Regular Coca-Cola (IS) Drinkers will know that something very different has been happening with the brand over the last two years.
Along with the regular, Diet and Zero Sugar versions that customers are most familiar with, the company has been rotating a series of flavors with different formulas and mysterious names (Starlight and Dreamworld) through its Creations branch, launching in 2021.
Each of these Coca-Cola creations is available in regular and Zero Sugar versions.
Related: 'Guess What's in It': Coca-Cola Execs Talk Veteran Products and New Initiatives
While all of these flavors so far have been limited editions and disappeared from shelves a couple of months after their introduction, the newest offering will join Coca-Cola's permanent lineup: Coca-Cola Spiced will be available for sale at US and Canada starting in February. 19.
Coca-Cola promises 'boldest flavor brand innovation yet'
The “spicy” refers to the mysterious combination of spices and raspberry that creates the new flavor. Like its signature formula, which has remained shrouded in mystery for nearly 140 years, Coca-Cola has kept the specific elements contained in the new drink a secret to keep fans guessing which notes they pick up.
“It's Coca-Cola, only spiced,” Coca-Cola says in its promotional materials. “Coca-Cola Spiced transforms the familiar into the extraordinary, combining the iconic taste of Coca-Cola with an explosion of refreshing raspberry notes and spicy flavors.”
Shutterstock
The company also promises that the flavor will bring its “boldest flavor brand innovation yet” and an “invigorating flavor experience like no other.”
The new flavor will initially be available in stores in the US and Canada, but could eventually reach other countries if the initial market response is successful.
Coca-Cola has offered unusual flavors
Coca-Cola believes this spiced version will be popular enough to justify keeping it on shelves for years alongside classics like regular Coke, Diet Coke and Coke Zero.
More food + dining:
- Taco Bell's menu tests a new take on an American classic
- McDonald's Menu Goes Big, Brings Back Fan Favorites (With a Trick)
- The 10 Best Food stocks to Buy Now
Before the new Creations branch, Coca-Cola launched products such as Mango, Cherry Vanilla and Orange Vanilla Coke at different times. While each had its own cult following, most fell nowhere near the top seller and were eventually scrapped.
At the moment, Coca-Cola continues to sell cherry and vanilla flavors, but they are not as easily found in individual cans outside of grocery stores and often need to be purchased in 12-packs.
To keep up the excitement around Creations products, Coca-Cola has been rotating limited-edition flavors. The spicy line is the first to become a permanent part of the Atlanta beverage giant's offering.
The decision to launch the latest version comes from data showing that raspberry was the most popular flavor selected by customers in its Freestyle beverage machines in 2022, while overall trends show an “increase in consumers' willingness to try a spicy drink,” the company says.
“We are constantly analyzing industry trends and exploring new ways to offer our customers more options,” vice president of marketing Sue Lynne Cha said in a statement. “We are always innovating with new flavors to offer new experiences to our fans.”
Related: A veteran fund manager picks his favorite stocks for 2024
