Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with softdrinks

Which kills the earth quicker: cans or bottles

wheat — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:59:04 -0800

I drink a lot of diet soda. I tend to buy it in one of two formats: 12-packs of aluminum cans (which come in paperboard cartons), and individual two-liter bottles. If I were to buy one format exclusively and recycle the packaging, which would be the greener choice? I recycle all my cans, bottles, and paperboard. I know that reducing consumption of these things would be better all the way around. I get that. But, assuming consumption remains the same, would there be any environmental benefit to choosing one (exclusively) over the other. I'm assuming that 20-oz bottles (which are expensive anyway, so I don't buy them at the grocery store) are the worst of all possible worlds. Other thoughts on flavored water transportation methods are welcome, of course.

Diet soda is primarily a caffeine delivery method. Perhaps shifting to coffee or tea (brewed at home or work + my own cup) would be the best bet. Or, gasp, I could learn to like water. Stats would be great, but this isn't for a paper or anything. I'm just a curious consumer, trying to be a slightly less evil consumer.

Water water everywhere but way too boring to drink (all the time)

Deathalicious — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:48:47 -0800

As summer approaches, how about some nice suggestions for alternatives for cola/sodas? I want to save money, bottles, and empty calories. Here are the rules:

Caffeine free
Lower in Calories than sodas
Something relatively easy/fast to make or procure

Healthy, natural, and cheap is best but for excellent flavor I'm willing to be a bit more flexible. But no matter what, it has to be refreshing. Also, I'm mostly looking for recipes but if there's something inexpensive that I can purchase that stands on its own that works too.

I realize that "Ice tea" is going to be a popular answer and of course I will be making some of that. But details would be great. For example, is it possible to recreate a cola-ish flavor by mixing different herbal teas together?

Why does ginger ale get no respect?

tomwheeler — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:36:25 -0800

I was drinking a tasty ginger ale today and wondering why it's so uncommon. Although you can find it in virtually any store in the USA, it's seldom available in gas stations and almost never in restaurants. Yet it's very popular on airplanes. Why is that?

Can't find Anything Whatever

Megafly — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:39:29 -0800

I am fascinated by the Singaporean soft drinks Anything and Whatever How would you suggest a USian get ahold of some?

Caffeine-free == sketchy?

cgs — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 10:44:29 -0800

How do they decaffeinate soda and coffee? And does this process make the drinks more suspicious, ala sugar-free substances and their long-term effects.

Thanks!

Several softdrinks have tasted salty to me lately.

keep it tight — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 08:10:44 -0800

I have noticed that several softdrinks have tasted salty to me lately?? Anyone experienced anything like this? Maybe my tasted buds are going through a change, but I haven't noticed any difference in food tastes...