If we were to ask what is the most consumed soft drink in the world, you would probably say cola regardless of the brand. Coke, which is consumed all over the world, including our country, raises many questions. The fact that a beverage is consumed by almost everyone all over the world and that it has been on the market for many years raises many questions, whether right or wrong.
Today we will answer one of the most famous of these questions that come to mind. Have you ever thought about what gives coke its black color? What could be the thing that gives the notorious black color of the cola, which is the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, claimed to contain insects, mouse blood, or actually green in colour? Let’s take a closer look at where the color of the colas comes from.
What gives cola its black color?
There are many claims that it is the insect called “Cochineal” that gives coke its black color. Coca-Cola, who wanted to clarify this issue, presented a report on its official web page that there are no insects in its products. According to the report presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, this insect is not included in the coke. Well, if there are no insects, what gives the coke its black color?
According to Coca-Cola’s official statement, caramel is what gives coke its color. In addition, there is water, sugar or fructose-glucose syrup, carbon dioxide, acidity regulator phosphoric acid and caffeine along with natural flavorings. In other words, we see that the substance that gives the black color of coke is caramel. Caramel, which is used not only for coloring but also for flavor, is actually a food formed by the reaction of molecules by melting as a result of slowly heating the sugar. Thanks to caramel, which is a form of sugar, drinks such as cola can be made black.
For What Purpose Is ‘Cochineal’ Actually Used As The Insect That Gives Coke its Black Color?
Although companies like Coca-Cola say that they do not use “Cochineal” in their products, we must say that the red substance found in many products is obtained from crushed insects. The substance called “carminic acid” in these insects is extracted from the body and eggs of the insect. This substance, which is used to obtain red dye, is mixed with aluminum and calcium salts. This substance, which is frequently used in fabric and cosmetic products, especially in the food industry, can cause allergic reactions in some cases.
Although its name is mentioned with cokes, coke companies say that they do not use this beetle in their drinks. Instead, they state that the coloring agent is caramel, a different form of sugar. Today we have explained to you what is the substance that gives the black color of cola. So what are your thoughts on this subject? Let’s meet in the comments.