What really happens when you drop Mentos in Coca Cola

The Explosive Science Behind Mentos and Coca-Cola

Have you ever seen someone drop a Mentos candy into a bottle of Coca-Cola and wondered why it erupts like a miniature volcano? A viral video is making the rounds online showing exactly that — and then taking it to the extreme.

It all started when one curious experimenter dropped a single Mentos pill into a bottle of Coke. The reaction was quick: foam shot upward in an impressive geyser. But the real surprise came when he added more. With five Mentos candies, the reaction grew dramatically stronger, sending soda flying even higher. Finally, when a handful of Mentos was added, the eruption was almost explosive — a chaotic blast of fizz and foam no one expected.

But why does this happen?

This isn’t magic — it’s science. Coca-Cola (like most sodas) contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas. Mentos candies have a rough, pitted surface that allows bubbles to form extremely quickly. When the candy hits the soda, the carbon dioxide rushes out of the liquid, creating a sudden burst of foam. The more Mentos you add, the faster the gas escapes, and the bigger the eruption becomes.

Why is it so popular online?

People love simple science experiments that look spectacular. Whether it’s for fun, curiosity, or just to film a cool reaction, the Mentos-in-Coke trick has become an internet classic. Videos showing different quantities of Mentos only add to the excitement, making viewers wonder just how big the reaction can get.

Should you try it yourself?

It’s perfectly safe as long as you do it outdoors, away from cars, walls, or anything you don’t want covered in sticky soda. Just be prepared for a mess — and possibly some amazed spectators.