When it comes to Coca-Cola, one of the most frequently asked questions is: what is the standard can size? More specifically, is a typical can of Coke 330ml? The short answer is: yes, a standard can of Coca-Cola is 330ml or 11.15 ounces.
Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, known for its iconic red and white packaging. The famous contoured Coca-Cola bottle shape was first introduced in 1915 and remains a pop culture icon today. However, canned Coke also has a long history dating back to 1955.
History of Canned Coke
The first canned Coca-Cola hit the market in 1955. At the time, cans were still a relatively new packaging format that had only been introduced after World War II. Coca-Cola’s entry into this format helped drive further popularization of canned drinks.
Those first cans of Coke were quite different from modern cans. They were steel cans rather than aluminum and used flat tops that had to be opened with a special church key bottle opener. The cans were 11 ounces or 325ml. Over time, can technology advanced allowing for flip-top tab opening and transition to lighter aluminum cans.
By 1960, Coke’s standard can size had increased to 12 ounces or 355ml. This became the dominant can size for decades. However, in 1982 Coke shifted the standard can size down to 12 ounces or 330ml where it remains today.
Reasons for 330ml Standard
There were several factors that led Coca-Cola to settle on 330ml as the standard can size:
- Metricization – In the 1970s, there was a big push towards adopting the metric system in the United States. Coke wanted to standardize can sizes globally using metric units. 330ml fit better into this metric model.
- Fuel efficiency – In the late 1970s and early 80s, gas prices soared in the US. Smaller 330ml cans allowed more efficient packing on trucks leading to fuel savings.
- Consumer demand – Consumer preference was shifting towards smaller portion sizes. The 330ml provided a moderate amount for consumption versus larger cans.
The 330ml or 11.15 ounce can size fit well with Coca-Cola’s goals for standarizing global packaging and matching consumer preferences. As a result, it has stuck as the standard for over 40 years now.
Coke Can Sizes
While 330ml is the primary can size, Coke is also sold in a range of other can formats including:
| Can Size | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard can | 330ml (11.15oz) |
| Sleek can | 250ml (8.45oz) |
| Midi can | 200ml (6.76oz) |
| Maxi can | 500ml (16.90oz) |
The sleek can, midi can, and maxi can offer portion size options smaller and larger than the standard 330ml can. They allow consumers to choose a size that fits their thirst needs. The 330ml can hits the sweet spot between the smaller and larger offerings.
Global Can Sizes
While 330ml is the standard can size in most parts of the world, there are some regional differences. In certain countries, Coke is sold in 300ml or 350ml cans rather than 330ml. However, the 330ml size remains the most widely available.
Nutrition Info for 330ml Can
Understanding the nutritional content in a 330ml can of Coke can help consumers make informed decisions about consumption.
Here are the key nutrition facts for a 330ml can of Coca-Cola:
- Calories – 140 calories
- Total fat – 0g
- Sodium – 35mg (1%)
- Total carbs – 39g (13%)
- Sugars – 39g
As you can see, a 330ml can of Coke delivers 140 calories and contains 39g of added sugars. This represents 13% of the daily value for carbs and the full 39g daily value for added sugars in one can.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 24g or 6 teaspoons for women and 36g or 9 teaspoons for men daily. A single can of Coke meets or exceeds these daily recommendations.
While Coke offers refreshing taste, the high sugar content should be considered for regular drinkers monitoring their calorie and sugar intake.
Packaging Claims on 330ml Cans
Coca-Cola’s 330ml cans feature prominent labeling claiming the cans are made with 100% recycled plastic. This refers to the plastic sleeve on steel cans or the plastic lining on aluminum cans.
Using recycled plastic allows Coke to produce cans more sustainably. However, independent analysis has shown the recycled plastic claim may be misleading. Most of the can is still steel or aluminum and only a small percentage is plastic lining.
Coke has pledged to continue increasing recycled content in its packaging. But consumers should be aware the 100% recycled plastic claim refers only to a portion of the overall can.
Pricing for 330ml Cans
The price of a 330ml can of Coke can vary significantly across different stores and locations. However, in general a single 330ml can of Coca-Cola typically costs between $1.00 – $2.00 in the United States.
Some of the factors impacting Coke can pricing include:
- Store type – Convenience stores and vending machines typically charge higher prices than grocery stores and discount retailers
- Sale prices – Temporary promotions and sales can reduce prices by $0.50 or more
- Region – Prices are generally higher on the coasts versus the Midwest
- Venue – Sporting events, concerts, etc often carry premium pricing
While Coke offers some discretionary household spending flexibility, the 330ml can is an affordable treat for most American budgets. Prices elevate beyond $2.00 per can at certain venues and locations.
Bulk Case Pricing
Purchasing cans of Coke in bulk quantities can significantly reduce per-can costs. Bulk cases usually package cans in quantities of 12, 24, or 36.
Bulk case prices offer the following savings:
| Case Quantity | Case Price | Per Can Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Cans | $5.99 | $0.50 |
| 24 Cans | $9.99 | $0.42 |
| 36 Cans | $12.99 | $0.36 |
Purchasing cans by the case allows households and businesses supplying drinks to save 17% to 50% compared to individual can rates. Case discounts are a smart way to cut costs on bulk Coke can supply.
Alternatives to Canned Coke
While the 330ml can is the standard, Coke is available through other packaging formats including:
- Plastic bottles – Offered in a variety sizes from 200ml up to 2 liters
- Glass bottles – The iconic contoured glass bottle shape, available in 330ml and 500ml sizes
- Fountain/Freestyle – Self-serve fountain drinks or touchscreen Freestyle dispensers
Each packaging option provides portion flexibility to suit different consumer needs. Plastic bottles and glass bottles can offer portion control with resealable caps. Fountain drinks allow custom mixing and portioning.
However, the 330ml can remains the simplest, most portable, and most recognized Coke packaging. The pop-top opening and sip-friendly can shape make it an enduring grab-and-go option.
Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar
Consumers looking to reduce sugar or calories can alternatively choose Diet Coke or Coke Zero Sugar, which both offer no sugar and minimal calories:
- Diet Coke – 0 calories, 0g sugar (330ml can)
- Coke Zero Sugar – 0 calories, 0g sugar (330ml can)
Both maintain Coke’s signature taste profile while eliminating added sugars. However, they substitute in artificial sweeteners like aspartame to provide sweetness without calories or sugar.
Conclusion
In summary, the standard 330ml can size has been a staple of Coca-Cola’s packaging lineup for over 40 years. Its moderate portion size, refreshing taste, and grab-and-go portability make it a go-to option for millions of Coke drinkers every day.
Understanding the 330ml can’s nutritional content and pricing is helpful for consumers making informed purchase choices. While Coke offers a delicious treat, the sugar content per can should be taken into account. Overall the 330ml can provides an affordable, refreshing way to enjoy an iconic beverage.
