Something magical happens in the soda world every spring—Coca-Cola and Pepsi temporarily return to their roots. For a limited time, both companies release a Kosher for Passover version of their colas, swapping out high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for pure cane sugar (aka sucrose). If you’ve ever spotted Coca-Cola bottles with yellow caps, that’s your golden ticket to a sweeter, more nostalgic soda experience.
Why the Special Passover Cola?
Jewish dietary laws prohibit the consumption of chametz (leavened grains) during Passover. Since corn syrup is derived from corn—a grain not considered Kosher for Passover under Ashkenazi tradition—it’s off-limits. To accommodate observant Jewish consumers, Coca-Cola and Pepsi revert to their pre-1980s formula, using real sugar instead of HFCS.
A Blast from the Past: When Soda Had Sugar
If you grew up before the 1990s, you probably remember when all sodas were made with sugar. The shift to high-fructose corn syrup started in the early ’80s when sugar prices skyrocketed, and corn (heavily subsidized in the U.S.) became a cheaper alternative. While the swap may have saved companies millions, many soda fans swear that the taste of cola changed forever.
The Real Sugar Cola Resurgence
Over the past decade, demand for sugar-based sodas has surged, leading to a revival of classic flavors. Mexican Coca-Cola (“MexiCoke”), which never switched to HFCS, has become a cult favorite, with many swearing it tastes better and has a smoother finish. In Miami, you can now find Mexican Coke and Pepsi in most supermarkets—something that used to require a trip to a specialty bodega or mom-and-pop restaurant.
Did you know there’s even a Honduran Coke with sugar cane available in some Latin markets in Miami?
Pepsi took things a step further with Pepsi Throwback, later rebranded as Pepsi Real Sugar, and even a Mountain Dew Throwback, bringing back sugar-based versions of their drinks year-round. For those of us who grew up chugging soda in the ’80s and ’90s, this feels like a time warp back to the glory days of carbonation.
Coke vs. Pepsi: My Sugar-Fueled Journey
Back in the ’80s, I was a self-proclaimed Pepsi-holic, guzzling can after can like it was my job. At some point, though, my taste buds had a revelation, and I jumped ship to Coca-Cola. With the return of sugar-based sodas, I find myself torn—do I go back to my Pepsi roots or stick with Coke? The great cola wars continue, and I’m here for the chaos.
Where to Find Kosher for Passover Coke and Pepsi
Passover Coke and Pepsi hit shelves a few weeks before Passover (which falls in March or April, depending on the year). They’re usually available at major supermarkets with a Kosher section—think Publix, Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods, and some Walmarts—especially in cities with large Jewish populations like Miami, New York, and Los Angeles.
If you’ve never tried a real sugar soda, now’s the time. Stock up while you can because once Passover ends, the yellow-capped bottles vanish, and it’s back to the corn syrup world we live in.
Are you team Coke or team Pepsi? Let me know in the comments!
