When faced with a decision between two equally appealing options, it can be challenging to choose. This is particularly the case when it comes to “Dr. Pepper vs Coke”.
So, what do you do when you can’t decide between these two popular beverages? That’s where this handy guide comes in.
We’ll break down the ingredients, nutrition facts, calories, sugar content, and caffeine content of both Dr Pepper and Coke so that you can make an informed decision.
Is Dr Pepper and Coke the same?
First of all, you might be wondering whether or not Dr Pepper and Coke are even the same thing. The short answer is: no. While both drinks are carbonated beverages and both contain caffeine and sugar, they have some key differences.
For starters, Dr Pepper is made with 23 different flavors, including vanilla and cherry. By contrast, Coke doesn’t contain that many flavors.
Both drinks are fairly high in calories and relatively low in nutrition, so if you’re concerned about your health and weight, neither of these drinks is the best option.
What’s Really in Dr Pepper and Coke?
| DRINK | INGREDIENTS |
| Dr Pepper | Carbonated Water, Sugar, Colour (Caramel E150d), Phosphoric Acid, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Flavourings Including Caffeine, Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K). Contains a Source of Phenylalanine. |
| Coke | Carbonated Water, Sugar, Colour (Caramel E150d), Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavourings Including Caffeine. |
Common Ingredients in Dr Pepper and Coke
Both Dr Pepper and Coke share some core ingredients: carbonated water, sugar, caramel color (E150d), phosphoric acid, and caffeine. These give both drinks their signature fizz, sweetness, and the caffeine kick.
What Makes Dr Pepper Different?
Dr Pepper stands out due to its 23 distinct flavors. While the full recipe is secret, flavors like vanilla and cherry are widely believed to be part of the mix, giving it a complex and unique taste. Additionally, Dr Pepper includes potassium sorbate to preserve freshness and uses artificial sweeteners—aspartame and acesulfame K—to maintain sweetness with fewer calories.
Coke’s Simpler Formula
Coke, on the other hand, keeps things simple. Its flavor relies on natural flavorings (also a trade secret) and caffeine. Unlike Dr Pepper, Coke doesn’t contain preservatives or artificial sweeteners; its sweetness comes solely from added sugar.
Health Concerns: Sugar and Sweeteners
Both drinks raise health concerns due to their sugar content. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and liver issues. Dr Pepper’s artificial sweeteners might also disrupt gut health, and some studies suggest links to cancer. Moreover, the acidity of both drinks can erode tooth enamel, contributing to tooth decay.
And that’s not all, but let’s move on to see how these two drinks compare in terms of nutrition.
How Do Dr Pepper and Coke Compare Nutritionally?
When it comes to the nutrition facts of Dr Pepper and Coke, there are some notable differences.
Dr Pepper contains 20 calories per 100ml, whereas Coke contains 42 calories per 100ml.
Both drinks are low in fat – 0g in both cases and contain no salt or protein.
| Nutritional Values per 100 ml | Dr Pepper | Coke |
| Calories | 20 | 42 |
| Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.9g | 10.6g |
| of which sugars | 4.9g | 10.6g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
| Salt | 0g | 0g |
Which Has More Sugar: Dr Pepper or Coke?
When it comes to the sugar content of Dr Pepper and Coke, there are again some key differences.
Dr Pepper contains a total of 4.9g of sugar per 100 ml, whereas Coke contains 10.6g of sugar per 100 ml – more than double that amount.
Per 330ml can, Coke contains 35g of sugar, whereas a 330ml can of Dr Pepper contains around 14.6g of sugar. This means that a can of Coke contains almost 9 teaspoons of sugar!
Dr Pepper, on the other hand, is substantially lower in sugar content, however, it still contains around 3.5 teaspoons per can.
Considering that we should be limiting our sugar intake to no more than 6 teaspoons per day, it’s clear that neither Coke nor Dr Pepper is a particularly healthy choice.
Caffeine Showdown: Dr Pepper vs Coke
When it comes to the caffeine content of Dr Pepper and Coke, there is a clear winner.
A 330ml can of Dr Pepper contains around 40mg of caffeine, while a 330ml can of Coke only contains 32mg. For comparison, a cup of coffee typically contains around 95mg of caffeine.
In general, it seems that Dr Pepper has the edge when it comes to caffeine content – although this can vary depending on the specific flavor of Dr Pepper you’re drinking.
Which Is Healthier: Dr Pepper or Coke?
Determining if Dr Pepper is healthier than Coke largely depends on how you view the idea of “healthier”.
From a calorie standpoint, Dr Pepper has fewer calories than Coke and likely won’t contribute to weight gain as much. However, Dr Pepper contains artificial sweeteners which may have negative health effects including disrupted gut flora and increased risk of diabetes.
Coke, on the other hand, does not contain any artificial sweeteners, but it does contain more sugars than Dr Pepper.
Both drinks contain phosphoric acid which has many side effects including an increased risk of kidney stones and lowered bone density.
In general, Dr Pepper is not a “healthier” choice than Coke – it’s simply made with a number of different ingredients that may or may not be better for you.
If your main concern is weight management or healthy eating, then Dr Pepper would probably be the better choice. But if you’re more concerned about the potential negative effects of artificial sweeteners, then Coke may be a better option for you.
So which drink is healthier – Dr Pepper or Coke?
From a nutritional standpoint, neither soda offers any substantive health benefits and both contain added sugar which has been linked to long-term health risks. Ultimately, if you are looking for healthier drinks, you will be better off choosing tea or water over either soda option.