Cola is a carbonated beverage produced by both the Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo. Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi are iconic, American cultural staples, frequently linked to celebrations and gatherings. Despite their similarities, Coke and Pepsi vary in several key ways.
Both beverages are high in sugar and contain additives and sweeteners. The main difference between them is the way they are sweetened; Coke uses high fructose corn syrup, whereas Pepsi relies on sucrose and glucose. Though both are calorie-dense, Pepsi contains more calories per serving than Coke.
Nutritionally, Pepsi may be the better choice of the two, considering that Coke contains phosphorus, an additive that can adversely affect the body in large doses. Pepsi, on the other hand, is much more nutritious as it contains Vitamin C, magnesium, and more. In terms of caffeine, Pepsi outranks Coke, as it contains more caffeine per 12-ounce serving.
When it comes to taste, both beverages have millions of loyal fans, though many may argue that Pepsi has a sweeter and more distinct flavor. However, the majority of potential consumers base their decision on what they are used to drinking. In terms of popularity, Coke has a slight but consistent lead over Pepsi in the United States, though both are international brands that sell billions of dollars’ worth of beverages each year.