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EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
National Beverage Corp. on Form S-8 File No. 0-19447 of our report dated July
31, 1997, on our audit of the consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedules of National Beverage Corp. as of May 3, 1997 and April 27,
1996 and for the three years in the period ended May 3, 1997, which report is
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Miami, Florida
July 31, 1997





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