The business war between the two most popular brands of carbonated drinks in the world has been going on since the end of the 19th century.

Look similar. They taste alike. They enjoy equal recognition. Their recipes, created by independent pharmacists, were created with the same thought to eliminate health ailments. Coca-Cola and Pepsi have so much in common, and so little between.

What's the difference?

Short story

The Coca-Cola recipe was developed by the American pharmacist J. S. Pemberton in 1886. The product enjoyed little popularity until 1893, when it was taken over by Asa Candler. Already in 1919, the drink became an undisputed hit, achieving sales profits of $ 50 million. From 1919 to 1985, the company belonged to the Woodruff family - first father, then son. Distribution to world markets has been going on since 1909.

Pepsi's recipe, on the other hand, was introduced to the American market by the pharmacist C. Bradjam in 1893. It was only in the 1930s that the drink was distributed outside the US.

Composition

"Water, sugar, carbon dioxide, color: caramel E150d, acidity regulator: phosphoric acid, aromas, caffeine" - both drinks have exactly the same composition, as well as the caffeine content - 12 mg / 100 ml.

However, a detailed analysis by Canadian writer Malcolm Gladwell identified some differences: Pepsi, although it seems sweeter, has less sugar than Cola and also less sodium. Additionally, it has a citrus aroma in its composition, and a competitive drink has a vanilla aroma. Ultimately, it is Pepsi that has more caffeine.

Uneven start

Coca-Cola was the first to invest in advertising by hiring a professional marketing agency in the early 20th century. When this drink reached the farthest corners of the world, Pepsi only spread to all US states.

In 1923, Pepsi, due to sugar rationing, declared bankruptcy. The company changed hands for some time. Despite this, their main rival - Coca-Cola - did not decide to take it over. In 1934, Pepsi "got back on its feet". The biggest duel of giants in history began since then.

Differences that do not affect the taste

Classic Coca-Cola contains two calories less (42 / 100ml) than Pepsi. The latter drink, however, has a little more simple sugars and salt that Cola does not have at all.

The detailed composition of the recipes is top secret - it is the biggest secret of both companies. What we can see with the naked eye is a similar, but not the same color of the drinks in question. Pepsi seems sweeter and less carbonated. We will notice larger bubbles in the case of Coca-Cola.

The most important issue seems to be ... the color of the packaging. The red Coca-Cola label, according to the color theory, whets the appetite, while the blue Pepsi label reduces the appetite.