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Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink created in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1886 by pharmacist John S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink invented in 1886 by John S. Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company and is one of the world's most recognized beverage brands. In Canada, Coca-Cola is widely sold and familiar to consumers.

History

Coca-Cola was created in 1886 as a syrup by John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia. The first glass was served at Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta. The brand name and distinctive script logo were suggested by Frank M. Robinson, who also wrote the logo.

Ingredients and formula

The Coca-Cola Company does not publicly release the full formula. Public product information lists carbonated water and other ingredients, but the exact recipe remains a closely guarded trade secret.

Brand and company

Coca-Cola is the flagship product of The Coca-Cola Company, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The brand expanded from a local soda fountain drink into a global soft drink line.

Variants

Coca-Cola is sold in several versions, including Diet Coke. These products differ mainly in sweeteners and nutritional profile.

Key facts

  • Coca-Cola was invented by Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886.
  • The first Coca-Cola was served at Jacobs' Pharmacy in downtown Atlanta.
  • Frank M. Robinson suggested the name and wrote the script logo.
  • The exact recipe is a trade secret and not publicly disclosed.
  • The Coca-Cola Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Canadian context

Coca-Cola is widely sold in Canada and is a familiar consumer brand for Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

Who invented Coca-Cola?
Coca-Cola was invented by Dr. John S. Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, in 1886.
What is in Coca-Cola?
The full formula is a trade secret. The company identifies Coca-Cola as a carbonated soft drink made from carbonated water and other ingredients, but it does not publicly disclose the complete recipe.
How much caffeine is in Coca-Cola?
Caffeine content varies by market and serving size. The exact amount is not given in the provided sources, so a verified value is not available here.
Is Coca-Cola vegan?
The provided sources do not confirm whether Coca-Cola is vegan. A verified answer depends on the exact product and market formulation.
What is the difference between Coke and Diet Coke?
Coke is the original Coca-Cola, while Diet Coke is a separate variant made with no sugar and different sweeteners. They also differ in taste and nutrition.
Where is Coca-Cola headquarters?
The Coca-Cola Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

References

  1. The Coca-Cola Company — https://www.coca-colacompany.com/about-us/history
    Supports: Coca-Cola began in Atlanta in 1886 and was first served at Jacobs' Pharmacy.
  2. New Georgia Encyclopedia — https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/business-economy/john-stith-pemberton-1831-1888/
    Supports: John Stith Pemberton was the inventor of Coca-Cola.
  3. The Coca-Cola Company — https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/about-us/faq/how-was-coca-cola-invented
    Supports: John S. Pemberton created the syrup in May 1886 and Frank Robinson suggested the name.
  4. The Coca-Cola Company — https://www.coca-colacompany.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/about-us/history/coca-cola-a-short-history-125-years-booklet.pdf
    Supports: The company’s history and move to its current Atlanta location.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca-Cola_formula
    Supports: The Coca-Cola formula is a closely guarded trade secret, not publicly disclosed.
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Coca-Cola_Company
    Supports: The Coca-Cola Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.