www.thisisinsider.com/why-soda-tastes-different-in-a-can-or-from-a-machine-2018-8
FOOD
Soda from fast-food restaurants doesn't taste the same as it does out of a can — and it turns out it's made completely differently
Sophia Mitrokostas
Aug 23, 2018
Sometimes, it tastes better straight from the machine.
Soda from soda machines tastes different than soda from cans for a reason.
Soda from machines is made directly in the machine giving it a fresher taste.
The type of straw you use and the use of ice also change the taste of the soda.
If you've ever taken a swig of soda from a fountain machine and remarked that it tastes different from canned soda, you're not alone. And the difference probably isn't just in your head.
It turns out that soda from machines in restaurants and fast food joints might actually taste different for a number of reasons.
Here's why restaurant fountain drinks can taste different (and maybe even better) than canned versions.
Soda machine drinks are created right in the machine.
It ensures a fresher taste.
If you always assumed that the soda in fountain machines is just decanted into the contraption from giant bottles, you're wrong.
Fountain drinks are mixed from flavored syrup and carbonated water right in the machine. Even though soda manufacturers require the proportion of syrup to water to be the same in every machine, that's not always the case.
According to HuffPost, "fountain drinksvary by establishment. It seems some stores use more syrup to flavor the drink, some less and mix this with varying levels of carbon dioxide."
This means that you might get two very different tasting versions of the same brand of soda depending on where you fill your cup.
In fact, theNew York Times reportedthat Coca-Cola might actually have a special relationship with McDonald's.
"At other restaurants, Coke syrup is delivered in plastic bags. But for McDonald's, Coke delivers its syrup in stainless steel tanks that ensure its freshness, creating what many believe is the best Coca-Cola available."
Ice also plays a part in the taste difference.
You aren't adding ice when you drink it from the can.
Most people don't stop to pick up ice when they grab a can of soda on the go. If you're used to drinking soda sans ice from a can or bottle, the addition of a few cubes could change the way you perceive the taste of the beverage.
Besides the obvious difference in temperature, ice can dilute the soda and decrease the sweetness of the drink. Some might prefer a less sugary beverage, while others might complain that the soda tastes watery.
"Fountain sodas are also most often served with ice … whichdilutes the drink. That's the appeal of fountain sodas to some," HuffPost reported.
Fox News also reports that at one fast food restaurant, "water and Coca-Cola syrup are pre-chilled before entering [the] fountain dispensers with the ratio of syrupset to allow for ice to melt." This might decrease the "dilution effect" of filling your cup with ice.
The type of straw you use can also make a big difference.
McDonald's has revealed that its straws are designed to maximize the deliciousness of fountain drinks from its machines.
According toa press release reported by The Sun, the fast food chain credits special straws with enhancing its customers' soda experience.
"It's slightly wider than a typical straw, so all that Coke taste can hit all your taste buds."
Though you might think that taking a large gulp directly from the cup would have the same effect, apparently fast food companies are betting that bigger straws mean happier customers.
FOOD
Soda from fast-food restaurants doesn't taste the same as it does out of a can — and it turns out it's made completely differently
Sophia Mitrokostas
Aug 23, 2018
Sometimes, it tastes better straight from the machine.
Soda from soda machines tastes different than soda from cans for a reason.
Soda from machines is made directly in the machine giving it a fresher taste.
The type of straw you use and the use of ice also change the taste of the soda.
If you've ever taken a swig of soda from a fountain machine and remarked that it tastes different from canned soda, you're not alone. And the difference probably isn't just in your head.
It turns out that soda from machines in restaurants and fast food joints might actually taste different for a number of reasons.
Here's why restaurant fountain drinks can taste different (and maybe even better) than canned versions.
Soda machine drinks are created right in the machine.
It ensures a fresher taste.
If you always assumed that the soda in fountain machines is just decanted into the contraption from giant bottles, you're wrong.
Fountain drinks are mixed from flavored syrup and carbonated water right in the machine. Even though soda manufacturers require the proportion of syrup to water to be the same in every machine, that's not always the case.
According to HuffPost, "fountain drinksvary by establishment. It seems some stores use more syrup to flavor the drink, some less and mix this with varying levels of carbon dioxide."
This means that you might get two very different tasting versions of the same brand of soda depending on where you fill your cup.
In fact, theNew York Times reportedthat Coca-Cola might actually have a special relationship with McDonald's.
"At other restaurants, Coke syrup is delivered in plastic bags. But for McDonald's, Coke delivers its syrup in stainless steel tanks that ensure its freshness, creating what many believe is the best Coca-Cola available."
Ice also plays a part in the taste difference.
You aren't adding ice when you drink it from the can.
Most people don't stop to pick up ice when they grab a can of soda on the go. If you're used to drinking soda sans ice from a can or bottle, the addition of a few cubes could change the way you perceive the taste of the beverage.
Besides the obvious difference in temperature, ice can dilute the soda and decrease the sweetness of the drink. Some might prefer a less sugary beverage, while others might complain that the soda tastes watery.
"Fountain sodas are also most often served with ice … whichdilutes the drink. That's the appeal of fountain sodas to some," HuffPost reported.
Fox News also reports that at one fast food restaurant, "water and Coca-Cola syrup are pre-chilled before entering [the] fountain dispensers with the ratio of syrupset to allow for ice to melt." This might decrease the "dilution effect" of filling your cup with ice.
The type of straw you use can also make a big difference.
McDonald's has revealed that its straws are designed to maximize the deliciousness of fountain drinks from its machines.
According toa press release reported by The Sun, the fast food chain credits special straws with enhancing its customers' soda experience.
"It's slightly wider than a typical straw, so all that Coke taste can hit all your taste buds."
Though you might think that taking a large gulp directly from the cup would have the same effect, apparently fast food companies are betting that bigger straws mean happier customers.
