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What makes the bubbles in Coke?

iStockphoto / Gettyimages, Londen

Carbon dioxide is a gas that you exhale, but it is also found in exhaust gases and is one of the greenhouse gases. This gas is part of the air all around us, and green plants use it to make oxygen, among other things.

Fizz
Coke, fizzy orange, sparkling spring water... these are all soft drinks that contain carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is another name for carbon dioxide. In well-sealed bottles, the carbonic acid remains in liquid form. But when you unscrew the cap, you will hear a ‘pfffff’ sound. And when you pour the water into your glass, you see bubbles racing upwards.

Taste
These bubbles make your tongue tingle, so your Coke tastes extra fresh. But this is also due to the carbonic acid, which is (you guessed it) a bit acidic, ensuring an even fresher taste. Most people don’t like the taste of Coke that has lost its fizz.