The primary modern flavorings in a cola drink are
citrusoils (from
orange,
lime, and
lemonpeels),
cinnamon,
vanilla, and an
acidic flavorant.[8][9] Manufacturers of cola drinks add trace flavorings to create distinctive tastes for each brand. Trace flavorings may include a wide variety of ingredients, such as spices like
nutmeg or
coriander. Acidity is often provided by
phosphoric acid, sometimes accompanied by
citric or other isolated acids.
Coca-Cola's recipe is maintained as a corporate
trade secret.
A variety of different sweeteners may be used in cola, often influenced by local agricultural policy.
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is predominantly used in the United States due to the lower cost of government-subsidized
corn. In Europe, however, HFCS is subject to production quotas designed to encourage the production of sugar; sugar is thus preferentially used to sweeten sodas.[10] In addition,
stevia or an
artificial sweetener may be used; "sugar-free" or "diet" colas typically contain artificial sweeteners only.
In Japan, there is a burgeoning craft cola industry, with small-scale local production methods and highly unique cola recipes using locally-sourced fruits, herbs, and spices.[11]
Clear colas were again produced during the
clear craze of the early 1990s. Brands included
Crystal Pepsi,
Tab Clear, and
7 Up Ice Cola. Crystal Pepsi was repeatedly reintroduced in the 2010s.
In
Denmark, a popular clear cola was made by the
CooperativeFDB in 1976. It was especially known for being the "Hippie Cola" because of the focus on the harmful effects the
color additive could have on children and the boycott of multinational brands. It was inspired by a campaign on harmful additives in Denmark by the Environmental-Organization NOAH, an independent Danish division of
Friends of the Earth. This was followed up with a variety of sodas without artificial coloring.[14] Today many organic colas are available in Denmark, but, for nostalgic reasons, clear cola has still maintained its popularity to a certain degree.[15]
A 2007 study claimed that consumption of colas, both those with natural sweetening and those with artificial sweetening, was associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The
phosphoric acid used in colas was thought to be a possible cause.[19]
One 2005 study indicated soda and sweetened drinks are the main source of calories in the American diet and that of those who drink more sweetened drinks, obesity rates were higher.[20] Most[how?] nutritionists advise that Coca-Cola and other soft drinks can be harmful if consumed excessively, particularly to young children whose soft drink consumption competes with, rather than complements, a balanced diet. Studies have shown that regular soft drink users have a lower intake of
calcium,
magnesium,
vitamin C,
riboflavin, and
vitamin A.[21]
The drink has also aroused criticism for its use of
caffeine, which can cause
physical dependence (
caffeine dependence),[22] and can reduce sleep quality.[23] A link has been shown between long-term regular cola intake and
osteoporosis in older women (but not men).[24] This was thought to be due to the presence of phosphoric acid, and the risk for women was found to be greater for sugared and caffeinated colas than diet and decaffeinated variants, with a higher intake of cola correlating with lower bone density.
Many soft drinks in North America are sweetened mostly or entirely with
high-fructose corn syrup, rather than
sugar. Some nutritionists caution against the consumption of
corn syrup because it may aggravate
obesity and
type-2 diabetes more than cane sugar.[25]
Fritz-Kola, a cola soft drink from
Hamburg, Germany, uses the highest possible concentration of caffeine for beverages allowed by German law.[clarification needed]
Green Cola is a brand from
Greece that is available also in Germany, Spain, Cyprus, the Baltic states, Romania, the Middle East, Slovenia etc.
Hofmuhl Cola is a local brand from Bavaria, made by a regional brewery.[32]
Jolly Cola, which had a 40% share of the cola drink market in
Denmark from the mid-1960s to the late 1980s.[33]
Kofola is the primary rival to Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the
Czech Republic and
Slovakia, and does not contain phosphoric acid.
LOCKWOODS Cola,[34][35] a UK cola brand introduced in the 1960s produced by
Lockwoods Foods Limited at their canning factory site in
Long Sutton, England, the drink is not on the market anymore, it was sold nationally and also
exported.
Maxi-Cola was sold by
Mac's Brewery in England as a rival to Coke and Pepsi. Production ended in the early 90s.
Virgin Cola was popular in
South Africa and Western Europe in the 1990s but has waned in availability.
Vita-Cola is a German cola brand with a distinct citrus flavor; nowadays it is mostly sold in eastern Germany.
XL Cola was a Swedish cola brand introduced in 1985, but the drink is not at the market anymore.
North America
Coca-Cola, often referred to simply as Coke, is produced and manufactured by
The Coca-Cola Company. It is one of the most popular cola brands in North America and worldwide, as well as being the original cola.
Pepsi, produced and manufactured by
PepsiCo, is also one of the most popular cola brands in North America and worldwide. Pepsi is the main competitor and rival of Coca-Cola.
^"Cola 2". Sparror.cubecinema.com.
Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
^M. Ataman Aksoy; John C. Beghin, eds. (2005). "Sugar Policies: An Opportunity for Change". Global Agricultural Trade and Developing Countries. World Bank Publications. p. 329.
ISBN0-8213-5863-4.
^"Sortiment". Privatbrauerei Hofmühl (in German).
Archived from the original on 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
^Sørensen, Nils Arne; Petersen, Klaus (November 2012). "Corporate Capitalism or Coca-Colonisation? Economic Interests, Cultural Concerns, Tax Policies and Coca-Cola in Denmark from 1945 to the Early 1960s". Contemporary European History. 21 (4): 597–617.
doi:
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ISSN0960-7773.
S2CID163347256.