Coke or Pepsi?

What is better, Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola? Since the 1980’s The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo have been battling with targeted media campaigns; trying to convince the world that they are the best soft drink company. Has either company proved their point?

Coca-Cola has almost always dominated the market but is this because it tastes better or does coke have a more attractive marketing campaign?

The Pepsi Challenge

For decades Pepsi has built marketing campaigns around taking Coca Cola on in head to head battles. Pepsi’s most famous ad campaign started in the late 70’s. They titled the campaign “The Pepsi Challenge”.  The Pepsi Challenge is one of the most impressive marketing campaigns to this day.

The challenge was more than just a marketing gimmick, it’s true that when blindfolded most people choose prefer the taste of Pepsi. Pepsi has an overall sweeter taste which makes it more appealing when taking one blindfolded sip. But does this mean Pepsi tastes better when being consumed in larger amounts. The fact is that most soda drinkers consume at least 1 liter per day.

Coca-Cola Marketing

Coca-Cola has built their brand with the theme of happiness and family. Their marketing has been extremely effective and truly makes you feel like Coke will make you happy. Their fuzzy polar bear mascot has done an excellent job winning the hearts of consumers.

Coca Cola (the drink, not the entire brand) dominates the soft drink market. Over 17% of soda sold is Coke. Diet Coke comes in second place at almost 9.5%. Pepsi comes in third at almost 9%. The true question is has Coca Cola been winning the “Cola War” because of a better marketing campaign or because they have a superior product?

Taste or Marketing

Is Coca-Cola winning the Pepsi vs Coke battle because they have better marketing or because Coke simply tastes better? Studies show that when blindfolded most people choose Coke. Interestingly enough, similar studies show that when consumers aren’t blindfolded and can see both cans, they almost always say that Coke tastes better.

Is Coca Cola’s marketing that much better than Pepsi’s? Or perhaps when choosing a long term favorite drink most people go with Coke because it isn’t quite as sweet. When taking a small sip of something the brain might naturally prefer the sweeter option but you can only take so much without getting tired of it.

Coke or Pepsi?

With all the information in the world is this question even possible to answer? We’ll do our best but everyone has their own opinion. Statistics show that Coca Cola is better if we are referring to sales alone. Taste tests show that Pepsi is better (when blindfolded) and we are comparing the flavors side by side.

In our professional opinion when it’s time for a soda, sometimes it’s a Coke day and sometimes it’s a Pepsi day. Both get old when drunken too much and both are wildly satisfying when it’s been a while. What do you think? Pepsi or Coca-Cola?