Coke in the firing line as caffeine flunks the taste test
`Coca-Cola has come under fire again for fuelling the childhood obesity crisis after Melbourne research found that adding caffeine — an addictive stimulant — does not enhance flavour.
Soft drink companies say caffeine adds flavour to cola, but a scientific taste test conducted by Deakin University found consumers could not tell the difference between caffeine-free Coke and a version with caffeine.
Head researcher Russell Keast said it was “unethical” for companies to use caffeine if it did not enhance flavour and could lead to young people becoming addicted to sugary drinks.’
