# Cola Wars - Coke or Pepsi (USA Only) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 3, 2011, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921 "2011-12-03T03:10:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/81 "2011-12-05T18:05:12Z")
> [@Soylent\_Juicy](#): > > and no they’re not frozen like slushies.. Oh but a cola flavored slushie is sooooo good! ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/82 "2011-12-05T18:06:18Z")
> [@Chopper9760](#): > > Waitress: And what to drink? > Me: Coke. > Waitress: Pepsi okay? > Me: I’ll have water. > Waitress(pissed off): We HAVE Pepsi. > Me: I’d like water please. > > It seems to really piss off waitstaff when I refuse to substitute sodas. Pepsi and Coke taste way different, I don’t want to drink all those calories when I don’t like the taste of Pepsi. > > So what’s with the hostility? It’s like they’re selling soda on commission. Well, kinda… If you’re tipping 15%, you just jilted her out of, like, 30 cents! Then again, she coulda been a Nazi. And we all know how testy they get. ---
**Author:** ![Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malleus_incus_stapes/32/3293_2.png) [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/83 "2011-12-05T18:10:45Z")
They say that it’s mostly expectations, that in blind taste-tests most people can’t tell the difference. Three tries fall more into anecdote territory than data, but I once blind-tasted three cups at a Purim carnival. I got all of them right. ---
**Author:** ![MoodIndigo1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@MoodIndigo1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MoodIndigo1)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/84 "2011-12-05T18:15:13Z")
Since I’m Canadian, I didn’t vote. Though I don’t drink soft drinks personally, I’m the one who buys the soft drinks around here, and it’s COKE all the way, preferable in the six-pack glass bottles. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/85 "2011-12-05T18:16:59Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > They say that it’s mostly expectations, that in blind taste-tests most people can’t tell the difference. It also matters a lot if it is out of a can/bottle or out of a fountain. At least from what I’ve heard, the settings on the fountain (ratio of syrup to carbonated water) can make either taste like the other. ---
**Author:** ![mnemosyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@mnemosyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mnemosyne)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/86 "2011-12-05T18:19:36Z")
Coke Zero… I’m addicted to the stuff. I prefer it’s flavour to regular Coke, and I refuse to drink Diet Coke. I don’t hate Pepsi, but given a choice, I’ll never buy it. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/87 "2011-12-05T19:12:40Z")
When I could drink full-calorie soda (i.e., before diabetes), I strongly preferred Pepsi to Coke. Now that I’m limited to diet stuff, I strongly prefer Diet Coke to Diet Pepsi. Weird. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/88 "2011-12-05T19:35:52Z")
Not worth starting a new thread about it, so I’ll ask the question here: Why do both Diet Coke and Coke Zero exist? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/89 "2011-12-05T19:37:00Z")
Re the poll question: They both taste like malted battery acid to me. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/90 "2011-12-05T20:21:18Z")
> [@OpalCat](#): > > Not worth starting a new thread about it, so I’ll ask the question here: Why do both Diet Coke and Coke Zero exist? Two reasons: 1. When Diet Coke was created (around 1980), Coca-Cola’s goal was to create a diet soda whose flavor profile was similar to Diet Pepsi (which was the leading diet soda at that time). However, this made a diet soda which tasted fairly differently from regular Coca-Cola. Coke Zero was formulated to taste more similar to regular Coca-Cola. 2. Coke Zero (as well as Pepsi Max) are intended to appeal more to men. The soft-drink makers have learned that many men who would be interested in a low-calorie soda are turned off by the word “diet”, feeling that it connotes a product which is intended for women. (Yes, I know it sounds silly, but it’s true.) So, they introduced different “diet” products, which don’t contain the word “diet”, for that purpose. Note that Dr Pepper’s new entrant in that area, Dr Pepper 10, has advertising which overtly says this. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/91 "2011-12-05T20:33:34Z")
Wow, that’s actually pretty interesting stuff. It always seemed redundant to me. Btw I vastly prefer Coke Zero (female here) as it actually tastes almost like Coke… but Diet Coke is godawful to me and leaves an aftertaste in my mouth. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/92 "2011-12-05T21:01:46Z")
I love Coke Zero - I get that whenever it’s an option. Otherwise it’s Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, or Diet Pepsi. If I was forced to choose between the two non-diet colas in the OP, I’d pick the Coke but I’d bemoan the calories. ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/93 "2011-12-05T21:10:22Z")
Straight up? Coke. Diet, on the other hand, I go with Coke if it’s ice cold, or Pepsi if I’m stuck with room temperature. (I haven’t really made a decision on Coke Zero vs Pepsi Max.) ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2011, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/94 "2011-12-05T23:18:11Z")
> [@Skammer](#): > > I love Coke Zero - I get that whenever it’s an option. Otherwise it’s Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, or Diet Pepsi. Diet Dr. Pepper tastes the most like “the real thing” of any diet drink I’ve tried. And fortunately I like Dr. Pepper. Still don’t drink the diet unless there isn’t anything else to chose from. ---
**Author:** ![Chopper9760](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cdc98d/32.png) [@Chopper9760](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chopper9760)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/95 "2011-12-06T14:46:42Z")
I love Coke but I don’t need a whole 12oz can of it. I wish they came in those snazzy 7.5oz cans that I see Diet Coke in all the time. I can slurp down ungodly amounts of fountain Coke but I always end up throwing some of a can away which is a crime at $7.50 per box. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/96 "2011-12-06T17:21:47Z")
I don’t really have that strong a preference anymore. I’ve swapped back and forth in the past. I guess I have to go with Coke because it still tastes good even when the syrup-to-carbonated-water ratio is messed up, which means I don’t have to worry when getting it in fountain drink form. Plus it mixes better with cherry. ---
**Author:** ![Student\_Driver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3da27b/32.png) [@Student\_Driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Student_Driver)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/97 "2011-12-06T23:21:22Z")
Sugar or HFCS, either way: Coke over Pepsi. Of flavored variants, though, Holiday Spice Pepsi was my favorite, and I’d drink it over even a regular Coke. Traditional diet versions: Diet Coke over Diet Pepsi. I’m glad I’m not the only one to notice that Diet Pepsi is… flat. I will buy a can or bottle on occasion, and within 15 minutes, it’s flat. I’ll drink any diet soda–including generics–over one from the normal Diet Pepsi line, even if I’m wanting a cola. “Manly” diet versions: Pepsi Max over Coke Zero. I actually really like Pepsi Max; it’s probably my favorite diet cola (though I do also drink and like Tab, which may be tied with Pepsi Max, so I know my tastes are kind of bizarre). ---
**Author:** ![Student\_Driver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3da27b/32.png) [@Student\_Driver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Student_Driver)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/98 "2011-12-06T23:25:51Z")
> [@Chopper9760](#): > > I love Coke but I don’t need a whole 12oz can of it. I wish they came in those snazzy 7.5oz cans that I see Diet Coke in all the time. I can slurp down ungodly amounts of fountain Coke but I always end up throwing some of a can away which is a crime at $7.50 per box. Your local stores don’t carry the 100-calorie “short can” 8 oz. Cokes? Most of the Coca-Cola range (Coke, Sprite, Fanta, et al.) is available in those cans through most bottlers in the US. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/99 "2011-12-06T23:40:07Z")
> [@Student\_Driver](#): > > Traditional diet versions: Diet Coke over Diet Pepsi. I’m glad I’m not the only one to notice that Diet Pepsi is… flat. I will buy a can or bottle on occasion, and within 15 minutes, it’s flat. I’ll drink any diet soda–including generics–over one from the normal Diet Pepsi line, even if I’m wanting a cola. . Coke Zero goes flat really quick, too. The day after you open a 2 liter it’s noticeably flatter. ---
**Author:** ![JpnDude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/838e76/32.png) [@JpnDude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JpnDude)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2011, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921/100 "2011-12-07T06:23:53Z")
Another OP violator here. > [@](#): > > Coke is it! > The biggest taste you’ve ever found! > Coke is it! > The one that never lets you down! > Coke is it! > The most refreshing taste around! > Coke is iiiiiiit! > Coke is it! I grew up with Coke in the US and then Fanta whenever I visited relatives in Mexico. Now that I live in Japan, I usually buy Coke-related drinks. Ironically enough, I’m drinking a can of “Pepsi Nex Zero” at this moment. That’s the only soda sold in the vending machine on this floor. Doh! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cola-wars-coke-or-pepsi-usa-only/604921.md?page=6)