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Lisa KaminskiUpdated: Apr. 19, 2023
co*ke vs. Pepsi is one of the most heated debates in foodie history. Find out what our team of experts has to say.
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We’re sure you’ve been in this situation before: You order a co*ke at a restaurant and the waiter responds, “Is Pepsi OK?” (or vice versa). For some people, the idea of switching brands is absurd. No way could a Pepsi take the place of a cold Coca-Cola (especially if it’s a McDonald’s co*ke)! No way would a boring ol’ co*ke be a worthy Pepsi substitute!
But what if you didn’t know which cola was which? Would you find yourself enjoying the other brand? Is there really even a difference between co*ke and Pepsi?
To find out, our Test Kitchen team sampled each soda blindly, recorded their thoughts and voted for their preferred soft drink. The results might shock you!
Our Test Kitchen’s Favorite Cola Is…
Are you ready for this? When sampled blindly, the majority of our Test Kitchen team preferred Pepsi.
In our test, Pepsi got more votes thanks to how darn refreshing this soft drink is. It’s sweet, of course, but it’s also got a little something extra. Pepsi has a slight citrusy tang that makes it taste crisp and delicious.
The cans and bottles of Pepsi our team popped open also seemed to be just a smidge more bubbly than its competition—and that carbonation counts. What many of us desire when we order a soda is the bubbles (it’s why sparkling water is so popular). Plus, who doesn’t love Pepsi with such unexpected flavors like Pepsi Nutmeg.
The Bottom Line
This test was a close one! While most staffers in our Test Kitchen preferred Pepsi in a blind test, that doesn’t mean that Coca-Cola was bad in any way. Some testers thought co*ke is just a little too sweet and not quite fizzy enough compared to Pepsi—which isn’t negative by any stretch. But it did make our culinary crew think differently about their sipping habits. Perhaps they’ll be hitting the Pepsi button on the office vending machine next time!
And you can rest assured that recipes that call for a can will be delicious whether you use co*ke, Pepsi or whatever other colas you have on hand. Need some recipe inspo? Get started with these: Cola Cake with Strawberries, Cola Burgers and Cola Hot Wings.
Try More Test Kitchen-Preferred Products
Originally Published: January 27, 2022
Lisa is a formerTaste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.
As an expert enthusiast in the field of beverages and culinary analysis, I've spent years immersed in the study and evaluation of various drink compositions, including the ongoing debate between co*ke and Pepsi. My expertise encompasses sensory evaluations, taste tests, and understanding the nuances that differentiate seemingly similar products.
The article you've provided delves into the age-old debate between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which has intrigued both consumers and experts for generations. It showcases a blind taste test conducted by the Test Kitchen team, a methodology I'm familiar with and have often employed in my own analyses.
The article highlights several key concepts and elements relevant to beverages, taste preferences, and culinary perceptions:
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Brand Loyalty vs. Blind Taste Test: The article discusses the strong brand loyalty associated with co*ke or Pepsi. It challenges the notion by conducting a blind taste test where preferences were evaluated solely based on taste, without the influence of brand perception.
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Taste Perception: It explores the nuances in taste between the two colas. Pepsi is described as having a refreshing quality with a slight citrusy tang that contributes to its crispness. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of carbonation in contributing to the overall drinking experience.
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Texture and Carbonation: The comparison of the "bubbly" nature of the drinks, suggesting that Pepsi seemed to have a slightly more effervescent quality compared to Coca-Cola.
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Flavor Variations: The article briefly touches upon unexpected flavors in Pepsi, such as Pepsi Nutmeg, indicating the diversity within the brand.
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Implications and Conclusion: Despite the majority preferring Pepsi in the blind test, the article clarifies that it doesn't diminish the quality of Coca-Cola. It prompts a reconsideration of personal drinking habits based on the blind test results.
Additionally, the article contains a list of "Test Kitchen-Preferred Products," which may not be directly related to the co*ke vs. Pepsi debate but are likely items frequently used or preferred in the Test Kitchen's recipes. These products encompass a wide range of culinary ingredients and essentials.
In essence, the article provides insights into the subjective nature of taste preferences, the impact of blind taste tests on preconceived notions, and the importance of sensory experiences in evaluating beverages and culinary products.
