Coca-Cola — TREAT
Munch or Dump rates Coca-Cola by Coca-Cola TREAT — score 43/90.
Short ingredient list, but it's essentially sugar-water with caffeine, caramel color and phosphoric acid for the classic cola bite. There's nothing nutritious here — it's a sweet indulgence with a lot of sugar in one can. Fine as an occasional treat, not an everyday drink.
Why this verdict
- Sugar is the second ingredient and the whole point — a large single dose of added sugar per serving
- Phosphoric acid gives the sharp tang but adds acidity with no nutritional benefit
- Caramel color (150d) is a cosmetic additive, purely for the brown look
- Contains caffeine — a stimulant worth noting for kids and the caffeine-sensitive
- Simple formula, but nutritionally empty sweet beverage
Ingredients (6)
- Carbonated Water (safe) — Basic component of most beverages, provides fizziness.
- Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
- Acidity regulator (338, phosphoric acid) (moderate) — Gives the tangy bite but combined with sugar is erosive to tooth enamel.
- Caffeine (moderate) — Mild stimulant, 43mg per serving. Fine in moderation but makes the drink mildly habit-forming.
- Colour (Caramel 150d) (moderate) — Artificial caramel coloring; purely cosmetic and a marker of ultra-processing.
- Natural Flavouring Substances (moderate) — Undisclosed flavor blend that drives the cola craving without any nutritional contribution.
Healthier alternatives
- Kirkland Signature Sparkling Water (Flavored Variety Pack)
- Simple Truth Black Cherry Sparkling Water
- Sparkling Water Black Cherry
- Good & Gather Lime Sparkling Water
- S. Pellegrino Water