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What is Pepsi supposed to taste like?

Pepsi has a slight citrusy tang that makes it taste crisp and delicious. The cans and bottles of Pepsi our team popped open also seemed to be just a smidge more bubbly than its competition—and that carbonation counts. What many of us desire when we order a soda is the bubbles (it's why sparkling water is so popular).

tasteofhome.com - Coke vs. Pepsi: We Settled the Debate with a Blind Test - Taste of Home

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Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Coke vs. Pepsi is one of the most heated debates in foodie history. Find out what our team of experts has to say. We’re sure you’ve been in this situation before: You order a Coke at a restaurant and the waiter responds, “Is Pepsi OK?” (or vice versa). For some people, the idea of switching brands is absurd. No way could a Pepsi take the place of a cold Coca-Cola (especially if it’s a McDonald’s Coke)! No way would a boring ol’ Coke be a worthy Pepsi substitute!

But what if you didn’t know which cola was which? Would you find yourself enjoying the other brand? Is there really even a difference between Coke and Pepsi?

To find out, our Test Kitchen team sampled each soda blindly, recorded their thoughts and voted for their preferred soft drink. The results might shock you!

Our Test Kitchen’s Favorite Cola Is…

Are you ready for this? When sampled blindly, the majority of our Test Kitchen team preferred Pepsi. In our test, Pepsi got more votes thanks to how darn refreshing this soft drink is. It’s sweet, of course, but it’s also got a little something extra. Pepsi has a slight citrusy tang that makes it taste crisp and delicious. The cans and bottles of Pepsi our team popped open also seemed to be just a smidge more bubbly than its competition—and that carbonation counts. What many of us desire when we order a soda is the bubbles (it’s why sparkling water is so popular). Plus, who doesn’t love Pepsi with such unexpected flavors like Pepsi Nutmeg.

The Bottom Line

This test was a close one! While most staffers in our Test Kitchen preferred Pepsi in a blind test, that doesn’t mean that Coca-Cola was bad in any way. Some testers thought Coke is just a little too sweet and not quite fizzy enough compared to Pepsi—which isn’t negative by any stretch. But it did make our culinary crew think differently about their sipping habits. Perhaps they’ll be hitting the Pepsi button on the office vending machine next time! And you can rest assured that recipes that call for a can will be delicious whether you use Coke, Pepsi or whatever other colas you have on hand. Need some recipe inspo? Get started with these: Cola Cake with Strawberries, Cola Burgers and Cola Hot Wings.

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Is Mcdonalds Diet Coke different?

First, while most restaurants get their Coca-Cola syrup delivered in plastic bags, McDonald's delivery comes in stainless-steel tanks. This helps to keep the syrup fresher, and no flavors are lost or diluted. Once the syrup arrives, it's mixed with filtered water and chilled before it goes into the soda fountain.

lifesavvy.com - Here's Why Diet Coke Tastes Different at McDonald's - LifeSavvy

If you’ve ever had an ice-cold Diet Coke from McDonald’s, you know how satisfying that first sip is. It’s what leads many people to the drive-thru in the first place. But why does it taste so much better than your Diet Coke at home?

You’re not imagining it: McDonald’s Diet Coke does taste different. The fast-food chain does a few things to differentiate its soda from others. First, while most restaurants get their Coca-Cola syrup delivered in plastic bags, McDonald’s delivery comes in stainless-steel tanks. This helps to keep the syrup fresher, and no flavors are lost or diluted. Once the syrup arrives, it’s mixed with filtered water and chilled before it goes into the soda fountain. Tervis Diet Coke Tumbler with Wrap and Frosted Lid Show everyone just how much you love Diet Coke with this tumbler. Some restaurants add the syrup and water mixture to the machine and depend on it to cool the mix. McDonald’s, however, takes that pre-chill step and combines it with the use of insulated tubes. They transport the syrup and water from the fridge to the fountain keeping the drink as cold as possible. While the temperature might not seem important, it is. Warm soda allows CO2 (aka carbonation) to escape quicker. This means your drink won’t be as bubbly (and fun). Because McDonald’s soda is chilled from start to finish, it’s able to hold more carbonation for a fizzier drink. The next time you’re craving a McDonald’s specific Diet Coke, there is a reason why. Just in case you can’t make it to your local restaurant, though, you can always try these soda alternatives until your next visit.

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