7 facts about cola that make absolutely no sense
14 sugar cubes per glass, a secret recipe and a bizarre history: few drinks are the subject of as many stories as Coca-Cola. But… most of those stories are simply complete nonsense.
1. You can dissolve a tooth in cola
The pH level of cola is so high that you can dissolve teeth and pieces of meat in it. Is that true? The average pH level of cola is 2.37, so that is not high enough to dissolve tissue. Because of its acidity it is a good addition to a stew to tenderize the meat, and it is sometimes used to descale the toilet.
2. Cola in Europe is healthier than in America
Cola in Europe is sweetened with regular sugar, while in America high fructose corn syrup is used, abbreviated as HFCS. And the wildest stories circulate about that. But if we are being very strict: both sugar and HFCS are not particularly good for you in large quantities, so if you want to drink something healthy, you would be better off pouring yourself a glass of water.
3. Cola contains pork
A few years ago, it was claimed online that there was pork or pork products in cola! Where did that story come from? Of course there is no meat in cola. It is even 100% vegan.
4. Cola contains a coloring made from insects
Certain foods, such as pink cookies, get their color from a natural substance made from scale insects. That coloring is called E-120. Although bug juice does not sound appetizing, it is officially approved and safe to drink. It is not found in cola, so do not worry.
5. Cola contains cocaine
The name Coca-Cola comes from the two raw materials used to make the first cola: the kola nut and cocaine. In 1904, the recipe was adapted, and coca leaves were used that still contained a small amount of cocaine. Today, the flavor comes from an extract made from coca leaves, in which there is truly not a trace of cocaine to be found. Seriously: do you think people would smuggle cocaine in cargo ships carrying bananas and in pellets between their buttocks if it were simply found in a can of Coca-Cola?
6. Santa Claus was invented by Coca-Cola
From the beginning of November onward, he is once again prancing across the television screen: a chubby Santa with a cheerful face, rosy cheeks and a round belly. Many people say that Coca-Cola was the first to show such a Santa in its television commercials, and that this is why they popularized this image of Santa Claus. Is that true? No, because the first illustrations of a plump Santa already date back to the eighteenth century.
7. Eat Mentos first, then drink Coca-Cola Light and your stomach will explode
Those funny videos of Coke Light fountains were everywhere on the internet years ago. The cola shoots powerfully out of the bottle. What happens if you mix Mentos and cola in your stomach? Projectile vomiting? An explosion is unlikely, but there is a chance you will not feel very well. So do not try it.
Read also:
- Coca-Cola introduces 4 new signature flavors
- Why mixing red wine with cola is a very good idea
- The real difference between Pepsi and Coca-Cola
Source: Eat This
