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If you’re a soda aficionado, you’ve probably tried most of the sweet and bubbly drinks out there—which means you probably agree with most soda fans that Mexican Coke tastes better than American Coke.
While it used to be found only in certain stores, bodegas, or areas with large numbers of Mexican-Americans, the popularity of Coke that is hecho en México (made in Mexico) has risen in recent years to the point where it is now sold in some Costco stores.
No, it’s not the Coca-Cola with a yellow cap, but south-of-the-border Coke is instantly recognizable nonetheless: It’s always sold in a tall, slim glass bottle, while American Coke is usually sold in squat plastic bottles or aluminum cans. Mexican Coke can probably still do all the things American Coke can do, but there’s no doubt in most people’s minds that it doesn’t taste the same. Both drinks are made by the same company, so why the difference in flavor?
Why does Mexican Coke taste better than American Coke?
Both of these sodas are made and manufactured by Coca-Cola, a huge international company, but just like the packaging, the ingredient list varies slightly from country to country. Most people who prefer Mexican Coke to American Coke talk about the former having a cleaner taste, which might come down to the packaging. Plastic and metal can affect the taste of soda, but glass does not, and may even help to maintain a fresher flavor for longer. Some soda fans even say that Mexican Coke is bubblier and more effervescent.
However, there is a real, measurable difference between Coke from the two countries, and it’s listed on the label: The sweetener. American Coke is made with high-fructose corn syrup, while Mexican Coke is made with cane sugar.
Sugar is as sugar does
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