Both Pepsi and Coca-Cola Classic are iconic cola beverages with similar characteristics, including high sugar content and widespread availability. The choice between the two often comes down to personal taste preference, as Pepsi is generally perceived as sweeter, while Coca-Cola Classic offers a more complex flavor profile. Both brands also offer sugar-free alternatives for health-conscious consumers.
| Attribute | Pepsi | Coca-Cola Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Cola flavor, perceived as slightly sweeter and smoother than Coke. Contains sugar and vanilla. | Distinctive cola flavor with sweetness, slight tanginess, vanilla, caramel, and a hint of citrus. Some detect hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, bitter orange, coriander, anise, lavender, and ginger. Balance of sweet, bitter, tart, and spicy notes. |
| Caffeine Content | 35.34mg in a 330ml can, 38 mg per 12 fl oz, 63 mg per 20 fl oz, 50 mg in a 16oz serving. | 34 mg per 12 fl oz can |
| Sugar Content | 41 grams in a 355 ml serving, 41g total sugars in a 12 fl oz serving, 40.9g sugar in 375mL Pepsi Original. | 39 grams per 12 oz can |
| Calorie Count | 150 calories per 12 fl oz serving, 250 calories per 20 fl oz bottle, 159 calories in a 12 fl oz can. | 140 calories per 12 fl oz can |
| Ingredients | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Sugar, Phosphoric Acid, Caffeine, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor. Contains artificial sweeteners like Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose in some products. Contains Sodium Benzoate. | Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup or Sugar, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine |
| Artificial Sweeteners | Contains artificial sweeteners like Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose in some products. | Does not use aspartame |
| Preservatives | Contains Sodium Benzoate. | Some sources mention the use of sodium benzoate in the past, but it appears to be phased out in some regions. |
| Carbonation Level | Ranges from 3.6 to 3.8. | Satisfying fizz |
| Packaging Options | Returnable glass bottles, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans. Sizes include 12-ounce cans, 16-ounce bottles, 20-ounce bottles, and 1-liter bottles. | Cans (180 ml, 300 ml, 330 ml), Bottles (RGB: 200 ml, 300 ml, 330 ml), PET Bottles (250 ml, 300 ml, 400 ml, 600 ml, 750 ml, 1250 ml, 1500 ml, 1750 ml, 2000 ml, 2250 ml) |
| Price per Volume | Plastic and can packages are more expensive than glass due to not being returnable. | Varies depending on location and retailer. |
| Dietary Options | Sugar-free options like Pepsi Max (Pepsi Zero Sugar). | Not a sugar-free or low-calorie option. Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar are available as sugar-free alternatives. |
| Brand Reputation and History | Created in 1893 by Caleb Bradham, renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898. PepsiCo formed in 1965. Sold in over 200 countries. | Invented in 1886 by John Stith Pemberton. One of the most recognizable and valuable brands globally. Available in over 200 countries. |
| Availability | Distributed in over 200 countries and territories globally. | Available in almost every country in the world except Cuba and North Korea, although it may be available as a grey import in those countries. Operations in Russia have been suspended. |
| Ratings | Pepsi.com: 2.5 stars out of 5. WorthEPenny: 5.0 out of 5 stars (100% recommend). PepsiCo's product quality score: 4 out of 5. | Generally positive, with many appreciating its classic taste and nostalgic appeal. |
| Pros | ['Sweet cola flavor', 'Readily available', 'Offers sugar-free options (Pepsi Max, Pepsi Zero Sugar)', 'Variety of packaging options'] | ['Classic taste', 'Refreshing', 'Energizing', 'Nostalgic appeal', 'Satisfying carbonation'] |
| Cons | ['High sugar content', 'Contains artificial sweeteners in some products', 'Potential for tooth decay, weight gain, and increased blood sugar levels', 'May cause bloating or nausea in some consumers', 'Contains phosphoric acid, which may lead to potential kidney problems'] | ['High sugar content', 'Potential dental effects', 'Can be too sweet', 'Some find it overpriced'] |