What are some popular Classic Cola brands?
The best-known classic colas are Coca-Cola and Pepsi, followed by RC Cola and many store brands. Dr Pepper and Mountain Dew are often listed with them, but they are not colas. A 12 fl oz US can of Coca-Cola has 140 calories and 39 g sugar on its label; Pepsi is in the same range, so check the can.
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In this article
What are the most popular cola brands?
- Coca-Cola: created in Georgia in the 1880s; the long-time market leader.
- Pepsi: first sold as Brad’s Drink in 1893 and renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898.
- RC Cola: originated in Columbus, Georgia (the company dates from 1905, the cola formula from 1934) and is still sold in several countries.
- Store brands: most big US supermarkets sell their own cola, usually cheaper.
- Regional and other colas: Afri-Cola and Fritz-Kola in Germany, among others.
Are Dr Pepper and Mountain Dew colas?
No. Dr Pepper is a spiced soda with a flavor of its own, and Mountain Dew is citrus. They are often found in the same aisle, which is why lists mix them up.
What types of cola are there?
| Type | Sweetener | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | Sugar or high fructose corn syrup | Coca-Cola Classic, Pepsi |
| Diet / zero sugar | Artificial sweeteners | Diet Coke, Coke Zero Sugar, Pepsi Zero Sugar |
| Cane sugar | Cane sugar | Mexican Coca-Cola, some craft colas |
| Stevia or craft | Stevia or cane sugar | Zevia, Boylan |
How do Coke and Pepsi compare?
On a US label a 12 fl oz can of Coca-Cola has 140 calories and 39 g sugar. Pepsi is in the same range; we did not check its label, so read the can. Pepsi tastes a little sweeter and more citrusy to many drinkers, Coke a little more vanilla and spice. Formulas and labels change, so check the can in your hand.
Which cola should you pick?
- For taste: try several side by side, chilled to the same temperature.
- For parties: buy regular and one zero-sugar option, and a store brand for mixing with rum or whiskey.
- For less sugar: zero-sugar versions have no sugar but still contain caffeine unless labeled caffeine free.
Which cola is the oldest?
Among major brands Coca-Cola (1880s) is older than Pepsi (sold as Brad’s Drink in 1893, renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898) and RC (company 1905). Dr Pepper also dates from the 1880s but is not a cola.
People also ask
What are the main cola brands?
Coca-Cola, Pepsi and RC Cola are the best known, plus store-brand colas and regional ones.
Is Dr Pepper a cola?
No. It is a separate spiced soda, though it is often sold beside colas.
What is the difference between Coke and Pepsi?
Mainly taste: Pepsi is usually described as sweeter and more citrusy, Coke as more vanilla and spice. Calories are in the same range.
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