Soft drink, cola
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A carbonated, caramel-colored sweetened beverage with a distinctively sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile, often with notes of vanilla and citrus. Its effervescence creates a sharp, tingling mouthfeel that cleanses the palate. Nutritionally, it is a concentrated source of simple carbohydrates, delivering about 10 grams of sugar per 100ml with no protein, fat, or fiber.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 95% carbs · 5% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the immediate, satisfying burst of sweetness and the stimulating tingle of carbonation. It's a cultural staple, deeply embedded in social rituals, fast-food pairings, and nostalgic memories.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content can lead to rapid blood-sugar spikes and subsequent crashes, and the phosphoric acid may concern those monitoring dental health. To counteract, consume with a meal containing protein and fat to slow sugar absorption, limit to a small can (250ml), and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from simple sugars
- Caffeine content can enhance alertness and focus
- Effective for rapid rehydration in cases of mild dehydration
- Serves as a versatile culinary ingredient for glazes and marinades
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original 1886 formula for Coca-Cola contained a significant amount of cocaine, derived from coca leaf extract, which was removed by the early 1900s.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 89.4 g |
| Energy | 42.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.25 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 10.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 9.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 1.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.02 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 9.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 5.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 3.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.09 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.30 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 9.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Why does diet cola taste different from regular cola?
Diet versions use artificial sweeteners like aspartame instead of sugar. These sweeteners have different chemical properties, affecting the sweetness curve and often leaving a slightly bitter or metallic aftertaste.
Is the caffeine in cola from coffee beans?
No. The caffeine in cola is typically derived from decaffeination byproducts or synthetic sources, not from coffee beans. It's added for its stimulating effect and to balance the sweetness.
Can cola be used as a meat tenderizer?
Yes, the phosphoric acid and carbonation in cola can help break down proteins in meat, making it more tender. It's a popular ingredient in slow-cooked dishes like pulled pork or ribs.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.42 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 9.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.60 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.