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How does Cherry Cola taste compared to regular cola?

Quick answer

Cherry cola tastes like regular cola with a sweet, smooth cherry note on top. Coca-Cola describes Coca-Cola Cherry as the crisp, refreshing taste of Coca-Cola with sweet, smooth cherry flavor. Nutritionally it is close to regular cola: 150 calories and 42 g of sugar in a 12 oz can, with 34 mg of caffeine.

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In this article
  1. How does cherry cola taste?
  2. Is it sweeter than regular cola?
  3. Ingredients
  4. Other cherry colas
  5. Best ways to enjoy it
  6. Who might not like it

How does cherry cola taste?

Think of regular cola with a cherry accent. Cherry adds a fruity, candy-like sweetness on top. Coca-Cola describes its Cherry as the crisp and refreshing taste of Coca-Cola with sweet, smooth cherry flavor. The label lists natural flavors, not cherries, so expect a candy-like cherry note, not tart fresh cherries.

Is it sweeter than regular cola?

Slightly. By the numbers, the Cherry version has slightly more sugar: 42 g in a 12 oz can against 39 g reported for Coca-Cola Classic.

Per 12 oz can Coca-Cola Cherry Coca-Cola Classic
Calories 150 140
Sugar 42 g 39 g
Caffeine 34 mg 34 mg

Ingredients

The US label of Coca-Cola Cherry lists carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors and caffeine. Diet Cherry Coke and Cherry Zero Sugar exist as sugar-free options; the Canadian page lists Diet Cherry Coke at 34 mg of caffeine per can with aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

Other cherry colas

Other brands make cherry cola too, such as cherry versions of Pepsi and Dr Pepper in some markets. Each has its own recipe, so tastes vary.

Best ways to enjoy it

  • Served very cold over ice.
  • With vanilla ice cream as a float.
  • With burgers, pizza or barbecue.

Who might not like it

If you prefer less sweet drinks, you may find it too sweet. A squeeze of lime in regular cola gives a tarter alternative.

Formulas and sizes change, so check the label of your can.

People also ask

What does cherry cola taste like?

Regular cola with a sweet, smooth, candy-like cherry flavor added.

Does cherry cola have more sugar than regular cola?

Slightly: 42 g per 12 oz can for Coca-Cola Cherry against 39 g reported for Classic.

Does cherry cola have caffeine?

Yes. Coca-Cola Cherry lists 34 mg per 12 oz can.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. The Coca-Cola Company: Coca-Cola flavors (Cherry), read 5 Nov 2026
  2. Coca-Cola Canada: Diet Coke, read 5 Nov 2026
  3. Caffeine Informer: Coca-Cola Classic caffeine content, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Nov 8, 2024 · Updated Nov 6, 2026
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