Mexican Coke is a Lie

Summary

In a deep dive into the world of Mexican Coke, the video explores its perceived superiority over American Coca-Cola, primarily attributed to its use of cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The host uncovers the origins of this difference, stemming from U.S. agricultural policies in the 1980s that made corn cheaper. However, recent studies indicate that many Mexican Cokes may also contain HFCS, challenging their authenticity. As Mexican consumers shift toward HFCS due to economic factors, the allure of Mexican Coke lies in its nostalgic branding and retro packaging, raising questions about cultural identity and consumer preferences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mexican Coke is often considered superior due to its use of real sugar.
• 🤔 There is a significant difference between Coca-Cola produced in the U.S. and that produced in Mexico.
• 📚 The original Coca-Cola recipe included coca leaves, but modern versions do not.
• 🌽 High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) became prevalent in the U.S. due to corn subsidies and tariffs on sugar.
• 🥤 Coca-Cola switched to HFCS in the U.S. while other countries, like Mexico, continued using cane sugar.
• 🔬 A study found that some Mexican Coke actually contains HFCS instead of cane sugar.
• 🚨 Mexico faces a serious obesity problem, leading to a soda tax that encouraged the use of HFCS in Coca-Cola.
• 🧐 Despite the claims of using cane sugar, many Mexican bottlers have started using HFCS for cost reasons.
• 🍶 The retro glass bottle of Mexican Coke adds to its appeal, even as its contents become more similar to U.S. Coke.
• 💔 The narrator's perception of Mexican Coke changes as they learn about the actual ingredients and the beverage's origin.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Mexican Coke and American Coke?

The primary difference lies in the sweeteners used: Mexican Coke is typically sweetened with cane sugar, while American Coke uses high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Why did Coca-Cola in the U.S. switch from sugar to high-fructose corn syrup?

The U.S. government subsidized corn production, making HFCS cheaper than sugar, leading Coca-Cola to adopt HFCS to lower production costs.

What impact did trade barriers have on the sugar market in the U.S.?

Trade barriers made imported sugar expensive, pushing companies like Coca-Cola to seek cheaper alternatives like HFCS from domestic corn.

How did Mexican Coke become popular in the United States?

Mexican Coke became popular due to its use of cane sugar, its retro glass bottle, and its association with authenticity, especially among hipsters.

What did the 2010 study reveal about Mexican Coke?

The study found that some Mexican Coke contained no sucrose (sugar) but rather glucose and fructose, which are components of HFCS.

What was the response of Mexican lawmakers to the obesity problem in Mexico?

In 2013, Mexican lawmakers imposed a soda tax to combat obesity, which prompted Coca-Cola to look for cheaper sweetening options, leading to increased use of HFCS in Mexico.

What does 'hecho en Mexico' mean and how is it used in marketing?

'Hecho en Mexico' translates to 'made in Mexico' and is used in marketing to emphasize the authenticity and cultural heritage of Mexican Coke, appealing to consumers' desire for genuine products.

How does the speaker feel about their identity as a Mexican Coke drinker?

The speaker experiences disillusionment after discovering that even Mexican Coke may not contain actual sugar and that it has largely shifted to using HFCS.

What is the significance of the retro glass bottle for the speaker?

The retro glass bottle represents a sense of authenticity and nostalgia, contributing to the speaker's continued enjoyment of Mexican Coke despite the ingredient controversies.

What product does the speaker promote at the end of the video?

The speaker promotes Squarespace, a website builder that offers a suite of tools for creating websites and managing online content.