Coca-Cola Original Taste (Yellow Cap, Kosher for Passover)

Water with dissolved CO2. Carbonation itself is not a health concern, but as the delivery vehicle for the rest of the formula it doesn't offset any of the harms below.

Cane sugar replaces high-fructose corn syrup in the Kosher-for-Passover formulation, but the dose is unchanged: 39 g of added sugar per 12 oz — well above the WHO daily limit of 25 g in a single serving. Sucrose is metabolically marginally less liver-damaging than HFCS but still drives type 2 diabetes, NAFLD, obesity, and dental caries (Malik et al. 2010 meta-analysis). Removing HFCS is a marginal improvement, not a health upgrade.

Ammonia-sulfite process caramel coloring containing 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), classified by California Proposition 65 as a known carcinogen and listed by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). Identical to the regular Coke formulation.

Industrial acidulant that gives cola its signature tang. Independently associated with reduced bone mineral density and higher osteoporosis risk in long-term observational studies (Tucker et al. 2006); also one of the most enamel-erosive compounds in any common beverage (pH ≈ 2.5).

The proprietary 'Merchandise 7X' Coca-Cola flavor blend. Hidden under the FDA 'natural flavor' loophole, the exact formulation is a trade secret; can include synthetic aroma compounds, propylene glycol carriers, and phthalate plasticizers with zero consumer disclosure.

Added stimulant (~34 mg per 12 oz). Not inherently harmful in moderation, but in a sugar-sweetened soda it reinforces a habit-forming consumption loop and can cause dependence, sleep disruption, and elevated blood pressure when combined with the metabolic load of added sugar.