The Coca-Cola Company

Products And Packaging Myths & Rumors

All our soft drinks are wholesome beverages manufactured in compliance with the U.S. Federal Food Laws, the laws of all U.S. states, and the laws of nearly 200 countries throughout the world where our products are marketed.

Unfortunately, the incredible power of the Internet is sometimes used to spread false information about our products. There are several baseless rumors circulating on the Internet claiming that our products or their packaging can cause health problems. We've gathered some of those rumors here so that you can easily get the facts about these false claims.
Here are some rumors you may have seen or heard — and the facts.
Rumor: Coca-Cola contains cochineal, a bug dye
Rumor: Myths about low-calorie sweeteners
Rumor: DASANI® does not hydrate properly due to salt content
Rumor: Soft drinks cause kidney stones
Rumor: Child dies after drinking Coca-Cola light® followed by chewing menthol-flavored chewy candy
Rumor: The drink Coca-Cola® was originally green in color
Rumor: Soft drinks can be used by farmers as pesticides for their crops
Rumor: Aluminum from soft drink cans leads to Alzheimer's disease
Rumor: Rat urine on soda can kills consumer
Rumor: Cold soft drinks help create toxins that can lead to the development of various diseases
Rumor: Coke + MSG = Aphrodisiac
Rumor: Coca-Cola can be used as a household cleaner
Rumor: Soft drinks cause dehydration, leading to cancer
Rumor: Delhi University student dies chugging Coke
Rumor: Soft drinks cause kidney failure