A quirky food combination involving peanuts poured into cola has recently gone viral on Japanese social media, sparking curiosity and mixed reactions among netizens.
What may seem like an odd pairing at first has quickly become a trending topic, with many users trying it out for themselves.
Some described the salty-sweet combination as “surprisingly addictive”, while others said they gave up after just one sip, making “peanut cola” a widely debated trend.
Inspired American culture
According to China Press, the trend is believed to have started after a Japanese social media user shared that he came across the habit in an essay collection by Haruki Murakami.
In the book, it was mentioned that some Americans add peanuts to cola, prompting the user to try it himself.
After testing it, he claimed the unique blend of flavours was so enjoyable that he “couldn’t go back”, with his post racking up over 20 million views.
30年前くらいに村上春樹のエッセイで、アメリカではコーラにピーナッツを入れて飲むのがポピュラーだと書いてあった。「ふぅん」と思ってから長い時間が経ったが、ついにやってみた。
— 猫山課長 (@nekoyamamanager) April 2, 2026
何だこれバカ美味いんでやんの。
これ以外でもうコーラ飲みたくなくなるレベル。 pic.twitter.com/jJ4t1WInMO
A drink rooted in history
In the American South, the drink is often referred to as “farmer’s cola”, with origins dating back to the 1920s.
It was popular among blue-collar workers such as farmers and mechanics, whose hands were often dirty from work.
By pouring peanuts into narrow glass bottles of cola, they could conveniently enjoy both a snack and a drink using one hand, while keeping the other free for work or driving.
Mixed reactions from netizens
As the trend continues to spread, more users have been sharing their own experiences online.
While some praised the drink for its unique and balanced flavour, others were less impressed, saying it simply tastes like “two things mixed together”.
The contrasting salty and sweet elements appear to be the key factor behind the divided opinions.
