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Coke Nutrition Facts: What You Need to Know Before You Drink
Coke Nutrition Facts: What You Need to Know Before You Drink
Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most iconic soft drinks, has been a staple in beverage aisles for over a century. Whether you enjoy it as a refreshing treat or use it in recipes, understanding the Coke nutrition facts is essential for making informed lifestyle choices. In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about the calories, ingredients, allergens, and health considerations of this popular carbonated beverage.
Understanding the Context
🥤 Coke Nutrition Facts (12 oz / 355 mL – Original Formula)
Below are the standard nutrition facts based on the original Coca-Cola formula. Keep in mind that variant versions (like Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, or flavored Cokes) may vary slightly.
| Nutrient | Amount per 12 fl oz (355 mL) |
|-------------------|----------------------------------|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates| 39 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 39 g (all from high-fructose corn syrup) |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Caffeine | 34 mg |
Key Insights
🔍 What’s Inside a Can of Coca-Cola?
Coca-Cola’s defining characteristics stem from its blend of certified ingredients:
- Water – The bulk of the beverage
- Carbonated water – For that signature fizz
- High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – The primary sweetener (in most regions – not sugar in the U.S.)
- Caramel color (E150d) – Gives Coke its iconic brown tint
- Phosphoric acid – Adds tang and preserves flavor (associated with reduced bone mineral density with excessive intake)
- Natural flavors – Though composition is proprietary, this refers to a blend of oils, spices, and extracts
- Caffeine – A natural stimulant at ~34 mg per 12 oz serving
- Center burping enzymes – Historically used in processing, now largely phased out
🍭 Sugar Content: A Closer Look at the Sweetness
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The 39 grams of total carbohydrates break down to 39 grams of sugar, primarily high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS-55 in the U.S.). This equates to about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 12-ounce serving—more than most whole foods. Constant consumption of such high sugar content raises concerns around:
- Weight gain – Liquid calories contribute to excess daily intake without satisfying hunger
- Blood sugar spikes – Rapid absorption can affect insulin sensitivity over time
- Dental health – Sugar feeds oral bacteria leading to cavities
🚩 Allergens & Ingredients to Watch
While Coca-Cola is generally free of common allergens, the following apply:
- Contains: Carbonated water, caramel color, caffeine, phosphoric acid
- May contain traces of allergens due to shared equipment in manufacturing (labels caution if produced in facilities handling nuts, soy, or milk)
Check labels—especially if you’re sensitive or managing conditions. Coca-Cola does not contain spices like caffeine (though often misreported as a natural flavor, it’s synthetically derived).
✅ Health Considerations & Moderation Tips
While enjoying Coke occasionally isn’t harmful for most people, regular consumption poses potential risks: