Nourish the Thought

Our Five Cents - Soda or Coffee?

More than half of you agree with me; soda in the morning, not coffee.  But why are so many of us choosing this cold, caffeinated morning beverage?

Could it be rebellion?

If you grew up in a house similar to mine, Mom had the final say, and it was never, "Make sure and drink your soda in the morning."

Now I can have soda whenever I want.

Young adult phenomenon?

Harry Balzer, an NPD executive vice president who has studied American eating habits for more than 25 years, said the growth of soda for breakfast is probably related to the fact the heaviest consumers of soda are the 18 to 25 year old group.

In all actuality, it shouldn't be too surprising that soda as a breakfast choice is rising.  According to a study commissioned by a milk group, nearly half of the U.S. population 4 years and older, consumes soft drinks on any given day.

And yet, despite this growth in popularity of soda for breakfast, both Coke and Pepsi have formed alliances with coffeehouses.  Pepsi distributes Starbucks products and Coke has partnered with Caribou Coffee, the nation's second largest coffeehouse chain.

So it seems no matter your beverage of choice in the morning or your reasoning for drinking it, the debate over which is better to have will continue.

Your Five Senses - Coffee or Soda in the Morning?

As I was flipping through this magazine, the ad to the left really resonated with me.

Drinking soda has been apart of my adult life morning ritual.  Not drinking coffee.  I cannot function if I don't have my soda of choice in the morning.  And finally, an ad that speaks to that.  Because for me, there is nothing better than that cool (somtimes downright cold) refreshing caffeinated beverage down the back of the throat.  Something I'm sure coffee drinkers might not get.

Turns out I'm not alone.  Consumption of soft drinks at breakfast has nearly doubled in the past 15 years, while coffee consumption at breakfast has fallen nearly 25%.*

So what does your morning ritual consist of, coffee or soda?

*The data is specific to drinks with meals, eaten outside the home.