The pH levels of the six analyzed cola drinks are all significantly below the critical pH (pH 5.5) of Calcium hydroxyapatite (P < . 001 Student-t). The diet colas are not necessarily more acidic; regular Pepsi Cola has the lowest pH (pH 2.53), while Diet Selection Cola is the highest pH (pH 3.40). Introduction.
In fact, certain brands of colas are extremely acidic, ranking 2.39 when compared to the average acidity of a battery which is 1.0. The following sodas are listed from lowest level of acid to highest: root beer, Diet 7UP, Diet Coke, Diet Mountain Dew, Sprite, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Coke Zero, Diet Dr.
Classic Cola (RC Cola, Coke, Pepsi)
The full sugar versions supply the highest acidity rates with RC Cola being the champion at 2.387, the very front runner of all options tested.
The acidic pH level of Coke Zero is associated with an increased risk of enamel and tooth erosion, though it may affect your teeth less than other acidic beverages.
Diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks are usually highly acidic, which weakens the enamel on your teeth and makes them more susceptible to cavities and dental erosion. The level of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and/or tartaric acid is usually high in sugar-free drinks so it's best to avoid them.
There are very few differences between Diet Coke and Coke Zero. As such, there is no concrete, measurable reason to suggest that one is superior to the other. Nutritionally, there are no significant differences. Their ingredient and caffeine contents are similar as well, so neither is healthier than the other.
Carbonated Beverages
Soft drinks not only relax the LES but also increase stomach acid levels. This may be due to the caffeine in popular cola products which can affect the LES and trigger acid reflux.
Because freshly carbonated sodas contain higher concentrations of carbonic acid, you can make the pH of soda slightly less acidic by allowing it to become flat. However, because carbonic acid contributes little to the acidity of soda, flat soda is only slightly less acidic than fresh soda.
Basically, by adding in Ca(OH)2 to your cola, you react the "acid" bit to make water, and you react the "phosphoric" and "citric" bit to make a white solid precipitate in the bottom of your glass.
The pH levels of the six analyzed cola drinks are all significantly below the critical pH (pH 5.5) of Calcium hydroxyapatite (P < . 001 Student-t). The diet colas are not necessarily more acidic; regular Pepsi Cola has the lowest pH (pH 2.53), while Diet Selection Cola is the highest pH (pH 3.40). Introduction.
In fact, a 12 ounce can of Pepsi contains one thing Coke does not—citric acid. In addition, Pepsi also has two more grams of sugar than Coke. These two subtle differences give Pepsi its sweet, citrus-like flavor that people either love or loathe.
Diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks are usually highly acidic, which weakens the enamel on your teeth and makes them more susceptible to cavities and dental erosion. The level of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and/or tartaric acid is usually high in sugar-free drinks so it's best to avoid them.
Drinking excessive amounts of diet soda can sometimes affect the lining of the stomach. “Over time, it can get irritated from the carbonation,” Valdez says. Heavy soda drinkers frequently develop indigestion, bloating and heartburn. Plus, carbonated drinks are a known trigger of acid reflux.
Coca-Cola, due to its carbonic and phosphoric acid, has a pH of 2.6 and resembles the natural gastric acid that's thought to be important for fiber digestion, the researchers said. In addition, the sodium bicarbonate and carbon dioxide bubbles in the beverage might enhance the dissolving effect.
The bubbles from carbonation in sodas increase pressure within the stomach causing stomach acids to reflux into the esophagus. Popular sodas such as Diet Coke, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have pH levels ranging between 2.4 to 2.5—almost as acidic as stomach acid which ranges between pH 1.5 to 3.5.
If you want the taste of cola with some added benefits thrown in, try out brands like Poppi and Olipop, which add gut-friendly prebiotics to their fizzy drinks and could qualify more closely as a Coke alternative. As noted by some commenters on TikTok, this beverage is more like a shrub, which is a drinking vinegar.
#4 May cause poor blood sugar control
Though artificially sweetened drinks, like Coke Zero and other sugar-free sodas, do not contain any actual sugar, there is concern that these sugar-free sodas contain artificial sweeteners that can create an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
The taste. Both drinks are sugar free and calorie free. Coca‑Cola zero sugar looks and tastes more like Coca‑Cola original taste, while Diet Coke has a different blend of flavours which gives it a lighter taste.
That's why other common drinks such as beer, soda, fruit juice and wine are naturally acidic (and are all more acidic than coffee, in fact).
According to the pH level, gin, tequila, and non-grain vodkas are the lowest acidity options; choosing drinks made with these alcohols will be best on your stomach. You'll be best served by a drink made with a light juice like apple, pear, or cranberry, but sometimes you just really want that kick of citrus.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.