Is Drinking Soda and Pop Rocks Harmful?

One of the most pervasive and dramatic food-related myths is that drinking soda and Pop Rocks candy together can result in death. An urban legend states that when these two items are used together, an explosion occurs in the stomach, resulting in severe harm or even death. But is this concerning assertion true? Let’s investigate the scientific facts and where this myth got its start.

1. The Myth’s Origins:

The myth probably started in the 1970s, shortly after Pop Rocks, a candy that pops in the mouth when carbon dioxide gas is released, was introduced.

A story that went around a lot said that a boy who was often called “Little Mikey” from a popular cereal commercial died after eating Pop Rocks and soda at the same time. Despite the fact that this story was entirely fictional, it caused a lot of panic among parents and children.

2. How do Pop Rocks Work?

Sugar, lactose (milk sugar), corn syrup, and flavoring are the ingredients in Pop Rocks, a type of candy. The fact that they contain tiny pockets of pressurized carbon dioxide gas makes them stand out from other candy because they pop when the candy dissolves in the mouth.

Pop Rocks contain very little carbon dioxide, which is harmlessly released when the candy dissolves.

3. The Truth About the Myth:

The legend proposes that consolidating Pop Shakes with pop, which likewise contains carbon dioxide, could prompt a risky development of gas in the stomach, prompting an “blast.”

In point of fact, Pop Rocks produce very little gas, which is easily absorbed or expelled by the body. There is no danger of a dangerous gas buildup even when consumed with soda, which already contains dissolved carbon dioxide.

4. The Myth Is Busted:

The claim has been tested by a number of scientific studies and even a segment on the television show MythBusters, which came to the conclusion that drinking soda and Pop Rocks together pose no risk.

Similar to how it handles digesting carbonated beverages or other gas-producing foods, the human stomach can handle this combination’s amount of gas. Although the excess gas may only result in a burp, it does not pose a health threat.

5. The Function of Urban Myths:

Because they capitalize on widespread apprehensions and are easily propagated through word of mouth, urban legends like the Pop Rocks and soda myth frequently persist. Even though they have been proven wrong time and time again, these myths can still have an impact, especially when they involve children or well-known brands.

In the 1970s, General Foods, the manufacturer of Pop Rocks, even launched a public relations campaign to reassure consumers that the candy was safe.

Conclusion:

It is completely false to assert that consuming soda and eating Pop Rocks can result in death. The idea that this combination is dangerous is not supported by any scientific evidence.

Pop Rocks and soda are safe to eat or drink together or separately, but they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet, just like any other sweet treat.