The shocking difference in colour between American and European Fanta
This striking appearances of the same product is due to differences in the manufacturing process.
Fanta is one of the most popular soft drinks in the world, known for its wide range of flavours - though its most iconic is, undoubtedly, orange. This refreshing and carbonated beverage was introduced in the 20th century, and since then, its standout flavours in Europe have been orange and lemon. In the U.S., however, strawberry and pineapple varities are more common.
One key difference between the U.S. and Spanish versions of Fanta is the ingredients. Fanta sold in Spain contains 8% orange juice, while the American version, perhaps rather shockingly, contains no juice at all.
“The Spanish version tastes more natural”
On social media, several users have noticed this anomaly, which also occurs with Fanta sold in South America. The influencer MEGrisolano, who has almost one hundred thousand followers on YouTube, is an American who has lived in Spain for more than six years and is dedicated to comparing the cultural differences between Spain and the United States.
Apart from the most striking difference, which is colour, the unbelievable video highlights the difference in flavour between the two: while Spanish Fanta has a flavour that reminds us of natural orange juice, American Fanta has a clearly artificial and sugary flavour to it.
The difference in flavours is also a reflection of the habits of each country. Americans prefer sugary drinks and prioritise them over natural ingredients. However, the Spanish market is somewhat more demanding regarding the ingredients and flavours of its drinks.