To ask if there is a decent substitute for Coca Cola?

[ShabbyAbby]

Me and Coca Cola (the full sugar kind, with red and white packaging some call "full fat") have had a love affair for 2 decades now. But the price is leaving me feeling a bit bitter now, and I'm wondering if I'm just falling for the brand I know because, well, I know it? Is there a valid alternative though? Tia x

Pepsi Max

No in a word. Some of the herbal ones - even Tescos at 45p a litre - are drinkable but they're not Coca Cola. Don't even get me started on the dish water that is Pepsi let alone non-branded cola.

There just isn’t. Nothing compares.

Cold turkey and give it up

Then just have one for a treat, ice cold from a can. No better taste on a hangover. Like the purest nectar of the gods.

Aldi coke

Nothing. I had a root canal in February and I've given it up completely. I was drinking far too much of it. I'm afraid to have a sip as I'll be addicted all over again. I'm sleeping better now!

Pepsi Max is delicious but the phosphoric acid is still very harmful for your teeth. However it doesn't taste like full sugar Cola- if it was the calories you were worried about you'd be better with Zero Sugar Coke (not Diet Coke as that tastes very different). However Shirley's suggestion is probably best- that or just reducing how much you drink.

Agree with KenAdamsRealWife Aldi is about the closest ( it needs to be icy cold though)

Watch some of the rodeos they sponser and you won't let it pass your lips again.

Pepsi max is lovely, less sugar than coke zero.
My Dsis had a serious coca cola addiction, she joined SW, she changed to coke zero she lots 4 stone and kept it off.
If you're looking for an alternative that tastes the same, you won't find one as nice as cc.

There is no substitute for Coca Cola.

I’m actually glad it has become more expensive due to the sugar tax. The price means I now drink less of it. Could the government also slap a tax on McVities dark chocolate digestives? My waistline would definitely appreciate it.

Coke Zero has come a long way now and it delicious! But it seems to be the price not the sugar that’s the issue?

I haven’t found a decent alternative. Aldi’s cola ZX is okay. We basically do 4 bottles of that then one Coke Zero to balance out the cost

No nothing compares to it. Pepsi Max is vile and I can't abide Diet Coke.

I use full fat coke to clean my toilet. Stop drinking it its so bad for you.

Coke zero or Pepsi Max. Waitrose is our favourite of the own brands.

Nope. It’s my one remaining vice and nothing compares. I need to quit though. Thinking of buying cans and allowing myself one a day, rather than getting through bottles, and taking it from there.

Barr's Cola is the closest thing I've found to proper Coca Cola (I hate all the 'diet' versions. And all the stupid new flavour ones.) Came across Barr's by accident when they were sponsors of some event and it was all they were serving.

Can you get Barr's soft drinks in England? 🤔

Water.
Sorry feeling bitter - had a bad day (Dentist)

Not a fan of that fake sweetener taste no. No point in giving it up, I have it occasionally as a treat not all the time. But an ice cold can or glass after a hectic day never ceases to satiate me. Shame it's so expensive 😬

Yes, I should worry about my teeth but I've heard Diet Coke or zero etc. is bad for your bones (osteoporosis etc.) has more caffeine in it and I just don't like the taste.
Will drink Pepsi at a push, but the sugary kind because who cares when it's got vodka in it. But it doesn't match up to Coca Cola. Not really. I would love to find something cheap and cheerful that tastes good too, but haven't yet!

I like Barr's cherryade but haven't seen the Cola in years (probably since last time I was in Scotland) will definitely keep an eye out for it though.

They sell Barr's at random corner shop type places! The one down the road from me has it in all flavours including cola. Agreed it is the best substitute!

Poundland does lots of Barrs stuff. The one near me does, anyway. And I'm in SE England, so nowhere near Scotland. DP has Scottish family & likes his Bru fix!

I don't like sweeteners at all but don't mind Coke Zero. It's the only drink with sweetners in that I even vaguely like.

I don't like diet coke, Pepsi max, or full fat coke or pepsi for that matter.

But whatever, you choose, it's sometimes cheaper in Home Bargains, Costco, JTF, Farm Foods or on offer in supermarkets so you just have to shop around. Have a look on Hotukdeals for offers and stock up when you see a good price.

Yorkshire tea is the only real alternative soft drink!
It's got caffeine in like Coke,
Almost the same colour as Coke,
Has some good-for-you antioxidants in,
Sugar free (if you don't add it),
Less packaging & transport carbon footprint,
Allows for a range of gifting mugs & cups

I have no idea why people are suggesting Coke Zero and Pepsi Max as alternatives - they taste nothing like full fat Coke.

I would say, stick with Coke but drink less of it, if it’s a price issue.

(health wise - ditch the lot of course - but I prefer to practise what I preach!)