Caffeine: Does it Add Flavor?
Coca-cola are under fire for claiming that caffeine “adds flavor to cola”.
A study published in the journal Appetite shows that people cannot tell the difference between a decaffeinated cola and one spiked with caffeine.
In the study, outlined in the American journal Appetite, 30 people were given three small cups of commercial decaffeinated Coke.
Researchers spiked one sample with caffeine and asked participants to spot the difference. Nobody could tell the difference in repeated tasting. (via The Age)
The study author claims it is “unethical for companies to use caffeine if it did not enhance flavour and could lead to young people becoming addicted to sugary drinks”.
The intriguing thing is that the subjects in the study could detect the caffeine in a very sweet solution.
6 Comments
What the hell why don’t who have stuff on Monster energy drinks on your web site dumbass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Screw that, I can easily tell the difference between a caffeinated drink and the non-caffeinated version of the drink.
One of the greatest myths about caffeine is that it’s colored (brown), and it tastes bitterish. Both are quite untrue considering clear drinks you know of. The reason people can tell de-caf from caf, is not because it lacks caf, but rather de-caf is (usually if not always) COFFEE, artificially flavored coffee (or de-caf) tastes differently, but not directly because of caffeine content.
um, you mean young people only like sugary drinks because they contain caffeine? so, kids love koolaid, why? and don’t humans have an instinct to go after sweets(fruit, etc)? I think we should concentrate more on teaching moderation, self control, and healthy eating habits(including some sweets) than attacking kids and soft drink companies who provide us with delicious comfort food loved the world over. I am more concerned with fake sugars and chemical additives. leave my coke alone!
p.s. I do not drink caffeine every day.
caffeine does indeed taste bitter, try a few hundred mg of caffeine and it will make you want to throw up because of the horrid bitterness
and why wouldnt it add to flavour? quinine does and its also a awful tasting substance
Well I think the quote clearly explains why soft drink companies add caffine to their drinks…
“unethical for companies to use caffeine if it did not enhance flavour and could lead to young people becoming addicted to sugary drinks”
Perhaps soda will be viewed as the new cigarette?