How to Get Cheap Cola

Fountain sodas are a cheaper alternative to bottles when eating out.

Every year, Americans spend more than $60 billion on soft drinks and consume an average of 53 gallons of soda. The Associated Press reported that cola products accounted for the three most popular soft drinks sold in 2010. The average cola drinker forks over hundreds of dollars every year on Coca-Cola and Pepsi products. On top of that, several municipalities and states, such as Chicago and Washington state, have implemented taxes on sugary beverages. It is possible to save money on cola, and there are several options.

Things You'll Need

• Sunday Newspaper

Instructions

1. Use coupons that save money on cola. Most grocery stores offer coupons on soft drinks, placed in the Sunday newspapers. Coupons are also sometimes found at the entrance of the grocery store. The coupons can save you sometimes as much as 50 percent on the retail price. Over time, money saved on coupons for cola adds up considerably.

2. Buy cola in liters. Two-liter bottles come at a much cheaper price than 20-ounce bottles or cans. Coke or Pepsi 2-liter bottles can be purchased for as little as $1 in some stores. When considering the much lower price per ounce, liter and 2-liter bottles will trim several dollars every week off your grocery bill.

3. Switch to generic-brand soda. Many grocery stores sell generic alternatives to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The generic brands come at a significantly lower price and have a similar taste. Wal-Mart offers its own Sam's Choice at a marked-down price. Individual cans from Sam's Choice vending machines range from 25 to 35 cents, compared with 75 cents to $1 at Coca-Cola or Pepsi machines.

4. Drink cola from the fountain. Convenience stores and gas stations offer large fountain sodas at very low prices. 7-Eleven popularized The Big Gulp -- a giant fountain cup of 32, 44 and 64 ounces -- that ranges in price from 89 cents to $1.49. Wawa and Sheetz offer similar deals.

5. Enroll in rewards programs. Coca-Cola has "My Coke Rewards," where points from soda caps can be redeemed for Coke apparel and gifts. They also can contribute to free drinks. See Coca-Cola's website for more information and coupon deals. Subway also has a points card that leads to free fountain sodas, and many grocery stores have club programs that can lead to a reduction in prices on cola.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to make your own cola, but it involves using food-grade alcohol, which is very difficult to find. Make sure you use food-grade ingredients, or it will make you very sick.

• Cola consumption can lead to tooth decay, diabetes and stunted growth, as well as weight gain and other long-term health issues.

References

• Albany County Department of Health: "Soda Facts"
• Associated Press: "Diet Coke Passes Pepsi at No. 2 Soda in the U.S."; 2011 March 17
• Coca-Cola: "My Coke Rewards"

Resources

• This American Life: "The Recipe"