur Aykiz Shah, is not just another fizzy drink on the shelf. It’s a bold movement rooted in ethics, faith, and giving back.
Aykiz Shah, a hijab-wearing mother from Ireland, started Salaam Cola from her kitchen in Brentford, UK, in October 2023. With only £160 in her pocket for sample cans, she took a huge leap of faith. Just 18 months later, her halal-certified soda has sold nearly 2 billion cans worldwide and is now available in 14 countries, including Ireland, the UK, USA, France, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia.
More Than Just a Drink
What makes Salaam Cola truly different is its mission. Shah didn’t just want to make a tasty drink, she wanted to create something that makes a real difference in the world. That’s why the company donates 10% of its profits to help people in conflict-affected regions, especially in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.
Through a partnership with the UK-based charity Muslims in Need, Salaam Cola has already achieved some incredible things:
- Built a school for displaced Palestinian children in Egypt
- Provided medical care for over 10,000 people
- Rebuilt a mosque in Syria that was destroyed in conflict
- Gave food and shelter to people living in crisis zones
Shah says, “As a mother and a woman in hijab in a male-dominated industry, I wanted to show that you don’t have to give up your values to build something meaningful. Salaam Cola is more than a drink — it’s a tool for global good.”
A Taste That Stands Out
Besides its strong mission, Salaam Cola also wins hearts with its taste and ingredients. The drink uses cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, which many people believe makes it taste better and feel healthier. It is also halal-certified, which means it’s made in a way that meets Islamic dietary laws, allowing even more people around the world to enjoy it without worry.
From Middle Eastern restaurants in America to Pakistani street food stalls, Salaam Cola is becoming the drink of choice for many people who want something refreshing and ethical.
A Growing Global Movement
Salaam Cola’s fast success has caught the attention of the biggest names in the soda industry. Reports say that large companies are now having strategic meetings to figure out how to respond to Salaam Cola’s rise. Some are even changing their regional marketing plans because of the new competitor.
Shah doesn’t shy away from this challenge. She boldly states, “We didn’t come to play. We came to disrupt. If our presence makes the industry uncomfortable, that means we’re doing something right.”
Looking ahead, Salaam Cola has big plans. The brand wants to expand to 10 more countries by 2026 and open local production hubs. These new factories will not only make distribution easier but will also create jobs and support local economies.
Inspiring a New Wave
Thanks to Salaam Cola’s success, many new halal and ethical beverage startups are now emerging, inspired by Shah’s story and her fearless approach. She has proven that a small idea even one started on a kitchen island, can grow into a global movement when driven by strong values and a clear mission.
Whether people buy Salaam Cola for its smooth, crisp taste or to support its humanitarian work, they are joining something bigger than just a drink. They are becoming part of a community that believes in doing good, one can at a time.
