If I remember correctly, phosphoric acid is used as an acidifying agent to give Fonta its tangy flavor, and it's more acidic than vinegar. The large quantities of sugar are used to balance the acidity and make it more palatable to the consumer, at the detriment of their well-being.

[ He will never understand why it's so popular. Part of him wants to draft a law to ban the beverage entirely, but at the same time it would not be fair of him to do so just because he personally detests it; people should be free to make their own choices regarding what they put in their bodies, just as they're allowed to smoke and drink. ]

I lack taste receptors for sweetness, so I only perceive what the sugar is supposed to mask.

[ As he finishes the sentence, he hears the sounds of footsteps moving towards their table and glances over to see the waiter approach with their food; they smile politely at the two as they set down two silver cloches in front of the gentlemen, as well as a basket containing the garlic baguette Zhongli ordered. With a flourish, the cloches are then removed to reveal their dishes—Zhongli's foie gras, beautifully seared and paired with a radish citrus sauce. Across from him, the octopus in Neuvillette's soup is in one piece just as he had described earlier, staring at Zhongli with dead eyes. ]