I agree 100%!!

The Coca Cola difference is easy -- in the US it is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and in many countries it still uses regular sugar.

I was a die-hard Coke fan and when the New Coke came out, I bought several cases of the "old" Coke. Then, Coca Cola Classic came out but the "new" old Coke was made with corn syrup instead of sugar and the taste was slightly different. I also discovered I have a slight allergy to high fructose corn syrup and had to switch to Diet Coke. Anything made with high fructose corn syrup gives me a mild stomach ache!

Even though things are made by the same company, I think the recipe is varied a little bit to conform with regional requirements and availability. Sugar is a highly volatile commodity with a relatively small number of producers. Corn syrup is MUCH sweeter than sugar (so it takes less of it to make something sweet), there are fewer price fluctuations, and it is easier to transport and store.

I am sure it is all a republican conspiracy~

:-)