Coca-Cola

Fructose and uric acid

Coca-Cola is essentially carbonated water with a large dose of sugar. The US version lists High Fructose Corn Syrup as the sweetener ^[1], while European and other markets use regular sugar (sucrose) ^[3]. Either way, roughly half of the sugar is fructose, and high-fructose corn syrup is even richer in it. Fructose is metabolized in the liver through a pathway that directly produces uric acid, so a single 16 fl oz can delivers over 40 g of sugar and a significant, quick spike in blood uric acid — a known trigger for gout flares.

Other gout-related concerns

A standard serving provides about 140 calories ^[3] with no protein, fiber, or micronutrients. The high glycemic load causes an insulin spike that reduces how efficiently the kidneys excrete uric acid, compounding the rise. Frequent consumption also promotes weight gain and insulin resistance, two core drivers of chronic hyperuricemia. Phosphoric acid adds acidity but is less relevant to gout than the sugar load.

Practical guidance

For people with gout, regular Coca-Cola is best avoided or kept to rare, small portions (e.g., a 250 ml can occasionally) rather than a daily habit ^[2]. Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and other zero-sugar variants remove the fructose problem entirely and are a far safer choice when a cola craving hits.

Bottom line

Water, unsweetened tea, or coffee are preferable for hydration. If you do drink regular Coca-Cola, do not pair it with a high-purine meal and keep intake minimal.