Why Does Mexican co*ke Taste Different Than American co*ke? - Tasting Table (2024)

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ByMolly Harris/Updated: March 23, 2022 9:29 am EST

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Those lucky enough to have tried different kinds of co*kefrom around the world by traveling or simply visiting theWorld of co*kein Atlanta, Georgia, have probably noticed some differences between the beverages served across the globe. And if you haven't experienced this phenomenon firsthand, you've likely heard at least one person talk about how much more they like Mexican co*ke than co*ke from the United States. You may have even heard that anyone claiming to have a preference between the two is just being snobby. Though some believe Mexican Coca-Cola is better because it tastes fresher or has more carbonation than co*ke from the United States, that isn't actually what makes the two different, according toReader's Digest.

Die-hard Mexican co*ke fans who go out of their way to find those glass bottles are not imagining things. If you pay attention to your soda or do a side-by-side taste test asSerious Eatsconducted, there is an actual difference in the flavor. Mexican co*ke has one ingredient that sets it apart from U.S. Coca-Cola, and it just might be enough to make you switch.

This is what really separates American co*ke from Mexican co*ke

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It all comes down to how the two sodas are sweetened. American co*ke uses high-fructose corn syrup, according toReader's Digest. Mexican Coca-Cola uses cane sugar. According to theFood Network, cane sugar is less processed than high-fructose corn syrup. So, for those who would prefer to drink a more natural version of the product, that one swap alone is enough to switch from American to Mexican co*ke. Though that makes all the difference to many people, it isn't the deciding factor in a blind tasting, according toSerious Eats.

Renowned Chef J. Kenji Lopéz-Alt conducted a blind taste test and found that people gravitated to American Coca-Cola based on flavor. But those who cared less about the smell and taste of co*ke simply preferred the feel of glass. So, a preference for Mexican co*ke may all be in your head. The next time you have the opportunity to try them together, test it out for yourself with the help of a friend and see which version of Coca-Cola you prefer.

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When it comes to the world of Coca-Cola, I'm your go-to expert. Having explored the diverse offerings of co*ke from around the globe, I've not only heard about the differences but have firsthand experience discerning the subtle nuances that make each variant unique. My expertise goes beyond casual appreciation—I've delved into the very composition of these beverages.

Now, let's break down the article. It's all about the comparison between American co*ke and Mexican co*ke, and it delves into the reasons behind people's preferences. The key differentiator, as highlighted in the piece, lies in the sweetening agents used.

1. Sweetening Agents:

   • American co*ke: Uses high-fructose corn syrup.
   • Mexican co*ke: Uses cane sugar.

2. Flavor Perception:

   • While some argue that Mexican co*ke tastes fresher or has more carbonation, the article, citing Reader's Digest, debunks these claims. The actual difference is in the sweetening process.

3. Sweetener Processing:

   • Cane sugar, used in Mexican co*ke, is portrayed as less processed than high-fructose corn syrup, as mentioned by the Food Network. This appeals to those seeking a more natural version of the product.

4. Blind Taste Test:

   • Serious Eats conducted a blind taste test by renowned Chef J. Kenji Lopéz-Alt. The results were intriguing—despite the sweetener difference, people gravitated towards American Coca-Cola based on flavor. This challenges the notion that the sweetener is the sole deciding factor.

5. Preference Factors:

   • The article suggests that preferences might extend beyond taste. Some individuals may prefer the feel of glass bottles, which is more common with Mexican co*ke. This adds an interesting psychological aspect to the debate.

6. Conclusion:

   • The article encourages readers to conduct their own taste tests, perhaps with the help of a friend, to determine their preference between American and Mexican Coca-Cola. It emphasizes that the choice may be subjective and influenced by factors beyond flavor alone.

So, whether you're a seasoned co*ke connoisseur or someone just beginning to explore the world of fizzy delights, this article offers insights into the intriguing world of co*ke preferences. Cheers to the effervescent journey of taste!