Have you ever noticed a slight difference in the flavor of soda when drinking it from different types of containers, such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, or glass bottles? The taste variance is not due to changes in the soda recipe itself, but rather the material of the packaging. There is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon.
Plastic bottles are more permeable to carbon dioxide (CO2) than glass and aluminum, causing the fizz or carbonation to escape more rapidly. Even if a plastic bottle of soda remains unopened, you may have noticed that its taste becomes less appealing over time. Additionally, plastic bottles often have an acetaldehyde lining, which can impart a subtle “plastic-y” taste to the drink. However, major fast-food chains like McDonald’s typically serve soda from a different type of container, ensuring that you won’t experience the plastic taste. If you’ve ever wondered why soda tastes better at McDonald’s, there’s a reason behind it.
Glass bottles provide a better barrier to CO2, resulting in the soda staying fresher for longer. When you open a glass bottle of soda, it will retain its carbonation and taste delicious. However, glass bottles can be more expensive and typically hold less soda than plastic bottles or cans. An alternative option is pouring soda from an aluminum can into a glass, as cans are also less permeable to CO2 than plastic.
It’s interesting to discover the scientific reasons behind why soda tastes better in a glass bottle and why different packaging materials can affect the flavor. If you’re curious to learn more about soda secrets, there’s additional information Coca-Cola may not be sharing with you.