What is the main active ingredient in Coca-Cola®'s early formulations?

The main active ingredient in Coca-Cola's early formulations was indeed cocaine. When Coca-Cola was first created in the late 1800s, it contained coca leaf extract, which naturally contains a small amount of cocaine. The drink was initially marketed as a tonic for various ailments, and its ingredients were notably different from those in modern formulations. At that time, the psychoactive properties of cocaine were not fully understood, and its inclusion was not viewed with the same concern as it is today. Over time, as knowledge about the effects of cocaine increased, the formula was altered, and cocaine was completely removed in favor of other flavoring and stimulating ingredients, such as caffeine. This historical context highlights how the composition of products can evolve over time due to changes in societal norms and scientific understanding.