A YouTuber known as LabCoatz has successfully reverse-engineered the closely guarded recipe of Coca-Cola, a beverage that has maintained its secret formula for 139 years. Utilizing advanced techniques including mass spectrometry and extensive taste testing, LabCoatz claims to have produced a near-identical version of the iconic drink.
The analysis indicates that more than 99% of Coca-Cola”s composition consists of sugar, caffeine, and phosphoric acid, while the much-discussed “secret formula” constitutes less than 1% of the beverage”s weight. This revelation diminishes the long-held mystique surrounding Coca-Cola”s vault-locked recipe, underscoring how contemporary laboratory tools can replicate proprietary flavors without infringing on trademarks.
Coca-Cola”s actual recipe is famously secured within a 10-foot vault located at the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta. The company has spent over a century cultivating the allure surrounding its secret formula, claiming that only two employees are privy to the complete recipe at any time. However, LabCoatz managed to bypass this theatrical secrecy through a year of diligent testing and specialized equipment.
In a 25-minute video released on January 9, LabCoatz detailed his reverse-engineering process, which included numerous taste tests and the creation of spreadsheets to compare his batches with the original Coca-Cola. Remarkably, taste testers struggled to differentiate between LabCoatz”s clone and the authentic product, with one reviewer giving it a score of 9.5 out of 10.
The analysis revealed that a liter of Coca-Cola contains approximately 110 grams of sugar, 96 milligrams of caffeine, and 0.64 grams of phosphoric acid, along with caramel color. The entire 139-year mystery surrounding Coca-Cola”s recipe has been reduced to the natural flavors that comprise a mere fraction of the drink.
So, what exactly comprises that elusive 1%? LabCoatz”s mass spectrometry analysis identified several key components including alpha-terpinene from citrus oils, limonene, cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon, sabinene, cedrene from nutmeg, acetic acid, and fenchol. These ingredients are mainly essential oils and other compounds. Interestingly, Coca-Cola does utilize coca leaves in its formulation, but no cocaine is involved in the final product.
The Stepan Company, located in New Jersey, is among the few American firms authorized to work with coca leaves, extracting cocaine for medical applications while supplying Coca-Cola with a decocainized leaf extract. LabCoatz attempted to procure this ingredient but faced legal hurdles, leading him to innovate using wine tannins instead.
Wine tannins, which are dry compounds found in tea, were crucial in mimicking the fresh quality associated with Coca-Cola. LabCoatz explained that these tannins do not appear in gas-based mass spectrometry, causing him to overlook them initially. Once included, they helped align the flavor profile of his concoction closely with the original drink.
To replicate Coca-Cola”s iconic flavor, LabCoatz”s final recipe includes lemon oil, lime oil, a hint of orange, tea tree oil for freshness, cassia cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, and fenchol. By aging the mixture and diluting it with food-grade alcohol, he created a flavoring blend similar to Coca-Cola”s legendary “7X” flavoring. A secondary mixture incorporates vinegar, caffeine, glycerin for mouthfeel, phosphoric acid, wine tannins, vanilla, and caramel color, which when combined with carbonated water yields a homemade version of the beloved soda.
While the recipe can technically be made at home, the initial investment in precise equipment and essential oils can be substantial. LabCoatz noted that the flavor concentrate he created could yield enough for 5,000 liters of soda, making the cost per liter quite low once the setup is established.
The question arises as to why Coca-Cola has not patented its recipe. The answer lies in the nature of patents, which require full disclosure of the patented material. Instead, Coca-Cola employs a strategy of shipping unlabeled ingredients from different locations to maintain secrecy. This approach works effectively until someone like LabCoatz utilizes advanced scientific methods to uncover the truth.
In conclusion, LabCoatz”s endeavors highlight the tension between brand mystique and modern scientific capabilities. The elaborate vault and the carefully curated legend surrounding Coca-Cola”s recipe are ultimately no match for the precision of a mass spectrometer and a determined individual with a passion for experimentation.
