This article provides a comparison of Sprite versus Coca-Cola (Coke) to help you determine what sets these sodas apart. Despite their difference in things like appearance and caffeine content, these sodas actual have a lot in common. Let’s get into the details of Sprite versus Coke!
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 first 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. You can read our article on Sprite’s caffeine content if you want more details on the topic.
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 beverages contain 140 calories and are absence of fat or protein. Notably, Sprite surpasses Coke by a mere 20 milligrams in sodium content, but has one fewer grams of sugar and carbs.
Nevertheless, when considering overall nutritional value, it is unlikely that most individuals would make their soda choice solely based on these slight variations in nutrition.
| 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 |
Appearance
Sprite is a clear soda. It is carbonated so its bubbles differentiate it from water.
Coke is made with caramel color which gives it a brown color. Like Sprite, Coke is carbonated give it its classic fizz.
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. This is because both are made by The Coca-Cola Company who tends to offer similar prices across the same soda products. 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 | $2.68 | $2.68 |
| Target | $2.79 | $2.79 |
| Kroger | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| H-E-B | $2.77 | not available |
| Safeway | $3.68 | $3.68 |
| Meijer | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| Albertsons | $3.39 | $3.39 |
| Giant | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Wegmans | $2.69 | $2.69 |
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 | $7.26 | $7.26 |
| Target | $7.49 | $7.49 |
| Kroger | $8.99 | $8.99 |
| H-E-B | $7.55 | $7.55 |
| Safeway | $11.43 | $11.43 |
| Meijer | $7.79 | $7.79 |
| Albertsons | $8.99 | $8.99 |
| Giant | $9.29 | $9.29 |
| Wegmans | $7.99 | $7.99 |
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!