Pepsi is trying to please your taste buds with something new this summer. The soda giant is sweetening three cola products with the “real thing” – sugar.
In June, Pepsi will reportedly launch its trademark Pepsi cola, plus vanilla and wild cherry flavors, all made with real sugar, instead of the much criticized high fructose corn syrup.
USA Today said Pepsi, like much of the soda industry, has experienced sales declines for the past decade. Many Americans are questioning the potential health implications associated with consuming high fructose corn syrup and/or artificial sweeteners. (We recently told you about diet soda and a possible link to cardiovascular issues.)
This move by Pepsi raises the question: Is sugar better or worse than high fructose corn syrup? There really doesn’t seem to be a big difference, Shape.com said.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that although long-term data are needed, “there’s little evidence that HFCS differs uniquely from table sugar and other nutritive sweeteners in metabolic effects (i.e., circulating glucose, insulin, postprandial triglycerides, leptin, and ghrelin), subjective effects (i.e., hunger, satiety, and energy intake at subsequent meals) and adverse effects such as risk of weight gain.”
BevNet.com says more changes could be on the way for Pepsi.
The company is later this year expected to take a significant step toward reducing the sugar and calorie content of its drinks via its partnership with flavor supplier Senomyx. Senomyx markets an ingredient called Sweetmyx, which is said to allow receptors in the tongue to perceive things as sweeter or saltier, thus enhancing the flavor profile of reduced-calorie foods and beverages.
BevNet said Pepsi has exclusive rights to use Sweetmyx in all nonalcoholic drinks.
Soda is definitely my vice. I usually drink one pop a day, and I prefer a Coke or Pepsi. I really liked the Throwback Pepsi that was made with real sugar, though I have to admit, I didn’t notice any difference in taste between sugar and high fructose corn syrup. I’m anxious to give the new Pepsi drinks a try this summer — cherry Pepsi is my fave!
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