Last year, Diet Coke underwent a makeover, introducing a slim new can and four new flavors aimed at attracting millennials: Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange, and Twisted Mango. Almost exactly a year later, Diet Coke expanded its flavor offerings with Strawberry Guava and Blueberry Acai versions.
The Allure of New Flavors
The introduction of these new flavors reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry. Consumers are increasingly drawn to flavored sparkling waters and other alternatives to traditional sodas. This shift in consumer preferences has prompted companies like Coca-Cola to innovate and update their product lines. As Kerri Kopp, group director for Diet Coke, explained, this strategy is inspired by extensive consumer research indicating that younger Americans favor bold, refreshing flavors in their beverages.
Strawberry Guava: A Tropical Escape?
The Daily Meal staff sampled the Strawberry Guava Diet Coke. The consensus was that it resembled Fanta or Jarritos. This flavor tasted more like a Little Debbie cake or a pink Starburst than a traditional soda. The signature essence of classic Diet Coke was largely absent, replaced by a strong strawberry flavor with a hint of guava. While some might find it appealing as a mixer for cocktails on a beach, its suitability for everyday consumption was questioned. Some people found it tasted like strawberry chewing gum, which isn’t a bad thing, but the pairing with the existing Diet Coke flavor ruins it, though.
Blueberry Acai: A Grape Soda Imposter?
The Blueberry Acai Diet Coke retained hints of the recognizable Diet Coke flavor. However, the blueberry and acai additions tasted more like grape soda. Some tasters were reminded of old-school grape soda. The reviewers noted the lack of other blueberry sodas on the market. While the Blueberry Acai Diet Coke was considered superior to the Strawberry Guava, many staff members were not inclined to finish a single can, let alone purchase a six-pack.
Criticisms and Concerns
One of the main criticisms of the new flavors was their excessive sweetness. The original Diet Coke is valued as a less-sweet alternative to sugary sodas. The new flavors abandon this appeal by reintroducing a level of sweetness that fans of the original Diet Coke may not appreciate. Some tasters compared the flavors to fruity, bubbly cough syrup, and others suggested that they tasted like extra sugar had been added unnecessarily. There was a metallic bite that ruins everything.
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Availability and Price
Single cans are a bit smaller than the standard 355 mL, and I’ve seen eight-can packages selling for the same price as 12-packs of Coca-Cola Classic and Coke Zero. Because there are so many different flavours, not all stores stock them all. The 7-Eleven is usually a good bet for finding some, but I’ve yet to see a variant Diet Coke in a vending machine.
Nutritional Information
Each 310 mL can of Diet Coke Blueberry Acai contains 0 calories.
A Broader Perspective on Diet Coke
While Coke Zero has gained popularity, Diet Coke is perceived by some as a brand that has been surpassed by a better product from the same company. The introduction of flavored Diet Coke extensions is seen as an attempt to revitalize the brand. The success and longevity of these flavors remain uncertain.
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