Throughout history, Coca-Cola has come in a variety of different packaging methods. Today, some of the most common variations are plasThroughout history, Coca-Cola has come in a variety of different packaging methods. Today, some of the most common variations are plastic bottles, fountain soda, and, of course, cans. When considering the best vessel for a drink like Coke, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost, it must be airtight to preserve carbonation, but things like insulation, light exposure, environmental impact, accessibility, and comfort all play important roles too. important.
Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly used Coke containers. They come in a wide range of sizes, which is one of their main draws. You can get a single-serve bottle for yourself or a liter for a party. They are also resealable, which is a major point in their favor, as all of the other options must be consumed in one sitting. However, they are by far one of the worst options for the environment, both in terms of manufacturing and disposal. The clear plastic allows Coke to be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, which can affect the flavor. In fact, when the bottle is left for too long, the drink can absorb microplastics from the bottle itself, an effect heightened by prolonged sun exposure. These bottles also provide almost no insulation, so the satisfaction of a crisp, ice-cold Coke fades quickly.
Fountain soda is a little bit of an outlier on this list. The Coke syrup and soda water are mixed on the spot in the machine, then poured directly into your cup rather than coming prepackaged. This type is definitely one of the most fun ways to drink Cokes, and if you are sneaky, you might even get some for free. It also has a distinct flavor compared to other kinds of Coke, since it is made from concentrated and carbonated water. That comes down to preference in the end. The ice included is another big bonus, helping the Coke stay colder for much longer. And once you finish your drink, you get to crunch on the leftover ice for an extra treat. Despite this, there is one major flaw: these machines are often not cleaned properly and can be very unhygienic. If not for this, I would probably rank fountain Coke first, but the cleanliness issue is a major downside. I am always a little nervous whenever I drink Coke from a fountain. Anxiety should never be part of a soda-drinking experience.
And now, the best for last: canned Coke! Canned Coke is often overlooked or underestimated due to how universal it is. People rarely consider it their favorite because it feels too obvious. They want something niche, something interesting—but in search for uniqueness, they lose objectivity. Canned Coke does have its flaws: yes, it can sometimes be overly carbonated (even to the point of discomfort), and the can design isn’t always the easiest to drink from. However, in this case, the pros far outweigh the cons. The opaque metal offers solid insulation and blocks sunlight to preserve the ideal flavor. Aluminum is also the most environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled and breaks down much faster than plastic or glass.
Canned Coke is popular for a reason. Cans are a tried-and-true method for drink storage, and they simply cannot be beaten when it comes to Coke vessels. Though each type does have its own merits and can be great for different situations, a good can of Coke is consistently refreshing—and always hits the spot.tic bottles, fountain soda, and, of course, cans. When considering the best vessel for a drink like Coke, there are many factors to consider. First and foremost, it must be airtight to preserve carbonation, but things like insulation, light exposure, environmental impact, accessibility, and comfort all play important roles too. important.
Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly used Coke containers. They come in a wide range of sizes, which is one of their main draws. You can get a single-serve bottle for yourself or a liter for a party. They are also resealable, which is a major point in their favor, as all of the other options must be consumed in one sitting. However, they are by far one of the worst options for the environment, both in terms of manufacturing and disposal. The clear plastic allows Coke to be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, which can affect the flavor. In fact, when the bottle is left for too long, the drink can absorb microplastics from the bottle itself, an effect heightened by prolonged sun exposure. These bottles also provide almost no insulation, so the satisfaction of a crisp, ice-cold Coke fades quickly.
Fountain soda is a little bit of an outlier on this list. The Coke syrup and soda water are mixed on the spot in the machine, then poured directly into your cup rather than coming prepackaged. This type is definitely one of the most fun ways to drink Cokes, and if you are sneaky, you might even get some for free. It also has a distinct flavor compared to other kinds of Coke, since it is made from concentrated and carbonated water. That comes down to preference in the end. The ice included is another big bonus, helping the Coke stay colder for much longer. And once you finish your drink, you get to crunch on the leftover ice for an extra treat. Despite this, there is one major flaw: these machines are often not cleaned properly and can be very unhygienic. If not for this, I would probably rank fountain Coke first, but the cleanliness issue is a major downside. I am always a little nervous whenever I drink Coke from a fountain. Anxiety should never be part of a soda-drinking experience.
And now, the best for last: canned Coke! Canned Coke is often overlooked or underestimated due to how universal it is. People rarely consider it their favorite because it feels too obvious. They want something niche, something interesting—but in search for uniqueness, they lose objectivity. Canned Coke does have its flaws: yes, it can sometimes be overly carbonated (even to the point of discomfort), and the can design isn’t always the easiest to drink from. However, in this case, the pros far outweigh the cons. The opaque metal offers solid insulation and blocks sunlight to preserve the ideal flavor. Aluminum is also the most environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled and breaks down much faster than plastic or glass.
Canned Coke is popular for a reason. Cans are a tried-and-true method for drink storage, and they simply cannot be beaten when it comes to Coke vessels. Though each type does have its own merits and can be great for different situations, a good can of Coke is consistently refreshing—and always hits the spot.