What is a Phosphate Soda? - Nick Drinks (2024)

What is a Phosphate Soda?

What is a Phosphate Soda? - Nick Drinks (1)

I’m sure you have seen a movie in which they ordered a phosphate soda. You might have even been so lucky to see one on a menu at a local restaurant. I had that same luck this weekend at the Courier Cafe in Champaign, IL. The restaurant is in my father’s home town and is the location of the old newspaper. The same newspaper that he was a paperboy from. When we went inside, he pointed out how it changed and walked through his morning routine when he was a kid.

What is a Phosphate Soda? - Nick Drinks (2)

Phosphate sodas were thepredecessorto milkshakes. They were a combination of soda water, phosphoric acid and flavoring. This was most likely fruit syrup but could even be booze. There is a trend now to bring this back and mixologists are experimenting with it. It is a sour flavor similar to citric acid (lemon/lime juice). Try replacing it with citrus in your next co*cktail for a neutral but sour flavor. You can purchase it from The Boston Shaker.

Check out Art of Drink for a recipe on Cherry Phosphate.

About the Nick

Nick is a co*cktail enthusiast from Royal Oak, Michigan. His passion started in college by converting his loft into a tiki bar and equipping it with a selection of tools, glassware and liquors that rivaled most local bars. He currently spends his time researching uncommon and forgotten drinks, reading bartending books and building his ever expanding selection of bitters.

What is a Phosphate Soda?  - Nick Drinks (2024)

FAQs

What is a Phosphate Soda? - Nick Drinks? ›

Phosphate sodas were the predecessor to milkshakes. They were a combination of soda water, phosphoric acid and flavoring. This was most likely fruit syrup but could even be booze. There is a trend now to bring this back and mixologists are experimenting with it.

What kind of drink is a phosphate? ›

Phosphate soda is a type of beverage that has a tangy or sour taste. These beverages became popular among children in the 1870s in the United States. Phosphate beverages were made with fruit flavorings, egg, malt, or wine, in combination with seltzer (carbonated water).

What soft drinks contain phosphate? ›

Phosphorus Additives
ProductCaloriesPhosphorus (mg)
Coca-Cola with Lime14656
co*ke Zero254
Diet co*ke227
Diet co*ke with Lime327
65 more rows

Why were sodas called phosphates? ›

This category of drinks is named for the chemical on which they all depend—acid phosphate. At the turn of the century, sodas sweetened with flavored syrup and balanced with a few dashes of acid phosphate were a popular delicacy, served alongside milkshakes, rickeys, and ice cream sodas.

What is the difference between a phosphate and a soda? ›

Phosphates – In existence since at least the 1870s, phosphates were standard at soda fountains, and were made differently from today's soft drinks, as a key ingredient was acid phosphate. They had a tangier, tarter taste than today's sugary sodas, and generally included fruit juice or fruit syrup.

Is phosphate soda bad for you? ›

In a study that compared the dietary habits of 467 healthy people and 465 people, consumption of two or more regular or diet sodas, which are high in phosphoric acid, was linked to a doubled risk of chronic kidney disease.

What were phosphate drinks in the 50s? ›

Phosphate sodas were the predecessor to milkshakes. They were a combination of soda water, phosphoric acid and flavoring. This was most likely fruit syrup but could even be booze.

What sodas are phosphate free? ›

For example, there are many low-phosphorus beverages: coffee, tea, green tea, and flavored water. If you drink sodas, diet versions of Sprite®, 7UP®, ginger ale, orange soda, and root beer are phosphorus-free choices. Colas such as Diet co*ke® and Diet Pepsi® contain added phosphorus.

Is co*ke high in phosphate? ›

As is well known, cola represents a strong exogenous source of phosphate, due to high phosphorus content (about 15–20 mg/dL), more than other carbonated soft drinks (15).

What drink is high in phosphorus? ›

How can I control my phosphorus level?
High Phosphorus Food to Limit or Avoid
Beveragesbeer/ale cocoa drinks made with milk canned iced teas bottled beverages with phosphate additiveschocolate drinks dark colas pepper type soda (Dr Pepper)
7 more rows

Does club soda have phosphates? ›

Club soda, sparkling, and tonic water contain different minerals to achieve different tastes. Club soda is infused with mineral salts to enhance its taste and fizz. These include potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate.

Which sodas are high in phosphoric acid? ›

1. Soft Drinks. Dark-colored soft drinks are one of the biggest sources of phosphoric acid in the American diet. co*ke, Pepsi and many other dark soft drinks use phosphoric acid for their sharp flavor and to extend shelf life.

What is the old name for soda? ›

"Tonic" has been used in eastern Massachusetts and parts of Maine and New Hampshire since at least 1888. Its usage has been gradually declining in favor of "soda". In some areas, "tonic" is still understood to mean "soft drink", but many regard it as an antiquated term.

Does orange soda have phosphate? ›

Crush® and Sunkist® orange diet sodas are acceptable for a kidney diet because there are no phosphate additives. Fanta® orange soda does contain phosphate additives. Look for almond milk marked 'original' and check ingredients to select a product free of phosphate additives.

Which soda has the most phosphorus? ›

A 12 oz. can of cola with caffeine contains the most with 37 mg of phosphorus, while the same size serving of diet cola with caffeine contains 32 mg. Cream soda, ginger ale and root beer are all phosphorus free. Milk and yogurt contain more phosphorus than soft drinks.

Is phosphoric acid bad for your kidneys? ›

Your kidneys help your body get rid of excess phosphorus. Some people with chronic kidney disease may need to monitor the amount of phosphorus in their diet, because their kidneys may be unable to remove excess phosphorus. Phosphoric acid is dangerous if you come into contact with it as a chemical substance.

What is an example of a phosphate? ›

An example of a phosphate is sodium phosphate. Three different types of phosphates are known. They are orthophosphate, PO43-; metaphosphate, PO32-; and pyrophosphate, P2O73-.

Is phosphate safe to drink? ›

Phosphates have a long history of successful application in drinking water treatment, providing both primary and secondary benefits. Phosphates are widely used by facilities to help meet regulatory rules and to produce better quality drinking water that will meet public expectations.

What drinks are phosphate free? ›

For example, there are many low-phosphorus beverages: coffee, tea, green tea, and flavored water. If you drink sodas, diet versions of Sprite®, 7UP®, ginger ale, orange soda, and root beer are phosphorus-free choices. Colas such as Diet co*ke® and Diet Pepsi® contain added phosphorus.

What is phosphate liquid used for? ›

Sodium phosphate is a saline laxative that is thought to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine. It usually results in a bowel movement after 30 minutes to 6 hours.Do not use this medication in children younger than 5 years of age unless directed by the doctor.

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