Is Cherry Coke Bad For You?
Also Known As: Coca-Cola Cherry
Short answer
Yes, Cherry Coke is bad for you. As if a high amount of sugar wasn't bad enough, Cherry Coke offers it in the form of high fructose corn syrup. It also contains carcinogenic ingredients.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Cherry Coke, like all sodas, is quite bad for you. The ingredients read like a horror story: carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors, and caffeine. We can only assume that the "cherry" is found somewhere among the "natural" flavors. Natural flavors, by the way, are usually made in a laboratory and are natural only in the sense that their inspiration comes from something organic. One ingredient, particularly harmful for teeth, is phosphoric acid. It should be noted that as soon as phosphoric acid comes into contact with teeth, the enamel begins to slowly dissolve. This also promotes plaque formation, which further erodes the enamel, creating a vicious cycle.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant and also works as a diuretic, increasing the rate at which a person urinates. Drinking too much Cherry Coke, especially when working out, can lead to dehydration which in turn can increase the risk of stroke, seizure, and coma. Although these possibilities are rare, they are possible. Also dangerous is high fructose corn syrup, which brings about the excessive 42 grams of sugar per can. High fructose corn syrup can lead to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several other problems (click here for more information). Further, a known carcinogen found in Cherry Coke, as well as in many other dark-colored sodas, is caramel color. Not only has caramel color been linked to cancer, but it has also been shown to increase blood pressure and decrease white blood cell count (yes, these are the cells that keep you from getting sick). The worst part is this ingredient is only present in Cherry Coke for aesthetic purposes.
Forget about losing weight while drinking Cherry Coke. With its 42 grams of sugar and 150 calories per can, cherry coke increases the risk of weight gain significantly. Low in electrolytes and lacking both proteins and fats (which includes helpful fats), drinking cherry coke while working out can be dangerous - not only due to dehydration, but also because of the fact that the energy obtained is at the cost of a spike in blood sugar and thus increases risk of type 2 diabetes.
If you like the taste of Cherry Coke, that's fine - having a can every now and then probably won't cause any lasting damage. However, be aware that long-term continuous consumption may lead to some very serious health problems.
Possible short-term side effects
- frequent urination
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dehydration
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blood sugar spike
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allergic reaction to caramel color
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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type 2 diabetes
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heart disease
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cancer
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eroded tooth enamel
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metabolic syndrome
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decreased immunity
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Virgil’s Zero Sugar Soda
- Zero calorie drink
- Keto-friendly
- No sugar added
- Rich black cherry flavor
- Convenient 12-pack
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-18-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-18-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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