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When it comes to food, there are peculiar food combinations that, although they may seem strange to us, are real traditions in certain parts of the world. For example, drinking a cola and putting a few peanuts in it for a snack is something quite deeply rooted in our culture. However, if one of those nuts falls into the glass, we are bound to be repulsed. Well, you should know that this snack is very common in the south of the United States and dates back to the beginning of the last century. So if you’re one of those people who like to dip chips in soft drinks or ice cream, here’s another delicious combination.
Although the exact origin of this sweet and salty pairing is not known, food historian Rick McDaniel explained that the snack probably emerged in the 1920s. It was around this time that single-serving packets of salted peanuts began to be sold, according to the National Peanut Board. And the reason the two foods were combined is because farmers decided to pour the peanuts into the soda bottle itself, so they wouldn’t get their hands dirty when they had to pick them up one by one, as McDaniel explained. Another reason was to have a free hand if they had to work or drive.
This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. To this day, associations such as the National Peanut Board continue to promote it so that youngsters keep it alive. However, there is only one requirement for the snack to have an original flavour: the peanuts must be salted and the soft drink must not be Light or Zero. So if you love Coke peanuts on their own, do you dare to try this tradition from the south of the United States?
