Merchandise 7X: 'This American Life' Leaks Coca Cola's Secret Recipe

The secret recipe for Coca Cola is one of the most well-guarded secrets in the world. Ever since it was concocted by medicinal chemist John Pemberton back in 1886, the recipe is said to be guarded in a secure vault 24 hours a day.

Now, though, the secret might be out.

The radio show This American Life claims to have found a 1979 newspaper containing a photo of hand-written replica of the original recipe for Coca Cola. The photo was first published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The recipe, which can only be mixed by two Coca Cola execs in the world, reportedly contains the exact measures of all the different oils needed for Coke’s secret ingredient, “Merchandise 7X“.

Merchandise 7X is rumored to be what gives Coca Cocal its unique flavor, despite the fact that it only make up 1 percent of the total formula.

Coca Cola is not impressed.

Coca Cola South Pacific’s P.R. manager, Susie Crumpton, declined to comment on the recipe, but she said the main ingredients used in the Coke are really not all that secret.

“The ingredients used in our beverages are listed on the product labels and many people have tried over time to crack the secret formula of Coca Cola,” Crumpton said.

“That secret combination of ingredients holds a special place in the history and mythology of Coca Cola – something we continue to celebrate as we mark our 125th anniversary this year.”

So here it is, Coke’s alleged “secret recipe”…

Fluid extract of Coca 3 drams USP
Citric acid 3 oz
Caffeine 1oz
Sugar 30
Water 2.5 gal
Lime juice 2 pints 1 qrt
Vanilla 1oz
Caramel 1.5oz or more to colour

7X flavor (use 2oz of flavor to 5 gals syrup):
Alcohol 8oz
Orange oil 20 drops
Lemon oil 30 drops
Nutmeg oil 10 drops
Coriander 5 drops
Neroli 10 drops
Cinnamon 10 drops

Is Coca-Cola’s Secret Out? (foxnews.com)
Coca Cola recipe ‘discovered’ (telegraph.co.uk)
Is this the Coca-Cola recipe? (dailymail.co.uk)
What is the Coca Cola Recipe? This American Life 2011 Reveals All! (manolith.com)