The recipe for Coca Cola is the same whether it’s in a metal can or a glass bottle – so why does the latter taste so much better?
According to biochemist and founder of Science by Design Sara Risch, it’s because of the liquid reacting with polymers in the packaging.
Polymers are the molecules inside packaging – themselves built from smaller units strung together – and add properties to the material they are used in.
In the case of aluminium cans, the polymers lining the packaging may absorb some of the soluble flavour from the drink.
“While packaging and food companies work to prevent any interactions, they can occur,” explained Risch.
Meanwhile the polymer acetaldehyde, which is used in plastic bottles, could transfer into the coke inside the bottle, subtly altering its flavour.
And even though food standards agencies regulate the contact between food and its packaging, there are tiny amounts that could get through according to Popular Science .
According to Risch, glass is the most inert substance used for packaging and therefore gives the most unaltered drinking experience.
Of course, no matter which type of packaging you prefer your Coke in, the health risks are still the same.
British health expert Niraj Naik has previously issued astonishing claims about the alleged dangers of drinking a lot of Diet Coke.
Naik, who runs a blog called the The Renegade Pharmacist , has claimed the low calorie fizzy drink rots teeth, encourages the body to pile on fat and even mimics the effects of cocaine.
“From my experience as a community pharmacist helping people to get off medications for metabolic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity, I found if people drink diet sodas they still get the same problems as people who drink normal soda,” Naik claimed .
He even put together a timeline showing exactly what happens to your body in the hour after you swig a can of Diet Coke.