Coca-Cola tastes different around the globe, here's why

Although the basic ingredients of Coca-Cola remain the same worldwide, the sweetener used can have a big impact on cultural taste.

Coca-Cola tastes different around the globe: here's why
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Coca-Cola tastes different around the globe: here's why

You’ve probably triedCoca-Cola somewhere, at some point in your life. Whether it was the traditional product, Coke Zero, or even Vanilla Coke, it’s hard to imagine a world where Coca-Cola isn’t consumed. In addition to having a variety of flavour variations (think: lime, lemon, cherry, etc.), their basic product can differ slightly, depending on the country in which it is being made and drank.

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The basic ingredients of Coca-Cola

On their website, Coca-Cola states that their ingredients are carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel colour, phosphoric acid, natural flavours, and caffeine.

According to the drinks giant, 'the basic ingredients and process used to make Coca-Cola are the same in all countries'. While some flavour variations are only available in certain places, the classic Coca-Cola is available in over 200 countries.

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The basic ingredients of Coca-Cola Jeffrey Greenberg

The world of Coke, a world of tastes

That said, it’s not unfathomable that different countries have different tastes, whether it’sfashion, music, or the scent of perfume. That’s why companies often cater their products to their target market. Coca-Cola is no different. If you’ve ever visited the taste-testing room of theWorld of Coke in Atlanta, you probably noticed their products taste different depending on where in the world they are made and sold.

Coca-Cola alsostates on their website that they 'tailor [their] drinks to local tastes'. While this may seem confusing given that the basic ingredients and process used to make Coke are the same around the world, some countries use slightly different ingredients to produce similar results.

For example, as reported by Mashed,the type of sugarthat is added can produce different tastes. While American Coke adds high fructose corn syrup, Mexican Coke adds cane sugar. Some Coke franchises that brew the drink themselves using Coca-Cola concentrate (such as restaurants) may even use brown sugar or caramel as sweetener instead. The amount of sweetener added also varies according to cultural preference.

So, next time you crack open a can of Coke, remember that you’re not only tasting a trademark; you’re tasting a culture.

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