Why Don’t Our Nose and Nasal Burn When Drinking Coke?

Today’s Cokes gas/acid, escapes a few hours after opening; That “hiss” sound when opening the lid is much quieter now. However, in the 90s, colas that were opened could maintain the amount of gas even after a day or two.

Due to the intense gas because it tends to overflow We would have to slowly pour the coke into the glass, waiting until the foam went down. Now, even if we fill it fast, it does not overflow easily.

On the surface in the first moments bouncing bubbles We couldn’t take the glass to our faces because of In the first sip, we involuntarily let out that famous relief sound in the commercials. So what happened that over time, Coke tasted like a pure drink from sherbet?

Not everyone realized this at once, as the change actually happened gradually.

When someone started making this determination, people would say, “It really used to taste better!” he started to say. When we noticed the change in taste, we thought it was just us, but on social media When we saw that the number of people who think like us on this issue is not to be underestimated, we are sure that the taste of coke has changed.

First, let’s clear up this issue: Why does Coke burn our throat and nose?

found in coke carbon dioxide gas, As the Coke gets rid of the liquid as soon as we drink it, it starts to fly with the effect of our body heat, and then leaves both a refreshing and burning feeling when it comes out of our throat and nose.

Let’s also talk about why there is carbon dioxide in cola.

Coca-Cola answers this question on its official site as follows:
We add carbon dioxide gas to Coca-Cola to provide the bubbly effect that gives a feeling of freshness. The use of carbon dioxide gas in beverages has been approved by the food authorities. Carbon dioxide gas is also naturally found in mineral waters. The carbon dioxide gas added to the drinks starts to mix into the air as soon as the product is opened. The amount of carbon dioxide gas reaching the stomach is very small. All of our product ingredients are safe and approved for use by relevant national and international institutions.

Let’s come to our main question: Why doesn’t acid/gas burn our throat and nose after drinking Coke anymore?

This question was also asked on the official site of Coca-Cola. There seems to be no clear answer given:
Coca-Cola has been produced to the same high quality standards everywhere since 1886. The bubbles of Coca-Cola, which is defined as acid in the local language, are not acid, but carbon dioxide gas naturally found in some mineral waters and is added to carbonated drinks to give them a bubbly effect. Carbon dioxide gas added to Coca-Cola during production is within the specified standards. When stored in suitable conditions like all foodstuffs, it preserves its flavor as on the first day.

It is claimed that the taste does not change, but everyone agrees that the old taste does not exist. So let’s try to guess, what factors might have affected the taste of coke?

The first reason that comes to mind: Cut back on material.

This may be due to the fact that more carbon dioxide is more expensive. After all, with the effect of the economic conditions in our country, many companies either make a raise or reduce the size of their products instead of making a raise; even lowers the content quality.

For this reason, the amount of gas in the coke may have been reduced. As there is no information on whether the cost of producing and adding carbon dioxide is high, we can only do this for now. a possible cause We can think of it as

The content of many products, not only in cola, but also in ice cream It can be worse than in Europe.

When you compare an ice cream with the same product of the same brand with the European version, you can see that the fruit and milk ratio is higher. For example; Algida Twister ice cream sold in Turkey milk rate is 1%, fruit puree rate is 0.4 however, when sold in Europe, the milk rate is 13%, the fruit puree rate is 11%. In other words, we experience the “geography is destiny” situation in terms of taste and health. We will discuss this issue in more detail shortly.

Second possible reason: It may be realized that excess carbon dioxide is harmful to health.

But coke anyway It’s not a healthy drink. The sugar in it is much more harmful than carbon dioxide. Moreover, if health concerns had been pursued, it would have been stipulated to use natural sugar, as in Europe, instead of glucose sugar.

Also in European countries sparkling water This possibility seems distant for now, as carbonated drinks called normal water are consumed like normal water.

Third and most likely cause: Franchise factor and bottling

World famous coke companies to their franchises in different countries concentrate, which they protect with a patent. sending. Approximately 86% water is added to this concentrate (probably in syrup form) coming to Turkey.

Then sweeteners and carbon dioxide is added. When various preservatives and acidity regulators are added, the cola we drink now appears.

Here is the most exciting part:

The bottling companies can make some changes to these substances that are added later. They can change the amount of concentrate, add any sweeteners (corn syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar, caramel). and of course They can also determine the carbon dioxide rate themselves.

The idea of ​​”localization” may also be the reason why they changed the formula by country.

Let’s give an example of a localization tactic; A world-famous pizza brand can also offer a bacon pizza option in our country. because due to cultural influence People demand it too.

Some peoples like Coke with less sugar, while others like it with more sugar. As a result of market research They may have determined that carbon dioxide is disliked in Turkey. If this is the case, the taste of the minority may be impaired because of the majority.

We don’t know how now, but once upon a time “Turkey Coke” was popular in Iraq and it was sold more expensive than there. Because even though it was the same brand, the coke there tasted worse. As you can see, the country factor is very important.

In summary; The reason for this situation seems to be the result of economic and sociocultural deterioration.

• Image: From a protest over Coca-Cola’s change of taste.

This deterioration makes its effects felt in every field. Yet nowhere in Europe You won’t find a coke with glucose syrup. Frankly, at this rate, it’s easy. mentos We can see that it does not foam even when thrown.

Editor note: I haven’t had a coke for about 4 years. When I tried to drink it once in a while, I realized how tasteless something I had been drinking for years. It’s best for your health not to drink at all.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5