Pssscht! That magical onomatopoeia, synonymous with instant gratification, quenched thirst, a sugar buzz, and above all, fat juicy profits.
In the late 18th century, English chemists found a formula that allowed them to reproduce the bubbly effect of naturally effervescent waters, by introducing carbon dioxide into sweet, flavored waters. Today, the cola war has gone global. The feuding Pepsi – Coca pair has had to face competition from alternative, anti-American colas ranging from the fair trade (OpenCola) to the culturally specific (Palestinian Mecca Cola, Iranian Zam-Zam Cola or even Peruvian Fuji-Cola). Energy drinks have entered the market with several “secret weapons,” like Amazonian Indians’ guarana seeds – 4 times richer in caffeine then cola nuts!
Unless you’re more into limpid liquids: organic, lighter, or more transparent, like the line of German sodas called Bionade and produced by…an Amish community in the USA! Despite the anti-sugar crusaders, liquid candy is going to be with for some time to come.