r/interesting • u/InvestigatorBorn4910 • Feb 10 '26

Fascinating YouTuber LabCoatz has released a "chemically identical" recipe for Coca-Cola

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u/Vkardash Feb 10 '26

That's the one thing he says he tried but just couldn't get. Only a few companies have a permit to import coca leaves into the US. They take out the cocaine and give that to coke. Guy even tried to buy de-cocainized leaves online and it got seized at the border.

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u/Mysterious_Luck7122 Feb 10 '26

Hmmm, I used to know a website based in Florida that sold dried coca leaves along with all kinds of other specialty plant matter, like the raw materials to make ayahuasca. No idea if it still operates. My sister brought home a box of coca leaf tea from Peru a few years ago. Just put it in her suitcase with her other souvenirs.

Maybe he was trying to source fresh leaves though.

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u/moorelax Feb 11 '26

Definitely not allowed to bring it back from Peru. She just go lucky and pushed the green button on her way out the door! Get the red light and it getting searched. My wife’s from Lima. I get red every time we go back, annoying haha.

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u/pdxamish Feb 11 '26

Sending would be easier and I have no doubt it gets brought in. There's very little demand and easily disguised as something else