The Fanta Challenge.

Unlike most other countries where carbonated orange drinks actually taste something like an orange (Orangina, Tango, Sunkist, etc.), ours look orange but taste absolutely nothing like it. And somehow – likely the liberal amounts of sugar – they’re actually better.

So of our superior fizzies, which one’s the best?

We tried them all to find out.

The Contenders

The contenders were MyOrange, Elephant House’s Orange Barley and Orange Crush, Pepsi’s Mirinda and Coca-Cola’s Fanta. These drinks – except Orange Barley – are all unashamedly artificial in their tangerine tint and go along pretty similar lines of flavour.

MyOrange

We didn’t like this at all. It cost Rs. 60 for a 300ml plastic bottle, which is fine, but the drink is awful – both smelling and tasting like medicine. The orange flavouring was too concentrated, like an overbearing Vitamin C, and it wasn’t nearly as carbonated as it should be. Too chemical-tasting; don’t get this.

Mirinda

This tasted spicy and weird. Which was strange, because we’ve had Mirinda before and it’s been fine. But this Mirinda was decidedly bad. There was a strong aftertaste and it tasted bitter and off. Turns out this is because it was off – the bottle (Rs. 85 for 500ml) purchased from the government Co-Op City down the road had expired. We thought these drinks were designed to survive the apocalypse? How could it taste so bad so soon?

A non-expired Mirinda, however, is fine. It’s got a nice tangy hit and comes the closest to Fanta in terms of taste.

Orange Barley

We loved this. It doesn’t quite belong in the group of orange fizzies, because although it has the name orange, it isn’t really an orange drink at all. It’s really delicious and quite classy – something like a cross between Fanta and Ginger Ale, with notes of Cream Soda. Melted candyesque. It’s a lovely deep shade of champagne and would make a novel mixer . Costs Rs. 190 for 1.5L.

Why not pour into a champagne flute and add a dash of white wine?

Orange Crush

We have differing views on this one. Indi insists the drink is cloying, limp on the tounge and smells like fish. I disagree – it’s like a normal, oversweet Sri Lankan beverage. But like the MyOrange, it also lacks fizz. It’s okay, really not as bad as Indi makes out, but not amazing either. A 400ml bottle cost Rs. 39.

Fanta

Fanta’s the most widely available of the orange fizzies, and a good thing too, because it’s the clear winner. It’s nicely carbonated and tastes like gummy bears. Delicious. The Sri Lankan Fanta is very different from those you get elsewhere, like the UK Fanta which is yellow and actually tastes closer to an orange. But ours is better and we love it. Costs Rs. 27 for 175ml.

Prices

Orange Crush had the highest value while Fanta was the most expensive. Note that these numbers are skewed because we bought different sizes. The Fanta was a tiny bottle and the Orange Barley was huge. But this gives you a sense.

Value (Price/ml) Price ml
Orange Crush 0.10 39 400
Orange Barley 0.13 190 1500
My Orange 0.15 27 175
Mirinda 0.17 85 500
Fanta 0.20 60 300

The Conclusion

1. Fanta
2. Orange Barley
3. Mirinda
4. Orange Crush
5. MyOrange

 

Fanta is still the best. It’s the classic – comforting and somehow normal, and it’s redefined what the colour orange tastes like. Mirinda’s also quite good but if you want something a little different and more unique try the Orange Barley. It’s a completely different sort of taste.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide