Why Is Coca-Cola Suddenly So Expensive?

Talk about sticker shock! A visit to your local grocer may reveal surging prices of Coca-Cola.

Actually, the price of nearly every brand of popular soda has gone bonkers.

Upon entering my neighborhood Kroger, I came across an eye-catching display promoting a dozen Coca-Colas for $10.99. If only I could emphasize numbers with capital letters, oh boy, $10.99 would surely stand out!

Back then, it would only cost around a dollar for a single can, something that feels quite expensive compared to when I was younger, where you could buy a vending machine can for the same price!

Related: List of Chains That Have Closed or Are Closing in 2025

Has the Price of Soda Really Gone Up?

As a dedicated journalist, I felt it was important to support my personal observations with concrete evidence. To provide some background, I reside in Murfreesboro, Tennessee – a town that’s expanding due to its university and is not typically associated with high living expenses. Interestingly, gas prices here are lower than average across the nation. Additionally, it’s still possible to enjoy a quick meal at a fast food joint for less than $10 even if you take a sip of water.

House prices experienced a significant increase locally, however, this growth occurred later compared to price surges in Nashville (approximately 45 minutes away) and the wealthier neighborhoods surrounding us. The traffic is frustrating, but at least I’m not losing money while sitting in it.

It appears we are setting the trend with higher soda prices. Employees of Taste of Country in Austin, Texas found a 12-pack of Diet Coke priced at $8.29 in Target. In Rochester, N.Y., it costs $8.54 at Walmart, while a Kroger in west Nashville is advertising the same item for $10.99.

The country-wide data indicates an average cost of approximately $7.44, as depicted in this graph supplied by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This graph represents the cost for every 12 ounces.

(Or alternatively)

According to national data, the nationwide average price comes to about $7.44, as shown in this chart from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The chart shows the price per every 12 ounces.

A graph from the USBLS indicates that the typical cost of a dozen assorted soft drinks is approximately $6.96 in April. However, it might be misleading to include beverages like Dr. Thunder in this average, considering products such as Walmart’s Dr. Pepper clone have significantly lower production costs. Nevertheless, you can purchase 24 cans of soft drinks for less than $9 in Murfreesboro.

In harmony, major soft drink brands like Dr. Pepper and Pepsi have uniformly increased their prices to around $10.99. This trend is consistent not just in middle Tennessee but also in other similar regions. Even RC Cola has followed suit with this price hike.

Why Is Soda So Expensive?

Economists haven’t delved deeply into the reason for soda price increases since around 2022 or 2023, but an insightful analysis can be found in an article from the U.S. Daily Mail. In their report, they listened to Coca-Cola’s annual conference call and learned that higher prices have resulted in a decrease in sales within the U.S., despite overall earnings remaining strong during this 2023 discussion.

The article additionally cited a previously paid-access Bloomberg piece where CEO James Quincey announced that the regular price increases would no longer occur.

The graph above seems to indicate that while global demand and inflation might be contributing factors, they don’t appear to have caused prices to remain stable or stay the same (flatline).

Indeed, it may seem so, but let me clarify this: Have you ever wondered if a 12-can pack of beer costs approximately the same as a 12-can pack of soda like Coke or Pepsi?

As I was searching for a specific USBLS report regarding the average price of a 12-pack of beer, I couldn’t find it. However, I did come across some interesting data about the nationwide average price for 16 ounces of all malt beverages, which is approximately $1.87 at the moment. To put that into perspective, if we calculate this for a 12-pack, you’d be looking at around $16.44.

In my local area, a dozen Bud Light bottles are currently discounted to $14.99 at Kroger. However, if I’m willing to travel a little, I can purchase the same quantity of Busch beer for only $11.99 at Target.

Alternatively, I might set aside my personal preferences and head to Walgreens to buy a dozen Michelob Ultra beers. They’re sitting there, priced at $10.99 for the pack.

The Craziest Fast Food Menu Items Ever

Pizza Hut’s Hot Dog Bites Pizza

In a world where some food items might seem peculiar, there stands out the Pizza Hut’s Hot Dog Bites Pizza, an idea so offbeat that it could only become more extraordinary if it included bananas in its ingredients. You can delve into the intriguing genesis of this culinary masterpiece on the Pizza Hut website. Originating in Asia, it spread across various Pizza Huts worldwide before landing on our shores in 2015. Different international versions showcased a standard-sized hot dog enclosed within the crust; in America, the pizza was encircled by mini sausages wrapped in blankets and served with mustard dipping sauce. Indeed, this audacious creation was only available in the U.S. until 2016. To replicate it today, simply prepare a pizza and an assortment of hors d’oeuvres for a unique dining experience!

Tim Horton’s Buffalo Latte

It appears that the articles discussing a drink exclusive to Tim Horton’s in the Buffalo region (a playful hint) were not published as an April Fool’s joke. As confirmed by Bon Appetit, the beverage combines “freshly brewed espresso, steamed milk, mocha, and a distinctive Buffalo sauce flavor.” Frankly, after all the peculiar items I’ve encountered during my time at this site, I find it hard to imagine myself sipping this concoction.

Burger King’s Gooey Apple Green Slime Sauce

In the 90s, Burger King resembled Thunderdome in terms of food rules for kids. They seemed to follow no regulations, even coloring some items green such as the “Gooey Apple Green Slime Sauce” that accompanied their chicken tenders in the “Big Kids Meal.”

It’s important to note that while an adult might find the idea of eating something labeled as “slime” unappetizing, this was the 90s – a time when Nickelodeon, with its slime-drenched celebrities, and Ghostbusters, along with their character Slimer, were extremely popular. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that kids, being kids, might not always make the most sensible choices regarding food.

McDonald’s McStuffins

Typically, people visit McDonald’s for familiarity and comfort, opting for classic dishes like Big Macs, Chicken McNuggets, and fries that they have enjoyed for years. They do a good job with these staples. However, when it comes to experimentation or capitalizing on trends, McDonald’s often falls short. An example of this is the “McStuffin,” which was similar to a Hot Pocket and was introduced before its time. The McStuffins were made with freshly baked bread filled with flavors such as pepperoni pizza and chicken teriyaki, but these innovative creations didn’t resonate with customers and were removed from the menu quickly. (By the way, I should clarify that there was no connection between the McStuffin and a children’s TV show.)

KFC’s Double Down

As a devoted moviegoer who can’t resist the thrill of the unusual, I simply had to taste the Double Down – a culinary creation so daring, it was almost too good to be true. This masterpiece featured two fried chicken patties serving as the “bread,” sandwiched together with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy sauce in between. Introduced as a temporary offering in 2010, this mouthwatering monstrosity became so beloved that it refused to leave the menu for several years. KFC even reintroduced it, once more as a limited-time offer, in 2023. Perhaps there’s still hope for us chicken sandwich enthusiasts to savor the unforgettable Double Down experience one day.

McDonald’s Chicken Fajitas

In the 1990s, fajitas, consisting of strips of grilled meat served on a sizzling metal skillet, gained immense popularity at casual dining restaurants. McDonald’s, wanting to capitalize on this trend, introduced their version. However, being McDonald’s, they opted for a different take: instead of being sizzling and served on a metal skillet, they offered flimsy chicken pieces on a cold tortilla with packets of picante sauce.

Although I found McDonald’s fajitas to be one of the worst items I’ve ever eaten there, they did have some supporters. For instance, a Redditor who worked there during its final days claimed that he often enjoyed them for lunch, even getting them for free due to their lack of popularity with customers. As he put it, “I would normally have to pay half price for food, but my shift manager would let me have as many as I wanted without charging. Truly a high point in my life.

Sonic’s Pickle Juice Slush

Regardless of where they originate, frozen beverages usually fall into a few common categories: cherry, blue raspberry, and cola. However, an unusual flavor you rarely encounter is pickle. Surprisingly, this was the innovative option presented by Sonic several years ago.

The fast-food chain marketed the slush as a blend of salty dill pickle flavor with sweet slush for a tantalizingly tangy refreshment that mimics drinking straight from the jar. Hmmm… delicious? To be honest, I adore a good pickle on my sandwiches or burgers. But the idea of guzzling the juice directly from the jar? That’s quite the cucumber twist!

Despite my reservations, the Pickle Juice Slush wasn’t necessarily bad. It first appeared in 2018 and due to its popularity, Sonic reintroduced it for a brief period in 2022.

Taco Bell’s Waffle Tacos

2014 saw me, as a moviegoer, swooning over the wave Taco Bell created in the world of breakfast with their innovative Waffle Tacos. Just imagine a waffle taking the role of a tortilla shell, cradling scrumptious eggs and either crispy bacon or succulent sausage within. Syrup was even provided for that extra sweet touch! Nowadays, Taco Bell continues to tantalize my taste buds with their breakfast-themed quesadillas, burritos, and Crunchwraps. Yet, I can’t help but miss those delightful waffle tacos – a true testament to their innovative spirit. Alas!

Burger King Mac N’ Cheetos

Credit goes to the innovative mind behind Burger King or Cheetos who came up with this unusual idea: A fried snack that appears like a Cheeto but is filled with creamy macaroni and cheese. To make things even more intriguing, Burger King has also introduced Flamin’ Hot Mac n’ Cheetos. It seems we indeed inhabit a world brimming with improbable indulgences.

Taco Bell’s Naked Chicken Chips

Over the years, similar impulses that led to the creation of KFC’s Double Down have also resulted in various “Naked” menu items at Taco Bell. Instead of traditional grains, these dishes feature proteins that are breaded and fried, giving the appearance of tortilla chips dipped in queso sauce. However, upon closer examination, they are actually bite-sized triangles of fried chicken.

Taco Bell’s Naked Egg Taco

If you’re a fan of bare-boned meals, Taco Bell has introduced a “Naked Egg Taco” where the traditional taco shell is replaced by a fried egg, and fillings such as potatoes, bacon or sausage, and cheese are used instead.

In an interview back in 2017, Liz Matthews, the Chief Food Innovation Officer at Taco Bell, highlighted the significance of creative experimentation in their shell development process. Truly, to hold the title of Chief Food Innovation Officer at Taco Bell, you must possess one of the most imaginative culinary minds globally.

Burger King’s Whopperito

Discussing culinary creativity: Don’t forget about the Whopperito? It was essentially a Whopper wrapped in a tortilla, filled with all its usual ingredients, but instead of ketchup, mustard, or mayo, it was smothered in cheese sauce. Originally introduced as a trial in Pennsylvania, this unusual combination quickly gained popularity and made headlines, even catching the attention of late-night talk shows like “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” who joked about it (“It’s fantastic if you enjoy both foods, but dislike self-love.”).

McDonald’s McSalad Shakers

Over the years, they’ve provided various items similar to this, but I’ve always found it odd to get a salad from McDonald’s when you’d normally go to Panda Express for Mexican food. It’s just not their specialty! The McSalad Shaker was essentially a plastic soda cup filled with lettuce and a few toppings, and that was about it. However, you could shake the cup, so there was that. Unfortunately, the McSalad Shaker, which they called a “McPeriment,” didn’t last more than a couple of years.

While they’ve offered similar items throughout the years, I’ve always felt it strange to get a salad from McDonald’s instead of Mexican food at Panda Express. It’s not their usual offering! The McSalad Shaker was just a plastic soda cup filled with lettuce and a few toppings, but you could shake it up. Despite this, the McSalad Shaker, which they called an experiment (or “McPeriment”), only lasted for a couple of years.

Burger King’s Yumbo

Although they’re known as Burger King, this fast food titan has occasionally strayed from their traditional recipes throughout the years. For instance, did you know they sold a veal parmigiana sub in the 80s? However, none of these variations were as intriguing as one based on its name alone: The Yumbo.

So, what exactly is a Yumbo? It’s essentially a hot ham and cheese sandwich. (Yumbo!) The Yumbo was a regular menu item in the 70s at Burger King, but its unique moniker gained so much popularity that they brought it back to their menu in the 2010s. Yumbo!

Taco Bell’s Triplelupa

Chalupas were added to Taco Bell’s menu in the late ’90s, and since then, they’ve been continuously creating new types of this dish. One of their most unusual creations was the “triplelupa” – a three-piece chalupa shell with each section filled with different flavors (nacho cheese, chipotle, and cheesy chipotle). Taco Bell marketed it as “the longest shell in Taco Bell history,” but given that fast food is often chosen for its speed and convenience, an oversized shell might not have been the most appealing feature.

McDonald’s McDLT

In the years leading up to Seinfeld, Jason Alexander showcased his talent as a performer by endorsing McDonald’s innovative burger, the “McDLT.” This burger was unique because its beef and toppings were kept separate in a large styrofoam container with several compartments. Essentially, it was a regular burger that generated more waste. If you recall Alexander enthusiastically promoting “burgers with lettuce and tomato that aren’t quite ready” and singing about how “the beef stays hot! The cool stays crisp! Combine them, and you can’t resist!” then you probably haven’t forgotten the advertisement.

Little Caesars’ Big! Big! Bucket of Spaghetti

In the 1980s and ’90s, Little Caesars experienced significant growth due to their popular “Pizza! Pizza!” tagline and offer of two pizzas for the price of one compared to other chains. However, applying this philosophy to other foods can be interesting. For instance, imagine a humongous tub of spaghetti, along with breadsticks, priced at just $8.88. Such an odd yet exciting concept was introduced by Little Caesars in the 1990s.

Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer

The Sloppy Joe-like dish, the Bell Beefer, was an unusual offering in the fast food industry from Taco Bell, attempting to tap into the sandwich market and attract customers who didn’t fancy tacos or burritos. Although its concept may not seem peculiar, some die-hard Taco Bell fans have shown extraordinary enthusiasm in trying to bring back the Bell Beefer – reportedly even organizing protests, dubbed as “Stank Festivals,” in certain San Francisco Taco Bells (according to Snopes!). The protesters themselves referred to these demonstrations as “Stank Festivals.” If someone were to stage a “Stank Festival” in my restaurant, I would likely cater to their demands to avoid any disruption.

Taco Bell once offered the Bell Beefer, a dish resembling Sloppy Joe, targeting sandwich lovers who weren’t craving tacos or burritos. Although it might not seem that strange, some Taco Bell devotees have gone to great lengths (like organizing protests called “Stank Festivals”) to get the Bell Beefer back on the menu in certain San Francisco locations (as per Snopes!). If someone were to stage a “Stank Festival” in my restaurant, I’d probably give them what they want to keep peace.

McDonald’s Hula Burger

Legend has it that McDonald’s sought to cater to their Catholic clientele during Lent by introducing a meatless option. The Filet-O-Fish eventually filled this role, but before it became a permanent fixture on the menu, McDonald’s experimented with another creation – the “Hula Burger.” This intriguing concoction wasn’t a traditional burger at all; instead, it consisted of a slice of grilled pineapple topped with melted American cheese nestled within a burger bun. However, I must admit that while grilled pineapple sounds appealing, I have my doubts about its suitability as the main ingredient in a sandwich when paired with melted American cheese.

Taco Bell’s Chocodilla

Taco Bell’s culinary innovations have expanded to sweets too, with creations like the “chocodilla” – a dessert quesadilla filled with liquid chocolate instead of cheese. They’ve even offered versions inspired by popular candy bars such as Kit Kat and Butterfinger, which honestly sounds quite delicious. It would be great if Taco Bell made these treats more accessible for everyone to try!

2025-06-06 16:26