Coca-Cola: Makes Good Things Taste Better

Published: November 27, 2023Author: Lucy Hickey

May 7th,1886: A world without the delicious, refreshing and mouth watering refreshment that we know as “Coke.” How could we have ever lived without it? All right, I’ll quit with the dramatics and get into the history of the well known global brand, Coca-Cola. Starting in good ol’ Atlanta, Georgia we have Dr. John Smith Pemberton, a local pharmacist struggling with a few health problems of his own. Serving in the army for almost the entire span of the Civil War, Pemberton suffered from multiple serious injuries, further pushing him towards dangerous use of morphine and opioids. Since serving as a chemist and druggist before the war, he realized his addiction and dependency to the drug had become problematic and set out to create an opioid free medication.

image courtesy of: https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/02/13/john-pemberton-the-inventor-of-coca-cola-died-penniless-and-addicted-to-morphine/

Pemberton created his blend, then carried his new product to Jacobs Pharmacy. Interjection! Excuse the quick interruption of the timeline for a quick statement. I cannot remember the amount of times I have reached for a Coke when I have had a headache, or stomachache. And I’ve realized that people in the late 1880s and early 1890s did too! Back then this syrup mixture was originally sold in pharmacies at 5 cents a glass and was used as a treatment for headaches, indigestion and more!

So, even though this product has evolved greatly, it is still being used in similar ways today. All right, back to the timeline! As popularity grew, this syrup was then combined with carbonated water. Since carbonation was considered good for one's health, fountain drinks became abundant and were consumed more and more often. This combination of syrup and carbonation quickly became popular as a new treatment and marketable product for pharmacies. But with great ideas, they can’t stay yours for long, so hungry investors began to jump in on the potential growth of this new beverage based in Atlanta.

Soon came the bottling of these new drinks. Without getting too deep in the nitty gritty details, Coca-Cola began to partner with bottling companies, which have since grown to different facilities all throughout the world. This process included taking the syrup mixture, combining with filtered water & sweeteners, filling cans, carbonating each mixture to then sell to retail stores, vending machines and food service distributors. Later on Coca-Cola merged with two bottling operations to form Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. During this time there were many back and forth conversations and arguments on the final name of this product. But finally “Coke” became the registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company in 1945.

Fast forward to the 2000s where there has been controversy regarding the health information, ingredients and the way this product impacts the human body. Because of the 1970s sugar spike caused by the Soviet Union’s manipulation of the market, the price of sugar rose exponentially. Since this increase, Coca-Cola switched to high fructose corn syrup, which is now known as an unhealthy sweetener used in many sodas and snacks. There has been heavy backlash on Coca-Cola for the ingredients used and the effects people are facing from consuming these products. Of course, everything in moderation, but with the surge and easy access of soft drinks, research states extremely dangerous consequences due to overconsumption of soda.

As Coke and other sodas have been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and more serious complications, Coca-Cola has introduced more products to help persuade consumers to buy a healthier alternative. Diet Coke arrived in 1982 and later on down the road, Coke Zero in 2005. Now with a zero calorie option and the use of artificial sweeteners, so-called “healthier” forms of this product are now available and this brand continues to expand.

image courtesy: https://www.wsj.com/articles/aspartame-health-risks-44fc5d03

Now of course, this quick synopsis of the history of Coca-Cola is not even close to the extent of this company. But I have just the place for you to visit if you are interested in learning more! As a born and raised Georgian who grew up near the metropolitan area, I have had my fair share of experiences at the World of Coke. Whenever someone asks “What is there to do in Atlanta?” the World of Coke is one of the first things that comes to mind. This “Coke museum” is known for their beverage tasting experience. Here, ticket holders are able to taste a variety of beverages from around the world as you learn interesting facts & details about each one.

image courtesy of: https://stonehurstplace.com/our-diary/attractions/atlanta-coca-cola-museum

As a World of Coke fan and frequent visitor, I can tell you now which ones to avoid or try if you’re intrigued. What I can say is that Beverly is one of my least favorites and I think a few others will agree with me. Gross! Your next stop needs to be the 3D theater. In this sensory experience, you will learn more about the search for the Secret Formula while wearing your stylish 3D glasses. As you make your way throughout this exhibit, make sure to snap a few photos with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear who has become one of the most popular symbols for Coke today!

After much caffeinated goodness, visit the Coca-Cola store and grab some fun merchandise to show your love for Coke! From apparel and decorative home items, this store has all you need to display Coca-Cola spirit. I know this may sound like an expensive day, but don’t fret, tickets are so reasonably priced you won’t be able to say no! Head over to world of coke.com and buy your tickets today and I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

We move now from Atlanta, Georgia north to Buford! Here at Trainz.com we regularly see an abundance of Coca-Cola products, but recently we have received one of our biggest Coke deals yet! As we begin to sort, we have seen so many cool, random and fun things. Trust me it has been hard to restrain myself, especially when the polar bear cookie jars are staring me down! Not only do we have home décor, kitchen supplies and beautiful decorative snow globes, we sure do have a ton of trains! Now it wouldn't be a Trainz.com article if we didn’t mention trains. Make sure to check back in on our blog section to see us highlight some awesome things here in the next few weeks!