What are the ingredients in Vanilla Cola?

What is in vanilla cola?

A typical regular vanilla cola sold in the US lists these ingredients on its label: carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors and caffeine. Retail listings for a widely sold brand show about 150 calories and about 42 g of sugars per 12 fl oz can, and about 34 mg of caffeine. Treat those as a typical example, not a rule: check the label of the product you are holding.

What does each ingredient do?

• Carbonated water: the base and the fizz.
• Sweetener: sugar or high fructose corn syrup in regular versions; zero-sugar versions use low-calorie sweeteners instead.
• Caramel color: gives the dark brown color.
• Phosphoric acid: adds tartness and sharpness.
• Natural flavors: the secret blend, including the vanilla note. Makers do not publish what is in it.
• Caffeine: listed because it is added; some versions are caffeine-free.

Does vanilla cola contain real vanilla?

The label only says natural flavors, so you cannot tell how much of the vanilla taste comes from real vanilla. Do not assume it contains vanilla beans or extract.

Regular, zero sugar and other countries

Recipes change by market. Some countries use sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, and zero-sugar versions use sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K, with a phenylalanine warning on the label for people with phenylketonuria. Nutrition per serving also depends on the can or bottle size.

How to make a quick vanilla cola at home

Add a small splash of vanilla syrup (or a few drops of vanilla extract, which contains alcohol) to a glass of regular cola over ice and stir gently. It will taste different from the branded product, which uses its own flavor blend.