Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola's Secret Recipe

The closely guarded formula for Coca-Cola, known as the "7X" formula, has remained unchanged since it was developed in 1886.

Secrecy Surrounding the Recipe

For almost 125 years, Coca-Cola has kept the recipe a secret, entrusting it only to two executives who cannot travel together to ensure the secret remains safe.

Ira Glass's Discovery

Ira Glass, a radio broadcaster, claims to have discovered a copy of the Coca-Cola recipe in a back issue of Pemberton's local paper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

John Pemberton and Asa Griggs

John Pemberton, an Atlanta chemist, created the Coca-Cola formula in 1886 and sold it to businessman Asa Griggs, who placed it for safekeeping in the Georgia Trust Bank.

Rediscovered Recipe

Glass found a recipe in an old leather-bound notebook that belonged to Pemberton's friend, RR Evans, which included coca leaves extract, caffeine, sugar, lime juice, vanilla, caramel, alcohol, and six oils.

Changes in the Recipe

Over time, Coca-Cola has made changes to its recipe, removing cocaine in 1904 and replacing sugar with corn sweetener in 1980.

Coke's Commitment to Secrecy

Despite changes in the recipe, Coca-Cola has remained committed to keeping its secret formula, generating speculation and intrigue for over a century.