As you may know, anything with a pH less than seven is acidic, which means that most of our favorite carbonated drinks, including Coke, are extremely acidic. The pH of regular Coke is 2.37. If you eat too much of this tasty beverage, it may be hazardous to your health.

The Ingredients in Coca Cola

The specific formula is a closely guarded secret, although the drink comprises carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel coloring, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and natural flavors, according to Coca-Cola. Caffeine and phosphoric acid make it acidic, while carbonated water makes it hazy.

Why Is Coca-Cola Acidic?

Contrary to common perception, carbon dioxide does not cause cola to be acidic. It’s phosphoric acid, an ingredient that extends the shelf life of the goods.

Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless crystalline liquid that inhibits the development of mold and bacteria in sugary conditions. It also lends your beverage its distinct acidic taste.

A 12 oz can includes around 30 mg of caffeine, which contributes to the drink’s acidity.

Are All Flavors of Coca-Cola Acidic?

Because phosphoric acid is present in all tastes and variants of coke, they are all acidic. The pH levels, however, vary depending on the taste.

The pH values of the various Coca-Cola varieties are listed below:

*All pH values for soft drinks discussed in this article were obtained from the Journal of the American Dental Organizations 2016 study.

Is Drinking Coca-Cola Bad for Your Health?

A can once in a while is alright, but continuous use is hazardous to your health.

The beverage includes a lot of sugar (65 to 70 grams in a 20-ounce container) and artificial sweeteners, which are bad for your blood glucose levels. It is damaging to your teeth and bones and, owing to its acid content, aggravates acid reflux. It is also quite dehydrating due to the high caffeine content.

The Effects of Coca-Cola on Teeth

Cola is very damaging to your teeth. It has two of teeth’s worst enemies: sugar and acid.

The germs in your mouth (we know, yuck! However, we all have them) that feed on sugar and make acid. Drinking acidic drinks is like feeding those pesky tooth killers.

The combination of phosphoric acid and sugar isn’t merely a prescription for cavities. The acid erodes the whole tooth enamel, which cannot be repaired.

or agony and darkness.Most carbonated soft drinks cause tooth erosion, as well as temperature sensitivity, cracking, and discoloration.

Does Coca-Cola Aggravate Acid Reflux?

Because cola (and almost all soft drinks) are acidic, they will irritate your acid reflux.

Carbonates in the drink may also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a valve that prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus.

Non-Acidic Coca-Cola Flavors

There are many different kinds of cola, such as Pepsi or Dr. Pepper, yet practically all of them are quite acidic.

Here’s a quick list of beverages and their pH levels based on brand and taste.

Does Cooking With Coca-Cola Make It Less Acidic?

It may be used in a variety of dishes, but heating or cooking it does not reduce its acidity. When the drink evaporates, it becomes a thick molasses-like syrup that may be used to make a glaze. You might try your hand at this glazed wings recipe or this pecan pie recipe.

Cola may be used as a marinade for meat dishes due to its acidity and sweetness.

Healthy Alternatives to Coca-Cola

Most soft drinks are heavy in sugar and acidity, so if you want a healthy option, you can switch gears and choose for greener beverages. Kale, spinach, celery juices, decaffeinated green tea, coconut water, and soy milk are also low-acid choices. If you want something effervescent, we recommend sparkling water.

Decaffeinated chamomile, fennel ginger root, and lavender teas are also often used to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux. Watermelon and other low-acid fruits may also be used to produce water infusions.

Conclusion

Cola and other carbonated drinks may trigger acid reflux by relaxing the muscles that hold the acid in your stomach. Overconsumption of these beverages is detrimental for your health and may worsen acid reflux symptoms due to their high sugar and acid content.

It may also destroy bone and tooth enamel, generating ideal circumstances for the formation of cavities.

Overall, it’s acceptable to open a can now and again, but if you consume soft drinks often, we advocate switching to healthier, less acidic choices.

To understand more about acidic drinks and meals, see our article on typical acidic foods to avoid.