Why are some beverages packaged in aluminum cans, while others come in steel cans?
Steel cans vs. aluminum cans—what’s the difference?
Typically, aluminum cans mostly contain carbonated beverages, while the rest are usually made of steel. On the internet, many popular science articles claim that carbonated drinks are stored in aluminum cans because aluminum has excellent corrosion resistance. It’s truly frustrating when such misinformation is spread deliberately to mislead others.
In fact, aluminum cans are far less resistant to corrosion than steel cans and are more prone to rusting in harsh transportation environments. However, thanks to their lower production costs, lighter weight, excellent sealing properties, and great malleability—making them ideal for low-temperature filling—they’ve become the preferred choice for carbonated beverages. Plus, they’re easy to store and transport, and their recyclability adds another practical advantage.
As for tin cans, besides holding beverages, they can also be used to package products like canned eight-treasure porridge—making them even more versatile. Tin cans are sturdier than aluminum cans; the latter typically contain plenty of carbon dioxide under high internal pressure to prevent deformation. However, tin cans don’t face this issue, so they can safely store liquids that don’t have any gas without compromising their shape. Plus, tin cans offer superior resistance to both high temperatures and corrosion compared to aluminum cans.
Additionally, to prevent any chemical reactions between the beverage and the material itself, both aluminum and steel cans have a protective coating on their inner walls. That’s why, during our testing process, we specifically check whether this internal coating remains intact.
