True soda connoisseurs know that not all sodas are created equal. Most people prefer one brand over the other, and find that taste even varies depending on what you’re drinking the soda out of. If you’ve ever enjoyed an ice cold glass of Coca-Cola, for example, you may have noticed that it tastes differently depending on whether it’s packaged in an aluminum can, a plastic bottle, or a glass bottle. And it’s basically a known fact that Coca-Cola tastes the best when it comes from a glass bottle. You can’t argue it! The soda seems more crisp, more sweet, and more fresh every time — not to mention it looks better, too (far more Instagram feed-worthy!). As it turns out, there is a legitimate reason Coca-Cola tastes better in a glass bottle.
In an article on MyRecipes, writer Corey Williams got down to the real reason so many people prefer Coca-Cola in a glass bottle over anything else, and yes, even science is getting involved here. There are actually a few reasons the sugary drink does its best work when packaged in an old-fashioned glass bottle, and they make a lot of sense when you think about it. So, the next time your friend says they only like to drink Coke out of a glass bottle, don’t judge or roll your eyes.
@CocaCola definitely tastes different out of a can, plastic bottle or glass bottle. In order from worst to best it’s can, plastic and then glass.
— Andy Wilmer🇺🇦🐂 (@andywilmer) January 1, 2019
What is it about a glass bottle that makes Coca-Cola taste better? Let’s examine the evidence.
Coca Cola in a glass bottle is amazing
— Amad the great ⚔️ (@IamJersey_) January 2, 2019
Reason number one: a plastic bottle loses carbonation faster than a glass bottle.
This means that all of that fizzy goodness at the top of your soda? Yeah, it’s going to disappear a lot faster.
Apparently, plastic is more CO2-permeable than glass and aluminum, which basically means that the fizz (AKA, carbon dioxide) will leak out of a plastic bottle faster than a glass bottle or a can. That makes your soda go flat, and who can say that’s enjoyable?
flat soda is just..smh
— born again hooligan. (@12hrlifespans) January 2, 2019
Reason number two: the chemicals in the bottle will change the way your soda tastes.
MyRecipes says, “plastic bottles also have an acetaldehyde lining which is designed to stop interactions but also transfers into the flavor of the drink.” That doesn’t sound ideal!
Popular Science says that “the polymer that lines aluminum cans might absorb small amounts of soluble flavor from the soda.” Even though the FDA regulates these chemicals, they can still change up the flavor of what you’re drinking. Glass bottles aren’t made with these chemicals, and are your best bet at getting an unaltered flavor for all of that Coca-Cola goodness.
If you’re now totally freaked out about the idea of ever drinking from plastic bottles or aluminum cans again, don’t worry: experts say they’re safe, because it’s such a small amount of chemicals.
Reason number three: The way your soda tastes also depends on the way you store it.
Finally got my parents antique Coca-Cola machine moved to the new house! Next step, find someone who can help us get it up and running again! I would love to get it stocked with glass bottle sodas and beers 😍 #vintage #cocacola #sodamachine pic.twitter.com/EDA7MfNM97
— Acid (@acid_itty) December 29, 2018
According to a Business Insider article, the amount of light a bottle absorbs can also affect the flavor: “light can cause chemical reactions to occur, and some of the substances in there may change some of the flavor compounds.” If you’re storing a glass bottle away from light, it will taste better than a plastic bottle in light. That is more about how you’re storing the soda than what it’s in, but it’s still good to know.
Basically, science has spoken: Coca-Cola, and probably other sodas, is officially better in a glass bottle.
So the next time you’re going to buy one, make sure it’s not an aluminum can…
…And definitely not a plastic bottle.
Glass bottles forever!
They’re worth the extra money, trust us.
