'Sounds Kinda Gross': Netizens React To Coke's New Flavor, 'Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar'

Coca-Cola, a beverage synonymous with American culture since its creation in 1892, has once again captured the public's attention with its latest innovation. Over the past three decades, the Coca-Cola Company has grown into a global powerhouse, amassing a market capitalisation exceeding $297 billion. As the company continues to dominate the soda market, it has recently unveiled a new flavour that has sparked a wide range of reactions online: Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar.

A Bold Collaboration: Coca-Cola Meets OREO

In a strategic move to maintain its position as the leading soda brand, which held 19.2 per cent of the U.S. soda market last year, Coca-Cola has introduced a new limited-edition flavour that is set to hit stores in September. The latest twist is Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar, a beverage that blends the iconic tastes of Coca-Cola and OREO, described by the company as having a "fizzy cookie flavour." This new offering aims to provide consumers with what Coca-Cola has termed an "unparalleled experience."

The launch of Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar follows the release of Coca-Cola Spiced, the brand's first new flavour in years. Prior to that, Coca-Cola introduced Intergalactic Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a drink that was marketed as tasting like space but was widely reported to have a flavour reminiscent of marshmallows. With these creative ventures, Coca-Cola continues to push the boundaries of traditional soda flavours.

Availability and Market Rollout

Beginning in early September, the Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar will be available in 250ml cans at select locations, including Pizza Express, Popeyes, and Slim Chickens. By the end of the month, the new flavour is expected to be stocked in various stores across the United States, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Oana Vlad, Coca-Cola Company's global vice president of brand strategy, expressed excitement about this innovative collaboration: "Bringing together the playfulness of OREO and the Real Magic of Coca-Cola is unexpected, but also feels right because our brands are alike in so many ways." Vlad highlighted the uniqueness of this collaboration, emphasising that it represents a first for both brands and aims to create new products, experiences, and moments of connection.

Eugenia Zalis, the global head of marketing and branding for OREO at Mondelez International, shared similar sentiments: "At OREO, we strive to identify fresh ways to excite consumers, and, with this collaboration, we have truly upped the ante. The bestie bond forged between OREO and Coca-Cola is a playful way to unite our fanbases and celebrate the power of connection and togetherness."

Mixed Reactions from Coca-Cola Fans

Despite the enthusiasm from Coca-Cola and OREO executives, the public's reaction to Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar has been notably divided. When an image of the new beverage was shared on the Food Finds UK Official Facebook group, it elicited a mix of curiosity and scepticism from consumers.

One user, Connor Challis, voiced his uncertainty with the comment, "Not sure about this, to be honest." Another user, Chrysta Endersby, expressed a more negative reaction, simply stating, "Sounds kinda gross." A more visceral response came from a user identified as Wal LM, who admitted, "I feel physically sick thinking about this," while another user, Cory Walker, speculated that the drink "could actually taste interesting."

Despite the mixed reviews, some fans are eager to try the new flavour, with several commenters indicating they would be "going on the hunt" for the beverage once it becomes available. The polarising reactions highlight the adventurous nature of the new flavour, which combines two beloved brands in a way that has never been done before.

A Unique Promotional Campaign

In conjunction with the release of Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar, Coca-Cola is also partnering with Spotify to introduce a unique promotional experience. This initiative, called "Bestie Mode," allows friends to merge their musical tastes by scanning a QR code found on the beverage's packaging. Once connected to a Spotify account, users will answer questions that compare their musical preferences with those of their friends. Spotify will then generate a playlist that combines both users' favourite tracks, offering a personalised soundtrack to complement the new beverage.