8-K

                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K
                                 Current Report

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


        Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) : July 13, 2004

                             National Beverage Corp.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

        DELAWARE                       1-14170                   59-2605822
- -------------------------     --------------------------    --------------------
(State of incorporation)       (Commission File Number)         (IRS Employer
                                                             Identification No.)


                           One North University Drive
                         Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33324
         --------------------------------------------------------------
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

                                 (954) 581-0922
                                ----------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


================================================================================

Item 5. Other Events

     On July 13, 2004, National Beverage Corp. issued a press release reporting
introduction of a new energy drink. A copy of the press release is filed as
Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.


Information Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1    Press release issued by National Beverage Corp. dated July 13,
                2004.





SIGNATURE
- ---------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.


                                                    National Beverage Corp.
                                                    -----------------------
                                                          (Registrant)


Date:  July 13, 2004                                By: /s/ Dean A. McCoy
                                                        ------------------------
                                                        Senior Vice President -
                                                        Chief Accounting Officer



EXHIBIT INDEX
- -------------

99.1     Press release issued July 13, 2004

EX-99.1

                                                                    Exhibit 99.1

        National Beverage Corp. Unleashes New Energy Beverage ``Rip It''

     FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 2004--National Beverage
Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) has introduced a potent energy fuel for anyone looking for that
extra 'boost'. Rip It and Rip It Lite energy fuels provide refreshing flavor
with a wonderful tingle of extra energy.
     "Features that set Rip It apart from other energy drinks are the large
16-oz can and the great-tasting Passionfruit flavor," stated a Company
spokesperson.
     "Also our Rip It Lite is one of the few zero-calorie, zero-carb and
zero-guilt introductions to the fast-growing energy segment. Our innovative
research and development team did an exceptional job as they focused full
attention on the 'hip' consumer who demands... only the very best," continued
the Company spokesperson.
     The Company plans a major rollout across the U.S. as national retailers
begin deliveries in early September. Other regional retailers also will expect
shipments at that time.
     "Rip It, Sip It or Dip It...no matter which...the exhilaration of our
passion-fueled energy drink will spark your igniters and make you glow,"
concluded the Company spokesperson.
     National Beverage produces soft drinks, bottled waters, juices and juice
products and is highly recognized for a line of refreshing flavors through its
popular brands: Shasta(R), Faygo(R), Ritz(R), Everfresh(R), Mr. Pure(R) and
LaCroix(R).

     Fun & Flavor...the National Beverage Way

     Note: This press release includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the
Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
factors are described in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission
filings and the Company disclaims an obligation to update any such factors or to
publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements
contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

     CONTACT: National Beverage Corp., Fort Lauderdale
              Grace A. Keene, 954/581-0922