Does anybody know if Coke made in Canada used HFCS or cane sugar? I know cane sugar is very common in Canada, since we don't have high tariffs on sugar comming from other nations.

This story seemed timely:

"High-fructose corn syrup: sugar on crack?"

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12058364/

When I was in Mexico City, I made certain to try the Coke to see how it was different. Coke and Co. are liars, Coke does taste different there than in the States. It's less sickly sweet and thick at the back of your throat. I preferred it made with real sugar.

The comments won't let me leave my site address. Sob.

Adding Europe to the mix - I believe le coca is made with sugar there as well.

Mexican diet coke (coke light) also has a very different taste than american diet coke, coke zero, and coke w/ splenda. Does anyone know why this is? I think it tastes better, but it is hard to find in stores and more expensive too.

One is made with corn and the other is made with cane sugar.

Stock up while you can.
The story: Mexican Coke contains cane sugar because of their own protectionism; since 2002, Mexico's had a 20% tax on soft drinks sweetened with anything but Mexican cane sugar (Buenos dias, bizarro U.S.A.) In the beginning of March, a WTO panel ruled that tax to be illegal. As a result, the government planned to ask Congress to eliminate the tax. If that happens, there's a good chance more Mexican sodas will be made with cheaper HFCS.

I always wondered why soda in South America tastes better! When I moved to the USA, I was surprised to find I did not like coke, now, I know why,

I was talking about this with a friend who is a soda-holic and lawyer and he had some interesting comments after reading this post (he has a tendency to be harsh; remember, he's a lawyer):

Lame blog entry. No, it's not illegal for most individuals to buy Mexican Coke and sell it. But it is a violation of a franchisee's contractual obligations to produce surplus product with an eye towards distribution outside his franchise area. It upsets the balance that a company tries to create amongst its distribution arms. (BTW, why aren't the typically liberal foodies up in arms about "outsourcing" here? The wages that people get in bottling companies in Mexico? The lost jobs in America?)

Second, a lot of (maybe even most) Mexican Coke isn't made with cane sugar. It's made with HFCS and/or sugar (not necessarily cane sugar). And, as far as I can tell, there isn't any evidence that HFCS and sugar are distinguishable in soft drinks. (It would be interesting to sit this person down and serve him root beer in glasses--perhaps the sampling of root beers I tried a while back--and see if he can determine by taste what the sweetener is. I bet he wouldn't do much better than a flip of a coin, in terms of accuracy.)

Third, the article notes one of the biggest differences in taste between Mexican Coke and American--the fact that it's in a bottle. Aluminum does affect taste more than glass. (Ever had orange juice from a can? Water from a can?) And--though I don't know the differences, if any, in carbonation between Mexican and American Coke--it does allow for transport with higher levels of carbonation. (Coke from Holland is way more heavily carbonated, per Hamilton Rousseau.)

Fourth, no mention of the difference in concentrate formula, which is--according to Rousseau--tied with the glass bottle in creating the taste difference for Mexican Coke.

Fifth, no mention of the fact that a bottling company in Texas (San Antonio, maybe), has made "Mexican Coke" domestically--using the same formula and cane sugar. And no mention of the fact that Mexicans wouldn't touch the stuff, since anything without a beat-up, reused bottle that says "hecho in Mexico" can't be good (or so the consumers think). Branding and perception plays a huge role here. Almost certainly a bigger role than the much vaunted "cane sugar."

i just stop drinking cola drink...whatever it brand is...

Nick,

Ha! You're friend is funny. It's just like a far-right fundamentalist lawyer to create straw men arguments (irony)and then paint people they don't know in a broad-brush stroke(/irony).

That's not just with Mexican coke. We always preferred the imported Coke even as Kids. We could make out the difference.

thanks for the Info..

Here's another vote for "yes, it tastes different and in a blind taste test too, mr lawyer", which you can check for yourself -- kosher-for-passover HFCS-free coke is in stores right now. Although it lists "sucrose" so I imagine it can be any plant sugar (cane, beet, whatever as long as it's not corn).

Hey Kate!

Did you see that you got a mention on Chow's site?

He's neither fundamentalist nor right-wing, actually. He's a libertarian. I think he's too harsh because it's only a blog post, not some scientific study on Mexican Coke, but he brings up some interesting points about the complexity of the perceptions about Mexican Coke.

I'd be interested to do the taste test. I know that Cook's Illustrated did a tasting of vanillas and wasn't able to discern the difference between real and fake vanilla in baked goods. (They were able to tell the difference in plain milk.)

Drinks like Coca-Cola, are pretty strongly flavored. It could indeed be that sucrose and fructose or cane sugar and corn syrup are not discernible within the drink and that other factors play a stronger role, like that Mexican coke is imported in glass bottles.

It looks like someone has recently done a scientific study with results that would be illuminating:

Ohio State Sweetener Study

Doesn't say how well each did, just that both sucrose and fructose were highly rated (along with sucralose). It'd be interesting, though, also to test in a flavored syrup.

Does any one know if the Canadian Coke is made with sugar or high fructose corn sweetner? Know of any web sights where I can order coke from Mexico?

Went to a local mexican grocery a few months ago and looked through all the imported coke (they had a variety of different sized bottles). They all said "High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or Cane Sugar." Still have yet to find any that's pure sugar; maybe I can find some passover coke.

I was in Nicaragua last fall and bought 3 cases (24 ea) of glass bottle cokes from the local "sort-of" distrubuter. They were 1.5 liter and I paid a refundable deposit on the bottles. The converted price was about 45 cents US each plus deposit. Opie & I downed nearly all 3 cases in the 2 weeks as we kept them in a cold "ref-re-a-da-dor" (fridge) because it was very hot weather. I brought back the remaining bottles in my checked baggage, padded, and they all survived! The ingredients say SUGAR in Spanish. We drink glass bottle cokes here often enough to taste a big difference and have done blind taste tests with friends and family. We used purified ice, cold bottle cokes with Sugar & HFCS and a rinse of purified water between taste. EVERYONE - to a person - can taste a difference and all prefer the sugar! Nearly half of the people were very sceptical, and said it was in our heads. When tasting, they said, "I remember that taste", and "WOW, that IS better!". Now they hate that we have ruined US Coke for them! SO there IS a difference. Viva la AZUGAR!

I have drank coke for over 50 years and lots of it, coke made with cane sugar is superior in every way. In the town of Chico, CA a new store just opened, the Root Beer Company. They sell an amazing selection of soda from all over the country and those made with cane sugar are far superior to those made with corn or "fruitose" Take it from a cola junkie, sugar is better.

Costco in San Jose, CA is selling cases of Mexican Coke for about $1 a bottle. The bottles contain a sticker attached that states sugar as the second ingredient. The sign at Costco mentioned that pure cane sugar was used. The bottles at this Costco store have the mexican markings and they are also in "brand new" condition. Perhaps I'll sell my empties on eBay.

I just recently visited a local Mexican store and bought a case of 12oz glass bottles of Coke. They also sold the American version the 8oz glass bottles. 24 bottles were in the case and they charged me $30.00, so I can't afford to be drinking Mexican Coke all the time. Anyways when I opened a bottle and drank it, I found it weird. My mom on the other hand opened and drank a bottle and she loved it and said that it was exactly the way Coke used to be. I'm 30 years old but for some reason at first it didn't taste the way I remember it. After drinking about 5 bottles I am really liking it. It doesn't make your mouth all sticky and my teeth seem to stay white. Anyways I think Coke in the glass bottles has the best flavor and it stays cold. Those darn plastic bottles get warm way too fast. But the Mexican Coke in the glass bottles and the Cane Sugar, it is deffinatly a different taste. Another thing that is a little odd, when I was walking around drinking the Mexican Coke everyone seems to recognize the large glass Coke bottle. I have already had tons of people ask me where they can get them. I simply can't believe that Coke doesn't make the bigger glass bottles of Coke here in the U.S.A. I can't even find the Glass bottles that had the plastic screw on caps and foam label. Lastly, I remember a brief transition period Coke had where you could buy either Coke "Classic" or Coke "Original". So we all agree that it cost Coke more money to use cane sugar opposed to the High Fructose Corn Syrup. Why doesn't Coke just make both? Simply charge 5 or 10 cents more for the one with cane sugar. I also strongly believe they should have Coke available in glass more wide spread. They have the little bity 8oz glass bottles and they cost a fortune at the store. Seeing how the glass bottles were so well reusable and recycleable I can't see why Coke has made then so scarce. I don't understand the difference between the Coke bottlers and coke company. Coca-Cola should have say so over their bottlers. Just thought I would share my experience and opinions. -Jim

Coke is deluding itself if it thinks there's no difference.

I lived the first 34 years of my life in Australia drinking soft drinks (including coke) made with pure cane sugar. In fact, I drank altogether too many soft drinks and I am not trying to cut down - Fortunately I have the revolting taste of US coke to help me.

The first time I tried US coke I was stunned at the difference. This was on my first trip to the US in 2001. There's sort of an aftertaste that reminded me of the taste of Christmas plum pudding.

Cane sugar has a far cleaner, crisper taste. You drink HFCS stuff and it just feel so sticky, and "soft" - I don't know how else to describe it.

Suffice is to say, now that I live in the US, a ready supply of cane sugar flavoured soft drinks is one of the things I really miss. Don't let anyone tell you it's the same, because there is simply no comparison. Take it from a cocacola addict who finds he hates the stuff all of a sudden.

That should be "now trying to cut down" rather than "not"

We just came home to Canada from Vermont with some cans of American Coke that we purchased but didn't end up drinking there. My daughter and I were struck simultaneously by how "strange" and "sickly sweet" the US Coke was, compared with the stuff we buy here in Canada. It definitely had a heavier, almost oily sweetness, with an odd, fake caramel aftertaste. We checked the labelling and discovered that the only difference was sugar versus corn syrup. To these two Coca-Cola lovers, the difference was immediate and obvious. I can't believe that Coke pretends the taste difference is not discernible.

I meant to say, for those of you who wondered if Canadian Coke contains any corn syrup, high fructose or otherwise - no, it doesn't.

I work at a business center Costco in Washington state and we carry made in Mexico Coke. I have to say it does seem to taste different but not sure if that is due to the sugar or glass bottle. I know glass can make a difference for instance ever had a plastic cup of wine. For that matter even a thick rim glass can changed the perceived taste of wine.

I'm another life-long soda drinker who is really starting to get tired of HFCS and considering banning it from my daily food intake entirely. After a few years of watching the outcome of different food habits, I am convinced that HFCS lowers my metabolism and is weakly addictive with the same calming effect people describe for cigarettes.

Those who claim there is no taste difference do not have enough experience drinking soda to have learned the difference. I can detect most popular sodas and diet sodas by smell and taste, and have even caught waitresses accidentally giving me the wrong drink. But I have an unfair advantage in that I have been drinking sodas pretty much daily for my entire adult life.

There is no doubt in my mind that the soda companies desperately want you to believe there is no taste difference because HFCS is cheaper and, if I am right about it being addictive (there have been times where I really felt like I was getting my "fix"), then they are just like the tobacco companies in that they are trying to protect a repeat-sales-enhancing aspect of their product.

It occurs to me that if we did not heavily subsidize corn production in this country, HFCS would not be the bargain that it is. Ethanol would not look like a viable alternative to gasoline. And Mexico might not now be dependent on the USA for corn since NAFTA has ruined their agriculture industry.

I personally oppose the corn subsidy now because I hope that it might actually force us back to real sugar sodas in this country! How's that for selfish politics :)

Coke used to taste like what Mexican Coke tastes like now. Then they came out with "New Coke". After they changed back to their "original formula" it wasn't quite the same. They were using HFCS. I think they knew they could never just change from sugar to HFCS because the taste is soooo different.

Everyone should write Coke and let them know they would prefer Coke made with sugar. The URL above is their email form. Please let them know your thoughts.

Mexican Coke is now being sold in Kroger Supermarkets, look for it in the international foods section.
I bought some in Atlanta last weekend and have noticed our local store in Nashville has it also. It's ain't cheap of course but it's there.

I am a fifty year old who remembers original coke, and when the NEW coke came out, the first taste, I spit it out and demanded to know when my favorite burger joint switched to Pepsi. Since they were not at fault, I will not mention their name. However, I quit drinking coke, till they came out with classic, which I tried, and gave up on. Now I look for the cocacola bottlers label and avoid their products altogether... Never knew they sold so many products, but you learn over the years...

Nostalgia my patookis. The corn syrup formulation is older than I am, and I can assure you that HFCS tastes just as inferior to me as those who grew up having an easy time getting real sugar.

OMG. Nobody here has mentioned Dr. Pepper? Sigh. Obviously no Southerners.

Dr Pepper is still lovingly brewed with cane sugar by a bottler near Waco, TX. We make a point to stop by and get it. And, yes, we've done double blind taste tests.


Link goes to the bottler.

Interestingly enough, even the person WHO HAD LOST HIS SENSE OF SMELL could tell the difference.

It's just less thick. Much more refreshing, less cloying.

When "New Coke" first came out, I happened to get an "old Coke" from a convenience store and the difference was readily apparent. Was happy to find "Mexican Coke" at a Kroger here in Alabama, but frankly, it tasted no different from regular Coke. Maybe it was a HFCS Mexican Coke. I agree...why doesn't Coke just make both? They rarely miss a marketing opportunity. Mysterious.

Our local Costco in Dallas has the 'Mexican' Coke, it's $18 per case, I think, I'm just going to have to try some now!

It's time once again for Passover Coke in the U.S. (Coke made with sucrose (sugar) not HFCS, that is kosher for passover.) I ordered enough through my supermarket to have one 2-liter each week... for the next year. Ask your grocer if they can bring it in for you via their Coke rep.

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&scoring=r&q=high+fructose+corn+syrup&as_ylo=2008

unbelievable this isn't in the news more widely.

As an airline pilot who recently started flying to a lot of Mexican cities, I was looking forward to tasting "real" Coke again. However, I've purchased several cans/bottles over the last year or two, and haven't really noticed much of a difference. This lead me to notice that the ingredient after "agua" is "azucares". Using my high school spanish, that would translate to "sugars". The plural worries me- "azucar" should be enough. Could it be that due to NAFTA, Coca Cola bottlers in Mexico are also using HFCS? Mexican labeling standards might be different, and of course Coca Cola considers HFCS just another sugar so they would have no problem labeling it as such.

I knew there was something different
about Dr. Pepper. I love that drink
And Coke is better with sugar as well
I used to love Pepsi more until I
went to Europe and had the coke there
Awesome.

I've done the taste test between bottled cokes, not in cans. I had some cokes in the refrigerator in bottles that were from the US. I happened to be in a Tucson grocery that catered to the Mexican community and I picked up some there, also in bottles. I didn't look at any labels until I tried the first one from the mexican store. I was shocked in the tase difference. It reminded me of when I was in high school. I checked the label and found it to be sugar sweetned instead of HFCS. I think the whole marketing thing that brought in "New" coke, which was nasty, then "bringing back Coke Classic" with the original recipe was just a way to change the original recipe from sugar to HFCS. I always thought Coke Classic tasted different than what was sold before New Coke.