Tuesday, May 02, 2006

The Coke Wars

No, I'm not talking about cocaine, but the formulations of Coca Cola. We've seen numerous formulations and derivatives over the past 25 years, including Coke, Diet Coke, New Coke, Classic Coke, Classic Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and a few others.

The reimagining of the Coca Cola formulation has caught the attention of both Jonah Goldberg and Matt Yglasias.

The thing is, that none of these current formulations hold a candle to the modern original formula, which used actual sugar as the primary sweetener. Current formulations of the non-diet varieties use high fructose corn syrup, which provides a different taste and texture.

You can still get the modern original formulation once a year. It's the kosher for Passover variety. If you long for the true classic taste, that's what you've got to do.

Therefore, if you're seeking out the real thing - you've got to either go to Mexico (where bottlers still use sugar instead of corn syrup), or stock up on the kosher for Passover variety.

As for the diet-Coke versions, I still can't imagine why anyone would drink them, especially when you have your double cheeseburgers with fries, and a dessert. As if the diet-Coke will save you from obesity? Get real; and drink Coke as it was intended. With sugar.

UPDATE:
Goldberg and Yglasias see personal preferences as an extension of political philosophy. Does this mean that I'm an originalist?

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