Today’s Coke gas/acid, escapes several hours after opening; That “hiss” sound when opening the lid is now much quieter. However, in the 90s, colas that were opened were able to retain the amount of gas even after a day or two.

Because of the intense gas because it tends to overflow We should slowly pour the Coke into the glass, waiting for the foam to go down. Now, even if we fill it quickly, it doesn’t overflow easily.

On the surface in the first moments bouncing bubbles We couldn’t hold the glass to our faces because of the first sip, we inadvertently let out that famous relief sound in the commercials. So what happened to make Coke taste like a pure sorbet drink over time?

Not everyone realized this right away, because the change was actually gradual.

Whenever someone started to make this decision, people would say, “It really did taste better in the past!” he started to say. When we noticed the change in taste, we thought it was just us, but on social media When we saw that the number of people who think about this subject like us cannot be underestimated, we are sure that the taste of coke has changed.

Let’s clear up this problem first: Why does Coke burn our throats and noses?

found in coke carbon dioxide gas, Since the Coke removes the liquid as soon as we drink it, it starts flying with the effect of our body heat, then leaves behind both a refreshing and burning sensation as it comes out of our throat and nose.

Let’s also talk about why there is carbon dioxide in cola.

Coca-Cola answers this question on its official site as follows:
We add carbon dioxide gas to Coca-Cola to give the effervescent effect that gives a feeling of freshness. The use of carbon dioxide gas in drinks has been approved by the food authorities. Carbon dioxide gas also occurs naturally in mineral water. The carbon dioxide gas added to the drinks starts mixing in the air as soon as the product is opened. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that reaches the stomach is very small. All our product ingredients are safe and approved for use by relevant national and international institutions.

Let’s get to our main question: why does acid/gas no longer burn our throat and nose after drinking Coke?

This question was also asked on the official Coca-Cola site. There seems to be no clear answer:
Coca-Cola has been produced to the same high quality standards everywhere since 1886. The bubbles of Coca-Cola, defined in the local language as sour, are not acid, but carbon dioxide gas that occurs naturally in some mineral waters and is added to carbonated drinks to give them a fizzy effect. Carbon dioxide gas added to Coca-Cola during production falls within specified standards. When kept in suitable conditions, like all foods, it retains its taste as on the first day.

It is said that the taste does not change, but everyone agrees that the old taste does not exist. So let’s try to guess, what factors could have influenced the taste of coke?

The first reason that comes to mind: economizing on material.

This may be due to the fact that more carbon dioxide is more expensive. After all, under the influence of the economic conditions in our country, many companies increase or decrease their products instead of an increase; even lowers the quality of the content.

For this reason, the amount of gas in the coke may be reduced. Since there is no information on whether the cost of producing and adding carbon dioxide is high, we can only do this for now. a possible cause We can see it as

The content of many products, not only in cola, but also in ice cream It could be worse than in Europe.

When you compare an ice cream with the same product of the same brand with the European version, you see that the ratio of fruit and milk is higher. For example; Algida Twister ice cream sold in Turkey milk rate is 1%, fruit puree rate is 0.4 however, when sold in Europe, the milk percentage is 13% and the fruit puree percentage is 11%. In other words, we experience the “geography is destiny” situation in terms of taste and health. We will discuss this matter in more detail shortly.

Second possible reason: One can realize that too much carbon dioxide is harmful to health.

But still coke It’s not a healthy drink. The sugar in it is much more harmful than carbon dioxide. In addition, if health considerations had been pursued, it would have been determined to use natural sugar, as in Europe, instead of glucose sugar.

Also in European countries sparkling water This possibility seems distant for now, as carbonated drinks called normal water are consumed just like normal water.

Third and most likely cause: franchise factor and bottling

World famous coke companies by their franchises in different countries concentrate, which they protect with a patent. Sending. About 86% water is added to this concentrate (probably in syrup form) that comes to Turkey.

Then sweeteners and carbon dioxide is added. When various preservatives and acidity regulators are added, the cola we are now drinking appears.

Here’s the most exciting part:

The bottling companies can make some changes to these substances that are added later. They can change the amount of concentrate, add any sweeteners (glucose syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar, caramel). and of course They can also determine the carbon dioxide content themselves.

The idea of ​​”localization” may also be the reason why they changed the formula by country.

Let’s give an example of a localization tactic; A world famous pizza brand can also offer bacon pizza in our country. because by cultural influences People demand it too.

Some people like Coke with less sugar, while others like it with more sugar. As a result of market research They may have established that carbon dioxide is not liked in Turkey. If this is the case, the taste of the minority can be tainted by the majority.

We don’t know how now, but once upon a time “Turkey Coke” was popular in Iraq and it sold more expensive than there. Because although it was the same brand, the coke there tasted worse. As you can see, the land factor is very important.

Summarized; The reason for this situation seems to be due to economic and socio-cultural decline.

• Image: From a protest against Coca-Cola’s taste change.

This deterioration is felt in every area. Yet nowhere in Europe You will not find a cola with glucose syrup. Frankly, it’s easy at this rate. mentos We can see that it doesn’t foam even when thrown.

Editor’s Note: I haven’t had a coke in 4 years. When I tried drinking it every now and then, I realized how tasteless I’d been drinking for years. It is best for your health not to drink at all.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5