Secrets Revealed? Radio Hosts Claim to Uncover Original Coca-Cola Recipe
- Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:16pm by
Meredith Jessup
- Print »
- Email »
Is this the original recipe? (Image: TAL)
The formula for Coca-Cola is one of the closest guarded corporate secrets in history. For 125 years, aspiring soda sleuths have tried to duplicate the iconic cola‘s signature taste and uncover John Pemberton’s secret recipe with no luck. But now, a group of radio producers say they’ve discovered the secret and claim it may not have been so “secret” after all.
Producers of the radio program “This American Life” claim the actual recipe was published on page 2B of the February 18, 1979 Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article which describes the history of the Coca-Cola company ran with a photo that the group claims shows a hand-written copy of Pemberton’s original recipe.
When Asa Candler, an early president of the company, purchased the formula from Pemberton in 1887, he insisted no one ever write it down again so as to protect it from competitors. Labels were removed from ingredient containers and workers learned to identify them by only by sight and smell. In addition, Candler reportedly had all company invoices shredded so workers could not sell a valuable ingredients list to other drink makers.
Though the soda maker’s formula has been often imitated, it has never been effectively duplicated. So with what they believed to be the original recipe in hand, the radio producers set up a taste experiment to test their theory.
Reportedly, the uncovered recipe didn’t quite measure up to tradition, but host Ira Glass had an explanation: they had no access to the extract from cocoa leaves that Coca-Cola uses. Because of the lack of this key ingredient, the world may never really know whether or not the recipe in the old newspaper photograph is actually “the real thing.”
Coca-Cola South Pacific‘s public relations manager Susie Crumpton declined to comment on whether the radio program’s recipe was genuine. But she pointed out how the soda makers ingredients haven’t been so secret for a while.
“The ingredients used in our beverages are listed on the product labels and many people have tried over time to crack the secret formula of Coca-Cola,” Crumpton said. “That secret combination of ingredients holds a special place in the history and mythology of Coca-Cola – something we continue to celebrate as we mark our 125th anniversary this year.”
In case you’re interested in whipping up a batch of your own, here’s the supposed secret formula from “This American Life”:
Fluid extract of Coca 3 drams USP
Citric acid 3 oz
Caffeine 1oz
Sugar 30 (it is unclear from the markings what quantity is required)
Water 2.5 gal
Lime juice 2 pints 1 qrt
Vanilla 1oz
Caramel 1.5oz or more to colour
7X flavour (use 2oz of flavour to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol 8oz
Orange oil 20 drops
Lemon oil 30 drops
Nutmeg oil 10 drops
Coriander 5 drops
Neroli 10 drops
Cinnamon 10 drops
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 584 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 411 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 374 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 411 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 413 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 368 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 411 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (86)
Toodumtu
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:38amReal men drink only Coca Cola.. Only Queers drink Pepsi Stuff.
Report Post »BuckOfama
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:23pm@TOODUMTU only people who enjoy the 69 position for the view drink coke…….
Report Post »valerie68
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:15amPepsi is way too sweet and the carbonation fizzles out the minute you open the can. If you drink it from a plastic bottle it’s even worse. I can drink a coke from a bottle for an hour and it still tastes good. Pepsi gets old within 10 minutes and tastes gross!
Report Post »blanco
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 6:50amCoke and Dr. Pepper are the best!!! Pepsi blows! Plus pepsi supports prez islama…..just look at the logo.
Report Post »SLEUTH
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 6:39amfor those of you that like Pepsi, i bet you all voted for Obama and his ‘Change’ slogan. remember, Pepsi changed its look during the Obama campain for ‘Change’. even before Obama was known anywhere, Coke always tasted better then Pepsi. in comparison, Pepsi is flat. i myself like RC Cola. unfortunately, i cant find any in south florida.
Report Post »pap pap
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:36pmI like diet pepsi and I would never even shake Obummers hand.
Report Post »seerjfly
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 6:02amBrown, fizzy, sugar water, who cares.
Report Post »derekcrane
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 3:12amThe recipe lists lime juice (2 pints 1 qrt) as an ingredient in the recipe. However, Vitamin C is not listed, as required by the FDA, as a nutrient on the can. How can this be?
Report Post »Diane TX
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:01amChuck Biscuits
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:47pm
Mexican Coke is better, it still uses real cane sugar. I get mine at Costco.
_______________________________________________________________
It’s interesting that you say that. I drank regular coke all the time and never gained any weight until they changed the sugar to high fructose corn syrup. I changed to diet coke (ick) to stop gaining weight, but didn’t really like it. Now they have Zero coke, which tastes to me like the original coke. I love Zero coke, and I’m happy once more.
Report Post »sablegsd
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:23amI hate coke. Dr. Pepper is even worse.
Report Post »Pepsi is my beverage of choice.
CTHULHUWILLEATYOUFIRST
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:42amLoser.
Report Post »JayCee
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:23amPepai ia juat Coke gone fllat.
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:59amPepsi beats coke hands down.. and the throwbacks are the BEST.. I stock up on them when they are on sale.. have about 19 cases right now..LOL.. My husband suggested I buy it by the pallet.. not a bad idea..
Report Post »Rob_M
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:19amI’m sure the FDA has their formula on file somewhere. Transparency live up to your name.
Report Post »CanteenBoy
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:58amStill good when my belly hurts! Get the bottles from Costco; made mexico but no high fructose corn syrup, just good old sugar, mmm! Like you remember!
Report Post »SIXFRIGATES
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:39amHere’s my formula for Coca-Cola…
Drive to corner store, buy Coca-Cola, go to work, go to home, sleep, repeat….
Report Post »Waltermelon
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:18amI notice that the recipe is lacking in clove oil. Coca Cola also has clove oil in it. You can taste/smell it when you exhale after the first sip.
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:57amall I taste is the NUTMEG.. can’t stand Coke
Report Post »SpiderPig
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:06amNow that the secret is out, we should start a competitive beverage company.
Report Post »JayCee
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:54pmSecret recipe for Pepsi Cola:
Take 1 can or bottle of Coca Cola,
Report Post »open,
let it sit out at room temperature overnight.
independentvoteril
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:01amPepsi is only flat when they use corn syrup.. the throw backs are great.. but than even COKE is flat with the corn syrup and the nutmeg makes it taste funny
Report Post »TeenageConservative
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:47pmNot to say I don’t love Coca-Cola- I do, it’s my favourite drink in the entire world- But why in the name of the Queen’s English is this story on the Blaze? It’s a nice story, but isn’t this site supposed to be more political-based?
Report Post »TheRealElvis
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:15amIt’s political. Think of Coke as the Demoncrats, Pepsi as the Republicans and RC Cola as the Independents. And Lipton as the Tea Party.
Report Post »really.truly
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:52am@THEREALELVIS : your comment made my morning. haha.
@TEENAGE : beck has actually addressed comments like yours here. from what i understood he wanted readers to understand that not ALL stories will be political… and to be honest, i’m glad they do stories like this on here. it will draw more readers in, and is really the only way to compete with other, more established politically themed sites and blogs.
on a random side note.. one of my husband’s ancestors was one of the first lawyers for coke. they didn’t have the funds to pay him so they gave him stock in the company for compensation. the stock is still in the family and has been passed around as inheritance and such. literally NO ONE in this family drinks any pepsi products. they tell everyone that pepsi gives you worms. most random lie ever. since our personal portfolio is made up with quite a bit of coke stock, i don’t however discourage their fibs.
Report Post »Chuck Biscuits
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:47pmMexican Coke is better, it still uses real cane sugar. I get mine at Costco.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:58pmI think it’s Disney World that has / had The World of Coke .. you could taste the different formulas from all over the world … some of it is REALLY NASTY!
Report Post »honor007
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:32amword to that….I buy the “mexican coke” at a local grocery store. Imagine that concept, real sugar? man, it tastes so much better in the bottle…frozen at the top a bit…yummy :D Wish they came in the old 6-carton…lol
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:46amI love Jewish holidays. Kosher Coke (with sugar) is available. I also scoop up Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback whenever I can.
Report Post »TERMLIMITSNOW
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:37pmWhy is Coke soooo much better from McDonalds?
Report Post »UrsaMajor
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:13amOnly if it is in a styrofoam McDonald’s cup. Plastic McDonald’s cups are doo-doo.
Report Post »CyberPro
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:52amI don’t know that it is better at McDonalds for sure, but I do know that the fountain taste vary from state to state. I travel a lot, and I can tell the difference. It tends to be a bit sweeter in the southern states. They can adjust the mixture at the fountain to add more or less syrup to the carbonated water, so they can mix it a bit sweeter or less, depending on local taste preferences.
Report Post »TERMLIMITSNOW
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:36pmcoke is it
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:35pmSounds to me like some one was on Coke when they put this list together. Can‘t believe that someone wants to know what’s in the coca cola. I would rather have the combination to the safe where the money is kept. Besides I drink Pepsi myself.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:33amCoffee, tea, hot chocolate,or Mr. Pibb for me, please.
Report Post »(But I do remember that rum and Coke was pretty good!)
scout n ambush
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:49amSHOWTIME i quit almost 8 yrs ago but i have a good memory too ! Rum and coke was an every day thing and i have never been a moderate so i am better off staying away from it .But i still think about it sometimes i had better stick with Coffee and mountain dew .
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:33pmWell if it tastes like “new coke” … they can keep it … I like the REAL thing. And it used to taste better in the little bottles.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:30amIt did taste better in the little bottles ………wonder why?
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:53amIf that was GLASS bottles the GLASS is the answer..it kept it fizz better too.. all sodas have the same problem in plastic.
Report Post »CyberPro
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:49amBOTH you guys are correct!
The Glass is the WAY TO GO! Sometimes used to get a small plug of ice in the neck of the bottle, man that was wonderful. Plastic just don’t cut it. I rarely drink them out of the bottle anymore, I go to the fountain and get LOTS of ice!
As far as the small bottles being better. The best explaination I have heard for this, and yes, I am old enough to remember this. You had the 6.5 Oz small bottle and the 10 oz. King Size bottle. When you had the big bottle, you had a lot of drink, so you would take larger swallows, but with the smaller bottle you would sip it more. The sip mixed more air into the liquid, and gave it a different flavor.
Yep, the New Coke was awful. Then they tried to fool us with the “Classic” coke. It did not fool me for an instant, I knew something was different. It has a different taste and if you leave an “Old” coke in the refrigerator with the bottle open, it would develop a very distinct taste, the “Classic” does not do that. Still, better than Pepsi any day of the week.
Report Post »GUT_CHECK
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:51amback when they used sugar, instead of high fructose corn syrup. i agree.
Report Post »i get the “throwback” pepsi when i can for my kids, otherwise they dont get soda-pop
scout n ambush
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:31pmMany times i have heard someone say they found the secret formula all i can say is if you add Capt Morgan that should fix it .
Report Post »CyberPro
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:29pmThis combination has been out for quite a while. William Poundstone wrote about it in one of his “Secrets” books, but I cannot recall which one now. Also has the recipe for KFC, so go visit the library and whip up some KFC, then wash it down with Coke.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:56pmIf you want some good chicken look up CAPN CRUNCH CHICKEN from Planet Hollywood … oh and don’t forget to make the mustard dipping sauce … yum! It’s in the books too!
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:28pmSecret no more.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:23pmHmmmmmm…PepsiLeaks
Report Post »Margaret Thatcher
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:21amLol.
Report Post »GHill7.62
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:33amnobody wants to copy coke. for one pepsi is better and for two, a copy of the real thing is just that, not the real thing. coca-cola has “goodwill” associated with it that i don‘t think most co’s could touch.
Report Post »–“goodwill” meaning cost of co above it’s assets=liabilities+equities
booger71
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:21pmWhat about the cocaine?
Report Post »HillBillySam1
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:25pmIsn’t that what Obama said…..???
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:30pmWhat about the cocaine?
Report Post »–
Get your own ;-)
Coca-cola don’t have to give you everything
CyberPro
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:34pmCocane MIGHT have been added to the recipe at one time. It was not intended to be a drink, it was supposed to be a good tasting stomach medicine, or so I heard. The orignal Coke was developed by Dr. Joesph Pemberton, who was a pharmacist, so it is not too far fetched to believe that it was added. This was, of course, before Cocaine was regulated so heavily.
Since one of the main ingredients is the extract from a Coca Leaf, which is also used in the production of Cocaine, it is possible that the original amount of Cocaine in the product was a result of the Cola production as well. Supposedly, not ALL of the Cocaine can be removed, but there is only a trace amount of it in the current product.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:38pmThat would be the original original recipe … until it was taken out around 1903
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/384/is-it-true-coca-cola-once-contained-cocaine
Report Post »slimkendall
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:46pmBush’s Fault!!
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:30am@TERMLIMITSNOW
Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:36pm
who has cocaine???
You might ask Obama. I understand that he has had a snort or two.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 12:41amI rarely drink soda (sweet tea person) but when I do it is Dr Pepper with 2 shots of Wild Turkey
Report Post »Mister President
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 1:09amI could go for some cocaine right about now. Legalize it.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 3:24amGees it doesn’t sound so great when the ingredients are listed out!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-CF
Report Post »truthandlogic
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 3:30amWhat do you think extract of Coca is?
Report Post »truthandlogic
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 3:33amIt’s the first ingredient. Also note the stimulant caffeine, the downer alcohol, and the hallucinogen nutmeg. Go coke! No wonder you became so popular so fast.
Report Post »ExpertShot
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 5:10am@ Cyberpro. They still use coca cola syrup (without the carbonation) for nausea. When I worked at a detox unit, it was often given for those in withdrawal that were having nausea/vomiting. I wonder what Dr. Pemberton would say if he were alive now….his “elixir” being a word wide sensation. We need more ingenious & creative people nowadays, oh yeah….probably won’t happen for a while, the progressive have un-taught us how to think creatively & critically over the past 100 yrs.
Report Post »jbl8199
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:13amLol, I was thinking the same thing. If you want the REAL original Coca-Cola, you have to put some of that in it too :P
Report Post »jexxwpraetor
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:16amThe cocaine is in here “Fluid extract of Coca 3 drams USP”.
Report Post »Michael Vick
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:50amReally? The original coke had cocaine in it.
Report Post »Avidmonkey
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:16amThis looks like way too much work. Much easier to get it out of the pop machine.
Report Post »taskmaster78
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 11:01amI’m with you Booger71, my grand mother wouldn’t even let me have any because of the cocaine, where do people think the name is derived from.
Report Post »Clive
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:32pmask glenn. blame obama!
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 2:39pmYou’re looking at the reason the FDA was started.
Report Post »RKade
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 6:03pmIsn’t that what Obama said…..???
No he said get you own BRO!
Report Post »