Introduction to the Great Coke Debate
The Coca-Cola Company recently announced it will soon sell a new version of Coke in the U.S. with cane sugar as a sweetener instead of high fructose corn syrup, a main ingredient in the Coke that Americans are familiar with.
But Coca-Cola has long sold a cane sugar variety of Coke in Mexico and India.
So which one do Americans like better?
The Blind Taste Test
A blind taste test on Wednesday at the Navy Pier offices of the Sun-Times and WBEZ showed more people prefer the original Coca-Cola over the Mexican variety, sold in glass bottles.
Some said original Coke tasted “smoother” and more “flavorful,” including a surprised Shelly Valenzia, who chose the original kind.
“This one tastes smoother. I don’t think I’d ever say that about a (soda) drink. This one is more natural,” said Valenzia, of Schaumburg.
Amanda Marks, of Milwaukee, said the original version was more syrupy.
“I can taste the flavor immediately in this,” said Marks, 33.
Pricing and Availability
A cane sugar variant has been available in the U.S. for some time as “Mexican Coke” in glass bottles, sold at a slightly higher price.
A 4-pack, 12 fl oz. bottles of “Mexican Cola” costs $7.99, averaging about $2 for each bottle. Meanwhile a 12-pack, 12 fl oz. of “Original Taste” Coca-Cola costs $8.39, averaging $0.69 cents per can at Target.
Celebrity Endorsements and Company Response
The addition of a cane sugar Coke got the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who said on social media that the new soda “will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!”
The soda-maker did not initially confirm the new soda, but CEO James Quincey said Tuesday during their second quarter earnings call that the company would expand the trademark Coca-Cola product range to “meet evolving consumer preferences.” The “Original Taste” Coke that uses corn syrup will still be available.
Diverse Opinions
At the Sun-Times’ blind taste-test, Brandon Henton said he does not care much for sweeteners, but is an avowed fan of the flavor.
“I like the Coke flavor. It can even be a seltzer with the cola flavor,” said Henton, 44.
Fans of Mexican cola said it was “smoother and less strong.”
Some participants visiting from Mexico were able to identify the Mexican cola right away.
Fernando Peralta, from Cuernavaca, said Coca-Cola should use cane sugar in all of its sodas. The city Cuernavaca is home to one of Coca-Cola’s largest factories in Mexico.
“I’m very sure of the Mexican one,” Peralta, 51, said in Spanish. “It’s got more flavor.”
Conclusion
The debate between regular Coke and Mexican Coke has sparked a lot of interest, with some preferring the original taste and others enjoying the smoother flavor of the Mexican variety. While the results of the blind taste test showed a preference for regular Coke, it’s clear that both types of soda have their loyal followers.
FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between regular Coke and Mexican Coke?
A: The main difference is the type of sweetener used, with regular Coke using high fructose corn syrup and Mexican Coke using cane sugar.
Q: Is Mexican Coke available in the US?
A: Yes, Mexican Coke is available in the US, sold in glass bottles at a slightly higher price than regular Coke.
Q: Did the blind taste test show a clear winner?
A: Yes, the blind taste test showed that more people prefer the original Coca-Cola over the Mexican variety.
Q: Will Coca-Cola continue to offer the original recipe?
A: Yes, according to CEO James Quincey, the company will still offer the "Original Taste" Coke that uses corn syrup.
