Is Coke More Acidic Than Sprite? A pH Comparison

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Scientific studies and independent tests have consistently shown that Coca-Cola has a lower pH than Sprite. To determine if Coke is more acidic than Sprite, one must look at the pH scale, where a lower number indicates higher acidity. The presence of different types of acids, like phosphoric and citric acid, also plays a crucial role in each beverage's overall acidity.

Quick Summary

This article delves into the chemical composition of Coca-Cola and Sprite to explain their relative acidity, using pH data and information on specific acid types. It also covers the implications of their acidity on oral health.

Key Points

Coke is more acidic: Independent tests and lab experiments consistently show that Coca-Cola has a lower pH (more acidic) than Sprite.
Acids are different: Coke's high acidity comes primarily from phosphoric acid, while Sprite's is from citric acid.
pH comparison: Coke's pH is typically around 2.5, whereas Sprite's is around 3.3. Each full point on the pH scale represents a tenfold difference.
Both are erosive: Despite the difference, both sodas are acidic enough to cause dental enamel erosion, as any pH below 5.5 is considered harmful to teeth.
Health effects vary: The stronger phosphoric acid in Coke is sometimes linked to bone health concerns, while both can cause dental and digestive issues.
Damage depends on habits: The duration of contact with teeth and the frequency of consumption are significant factors determining the level of damage from these acidic drinks.

What Determines a Drink's Acidity?

Acidity is measured using the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while anything below 7 is considered acidic. Each whole number step on the scale represents a tenfold change in acidity. For example, a drink with a pH of 3 is ten times more acidic than one with a pH of 4. The acidity in sodas comes from a combination of ingredients, most notably added acids for flavor and preservation, and carbonic acid, which is created when carbon dioxide is dissolved into water for carbonation.

The Role of Specific Acids

While carbonation contributes to the acidity in both Coke and Sprite, the primary difference in their pH levels is due to the specific acids added during manufacturing. The types and concentrations of these acids vary significantly between the two drinks, fundamentally altering their final pH.

The pH Showdown: Coke vs. Sprite

Independent tests and studies provide clear evidence regarding the relative acidity of these two popular soft drinks. The data consistently shows a significant difference in their pH levels, confirming that Coca-Cola is, in fact, more acidic than Sprite.

Coca-Cola's High Acidity

Key Ingredient: The main contributor to Coca-Cola's distinctively low pH is phosphoric acid ($H_3PO_4$). This ingredient is added to create the characteristic tangy flavor and acts as a preservative. Phosphoric acid is a stronger acid than citric acid and is the main reason for Coke's high acidity.
pH Level: Published data from various sources places the pH of Coca-Cola in the extremely erosive range, often between 2.3 and 2.7. This low pH makes it one of the most acidic beverages commonly consumed.

Sprite's Lower Acidity

Key Ingredient: Unlike cola drinks, Sprite does not contain phosphoric acid. Its acidity is primarily derived from citric acid. Citric acid is found naturally in lemons and limes, which contribute to Sprite's signature flavor, and is a weaker acid than phosphoric acid.
pH Level: Studies show that Sprite's pH is typically in the 3.0 to 3.5 range, making it less acidic than Coke but still highly erosive to tooth enamel. The pH level for Sprite is significantly higher than Coke, meaning it is less acidic.

Acidity Comparison Table: Coke vs. Sprite


Feature	Coca-Cola	Sprite	Notes
Primary Acid	Phosphoric Acid	Citric Acid	Phosphoric acid is a stronger acid.
Typical pH Range	2.3 - 2.7	3.0 - 3.5	A lower pH indicates higher acidity.
Acidity Level	Extremely Acidic	Highly Acidic (less than Coke)	Each whole number on the pH scale is a tenfold difference in acidity.
Impact on Enamel	High erosive potential	High erosive potential (less than Coke)	Any beverage with a pH below 5.5 can erode enamel.
Flavor Profile	Tangy/Sharp due to phosphoric acid	Tart/Fruity due to citric acid	Different acids contribute to distinct tastes.

The Health Implications of Soda Acidity

The high acidity of carbonated soft drinks, including both Coke and Sprite, poses a risk to dental health. The pH of both drinks falls far below the critical level of 5.5, the point at which tooth enamel begins to demineralize.

Dental Erosion: The primary concern with acidic beverages is dental erosion. Over time, frequent consumption of sodas can wear away the protective enamel layer on teeth, leading to increased sensitivity, decay, and discoloration. The type of acid also plays a role; phosphoric acid in Coke can target enamel and dentin differently than citric acid.
Bone Health: Some research suggests a link between high consumption of phosphoric acid-containing cola and reduced bone density, particularly in women. The body may leach calcium from bones to neutralize the phosphoric acid.
Digestive Issues: For individuals with sensitive stomachs or conditions like acid reflux, the carbonic acid in fizzy drinks can aggravate symptoms and cause discomfort.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Acidic Drinks

While it is best to limit consumption of acidic beverages, several strategies can help reduce the potential damage if you choose to drink them:

Use a straw: This minimizes direct contact between the acidic liquid and your teeth.
Drink quickly: Avoid sipping over a long period. The duration of acid exposure is a key factor in dental erosion.
Rinse with water: After finishing your drink, rinse your mouth with plain water to help wash away the acid and return your oral pH to a neutral state.
Avoid brushing immediately: The acid temporarily softens tooth enamel. Brushing immediately afterward can cause further erosion. Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing can help strengthen enamel and prevent decay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, Coke is more acidic than Sprite, which has been verified by numerous independent studies. The key difference lies in their chemical composition: Coke contains the stronger phosphoric acid, resulting in a lower pH (typically 2.3-2.7), while Sprite uses the milder citric acid, leading to a higher pH (typically 3.0-3.5). While Sprite is less acidic than Coke, both drinks are highly erosive and can damage dental enamel over time due to their low pH levels. Therefore, understanding the acidity of your beverages is crucial for protecting your oral health and overall well-being. For a deeper dive into the science of dental erosion, you can explore research from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coke is technically worse for your teeth because its phosphoric acid content makes it more acidic than Sprite, leading to a higher potential for dental enamel erosion. However, both are very acidic and can cause significant damage over time if consumed regularly.

According to various studies, the pH level of Coca-Cola is typically around 2.5, while Sprite's pH level is around 3.3. The specific pH can vary slightly depending on the source and testing method.

Sprite contains citric acid, which gives it its tart, lemon-lime flavor. Unlike Coke, it does not contain phosphoric acid.

Yes, many diet sodas are also highly acidic, despite being sugar-free. They often contain the same acidic additives as their regular counterparts, making them similarly harmful to tooth enamel.

To minimize damage, you can use a straw, drink quickly instead of sipping, and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing is also recommended, as enamel is temporarily softened by acid.

Not necessarily. While Sprite is less acidic than Coke, both are highly acidic and contain large amounts of sugar (unless diet), which poses numerous health risks. Healthier alternatives include water or sparkling water.

Yes, carbonation contributes to a soda's acidity. The carbon dioxide gas dissolved in water creates carbonic acid, which lowers the pH and makes the drink fizzy.