Sprite vs Coke
Ownership
Both Sprite and Coke are owned by The Coca-Cola Company.
Coke was created by a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia named Dr. John S. Pemberton and was first introduced in 1886. Businessman, Asa Candler, purchased the Coke recipe from Pemberton in 1888 and a few years later started The Coca-Cola Company. Coke is currently the best-selling soda in the world and has been so for many decades.
Sprite is a much younger brand of soda compared to Coke. It wasn’t until 1959 that Sprite was first produced in West Germany as Clear Lemon Fanta. When the beverage was launched in the United States in 1961 it was manufactured under the name Sprite.
Ingredients
Sprite – Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate (To Protect Taste).
Coca-Cola (Coke) – Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine.
Most people are aware that Sprite is a lemon-lime soda and Coke is a cola. Naturally, they have different ingredients based on the type of sodas they are. While the ingredients for both products are listed above, they are not specific with the complete formulas used by The Coca-Cola Company.
For example, one theory is that Coke’s flavoring comes from coca leaf extract (stripped of cocaine), citric acid, caffeine, sugar, water, lime juice, vanilla, caramel, alcohol, orange oil, lemon oil, nutmeg oil, coriander, neroli and cinnamon [source]. Of course, Sprite is citrus based and is at least partly flavored by the citric acid ingredient. Like Coke, its true formula is an unknown.
Caffeine
Sprite is a caffeine-free beverage. However, if you look at the ingredients of Coke listed above, you will notice caffeine as an ingredient. The caffeine in Coke is low in comparison to coffee and many energy drinks. It has 34 milligrams in a 12 fluid ounce serving. As a reference, a brewed coffee has approximately 144 milligrams of caffeine and a Red Bull has 114 milligrams of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces.
Caffeine in Coke
| Serving Size | Caffeine | Caffeine/Fluid Ounce |
| 7.5 fl oz | 21mg | 2.8mg |
| 12 fl oz | 34mg | 2.83mg |
| 16.9 fl oz | 48mg | 2.84mg |
| 20 fl oz | 57mg | 2.85mg |
Nutrition Facts
Let’s take a look at the nutrition facts of Sprite vs Coke. Specifically, is one “healthier” than the other in regard to the nutrition data such as calories and sugar.
Both have 140 calories, and no fat or protein. Sprite has 20 milligrams more sodium, but one gram less sugar and carbs. Overall, most people won’t opt for one soda over the other simple for better nutrition. The caffeine content (or lack thereof) is likely a bigger factor than the difference in nutrition between Sprite vs Coke.
| Sprite | Coke | |
| Serving Size | 12 fl oz (1 can) | 12 fl oz (1 can) |
| Calories | 140 | 140 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 65mg | 45mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g | 39g |
| Total Sugars | 38g | 39g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
Price
While prices of Sprite and Coke vary from store to store, they are commonly the same price when each is bought at the same store. The table below provides an idea of the prices some people may pay for Sprite or Coke at popular grocery stores. Prices may vary based on where you purchase your soda.
SEE ALSO>>>Sprite vs 7Up
2 Liter Prices – Sprite vs Coke
| Sprite (2 Liters) | Coke (2 Liters) | |
| Walmart | $1.74 | $1.74 |
| Target | $1.89 | $1.89 |
| Kroger | $1.99 | $1.99 |
| H-E-B | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| Safeway | $2.67 | $2.67 |
| Meijer | $1.67 | $1.69 |
| Albertsons | $1.67 | $2.29 |
| Big Lots | $1.90 | not available |
| Giant | not available | $2.29 |
| Wegmans | $1.99 | $1.99 |
12 Pack/12 fl oz Cans Prices – Sprite vs Coke
| Sprite (12 Pack/12 fl oz Cans) | Coke (12 Pack/12 fl oz Cans) | |
| Walmart | not available | $4.98 |
| Target | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Kroger | $5.49 | $5.49 |
| H-E-B | $5.43 | $5.43 |
| Safeway | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Meijer | $5.49 | $5.49 |
| Albertsons | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Big Lots | $5.15 | $5.15 |
| Giant | $7.29 | $7.29 |
| Wegmans | $5.59 | $5.59 |
Poll: Sprite vs Coke – Pick A Favorite
Okay, Sprite and Coke are totally different sodas. However, if you had to pick a favorite, which one would you choose? Vote for the one you like best in the poll below!
