Olivia Stubbs and Inés Francom 
Design Editor and News Editor

Delicious and refreshing: Coca-Cola stands firm as the soda powerhouse of the U.S.

Olivia Stubbs

Once upon a time, in 1886, Dr. John Smith Pemberton changed the world. After years of research and experimentation, Pemberton finally perfected his syrupy concoction. He carried a jug of the sweet concentrate to Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. There, the syrup was sampled and deemed “excellent.” This landmark event established the American soda industry and marked the start of more than a century of Coca-Cola, the drink we know and love. 

Since this pivotal day, Coca-Cola has been a cultural phenomenon. With its famous logo and seemingly ubiquitous presence at every fast food chain, restaurant, gas station, and potluck, Coca-Cola is a hallmark of American culture. The company does not take this role lightly—advertisements, marketing campaigns, and social media illustrate Coke’s continued commitment to representing the American people. 

This connection between the Coca-Cola corporation and its consumers is a major reason for its continued popularity. People feel strongly about Coke. Usually, sodas come and go. A drink will rise in popularity and fade into the background when something new comes along. But Coke—Coke is different. Coke has stood firm for decades as the most popular soda in the nation. Since 2004, Coca-Cola has been the industry leader, leaving its main competitor, Pepsi, in the dust.

Of course, cultural factors are not the only reason for Coke’s superiority. Coca-Cola has also mastered the perfect cola taste. Taste is the most differentiating aspect between Coke and other colas. Compared with Pepsi, Coke contains an immaculately curated balance of sugar, acidity, and carbonation, while Pepsi’s combination of flavors falls short. While it has tried to mimic Coke’s classic taste, Pepsi is too bitter, and most importantly, its spin-off products can’t compare to Coke’s.

In addition to the original Coke, Coca-Cola has successfully sold Diet Coke and Coke Zero. These variations provide the same delectable flavor yet are slightly tweaked, allowing the consumer to choose their preferred version without compromising on taste. Pepsi’s “diet” variations cannot say the same. Each type of Pepsi tastes different, and none comes close to the perfection of Coca-Cola. 

Coca-Cola’s competitors will continue to attempt to duplicate the perfection first shared by Dr. Pemberton on that joyous spring day in 1886. However, they will never come close to the excellence he created.

Pepsi: NC’s best kind of pop

Inés Francom

Vibrant red, blue, and white swirl together to form the iconic logo of a Pepsi soda. The sound of plastic twisting apart with a POP, and the following PSSSSCHHHHHHH draws the attention of anyone near. The breathtaking, beautiful sound of a Pepsi being revealed to the world is like the sound of angels. You might hear this sound at a R.J. Reynolds football game, or standing before a Career Center vending machine. Heck, you might even be driving out of your way to the local gas station to hear the sound.

Pepsi is the best soda on the market. It’s a classic soda for a reason, and it could be argued its taste is better than other sodas that remain nameless (rhymes with Toco-Tola). With its perfect blend of sweetness and saltiness, Pepsi meets the delicate balance of sparking excitement in consumers’ taste buds while not being overpowering. Soda connoisseurs clearly know that Pepsi packs the greatest punch with carbonation. The bubbles sparkle throughout the drink with every sip. 

Pepsi also contains more caffeine than Coca-Cola, which, for overbooked and constantly tired students, can help add some mid-day energy into your life. Twelve ounces of Coca-Cola contains just under 34 milligrams of caffeine, giving Pepsi a slight advantage with its 39 milligrams of caffeine. The few added milligrams of caffeine could be the difference between making that 11:59 PM homework deadline or falling asleep at your computer. 

Founded in New Bern, North Carolina, Pepsi is also a North Carolina staple. With few businesses being able to claim homage to North Carolina as its home, Pepsi is a standout in the soda business. Pepsi is also a smaller business than Coca-Cola, and in an ultra-capitalistic society, it’s important to root for the underdog. Plus, who doesn’t like a story of the little guy persevering?

Pepsi also has the upper hand over Coca-Cola in the entertainment industry. Songs like Diet Pepsi by icon Addison Rae, received over 56.3 million streams on Spotify, showcasing her appreciation of Pepsi. Pepsi has also been endorsed by many celebrities, including Brittney Spears. Spears, who filmed multiple Ads for Pepsi, clearly has impeccable taste. 

With Pepsi’s superior taste, underdog position, North Carolina background, and celebrities’ love for it, it’s clear that Pepsi is the best soda out there.