How much sugar does cola actually contain? In this experiment the children have to compare cola with water to which various amounts of sugar have been added. The experiment can be used as the basis for a discussion on health and nutrition.

Teaching the activity
Among other things, it is sugar that gives cola and fizzy drinks taste. Sugar contains a lot of energy and acts as fuel for the brain and the body. But sugar can also be harmful. If you do not get enough exercise, sugar can have a very fattening effect because it contains nothing but calories.

In this experiment the children have to alternately taste cola and sugar water of various concentrations in order to determine how much sugar cola contains. How much sugar is needed in water before it tastes as sweet as the cola?

How we perceive taste differs greatly from person to person, so there will probably not be complete agreement on which sugar water is as sweet as the cola. There are approx 25 sugar cubes or 50 grams of sugar in 0.5 litres of cola.

Other activity suggestions
This experiment is part of Professor Jumpalot’s mission, which is a roleplay for children on nutrition and health.

Other similar experiments include ‘Red Cabbage Indicator’ and ‘Sugar Stacking’.

Materials
The following materials are needed for each experiment:

• 0.5 litres cola (not diet cola!) without fizz
• 5 x 0.5 litre plastic cups numbered 1–5 and 1 unnumbered cup
• 100 sugar cubes
• A spoon for stirring
• Water

Educational goals
The experiment gives the children a specific insight into the amount of sugar in fizzy drinks. The experiment can therefore form the basis for a discussion on health and nutrition.