Why cherry coke red?

Cherry Coke's red color comes from a combination of caramel color and Red 40 food dye. Caramel color is a natural food coloring derived from heated sugars, while Red 40 is a synthetic food dye. The specific shade of red used in Cherry Coke is created by carefully blending these two ingredients.

Caramel color is responsible for the majority of the red color in Cherry Coke. It is a dark brown liquid with a slightly sweet flavor. Caramel color is made by heating sugar in the presence of an acid or base until it caramelizes. The resulting product is a complex mixture of compounds that give caramel color its characteristic color and flavor.

Red 40 is a synthetic food dye that is used to enhance the red color of Cherry Coke. It is a water-soluble dye that is made from coal tar. Red 40 is safe to consume, and it is used in a variety of food products, including candy, ice cream, and soft drinks.

The combination of caramel color and Red 40 gives Cherry Coke its signature red color. This color is consistent with the flavor of the drink, which is a sweet and tart blend of cherry and cola flavors.