By Rory McNelley, Newswire Intern 

When I decided to apply to Xavier University, the first question I punched into Google’s search engine was, “Is Xavier a Coke or Pepsi school?” Much to my chagrin, the answer was Pepsi. Much to my mother’s chagrin, I was not thinking about majors or tuition costs as critical parts of my future university. 

Although Xavier is a Pepsi school, I still ended up here. But that doesn’t mean I am any less Team Coke. There is no better feeling after a long day of Hoff Diet Pepsi than cracking open a can of Diet Coke in my dorm room. 

The two drink competitors are a lot more different than people seem to recognize. Pepsi is generally considered sweeter than Coke. Pepsi contains citric acid, while Coke does not. Pepsi has slightly more caffeine than Coke. Coke has a slightly higher sodium content. Pepsi is believed to have more carbonation.

Looking at statistics, Coke is more beloved, even though Pepsi is making more money through deals with colleges, like Xavier. 46% of people prefer Coke, 39%  prefer Pepsi and 15% couldn’t care less. Coca-Cola is the international leader in beverages, while PepsiCo has a stronger brand presence in the snack and food industry.

In my eyes, Diet Coke is nectar from the gods. The smooth, crisp taste is unlike any other I have experienced. Statistics and facts aside, Diet Coke is the best liquid this world has ever seen. There is nothing I look forward to more than approaching the McDonald’s drive-through with one dollar and 73 cents in hand to purchase a large Diet Coke. A human could not experience anything more crisp, delectable and sharply flavored than this. The carbonation is walking the line between too much and too little, somehow settling into the perfect equilibrium. 

Don’t get me wrong, Pepsi is fine, but why purchase it when there is a much better option just one shelf over in the grocery store? Some say Pepsi’s more aggressive sweetness is preferred and that Coke is flatter due to containing less sugar. It could be personal preference, but I think it’s denial. Coke’s sugar-to-carbonation ratio is unmatched across any soda brand and may just be the elixir of happiness as we know it. 

If you are like me, dreading the Pepsi in Hoff, there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you happen to have access to the Veteran’s lounge, you can venture to the fifth floor of the CLC and crack open the fridge. After a long walk and too many flights of stairs, you will find a stock of Coca-Cola products in crisp, cold cans.