The Coca-Cola Company is releasing a new and improved Coca-Cola Zero Sugar that offers an even more iconic Coke taste.
The beverage company optimized existing Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar flavors and existing ingredients to create the new formula, which will begin to roll out to stores this month, with full nationwide distribution in the U.S. and Canada starting in August with full distribution in September. Despite the updated taste, all listed ingredients and nutritional information for Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar remain the same.
Aside from giving Coca-Cola Zero Sugar “an even more delicious and refreshing recipe,” the Coca-Cola Company also improved the drink’s look with a simplified yet bold new packaging featuring the iconic Coca‑Cola logo, red cues, black Spencerian script, and “Now More Delicious” messaging that highlights the beverage’s new formula. All Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar packaging in the U.S. and Canada will feature the streamlined graphics.
“Recognizing that tastes and preferences are always evolving, we’re focused on continuous improvement to give fans the best-tasting Coca-Cola they want—with zero sugar or calories—offered in the most iconic packaging and powered by some of our most creative, consumer-centric marketing yet,” said Rafael Prandini, Coca-Cola TM category lead, North America Operating Unit, in a press release. Prandini added that reactions from consumers in taste tests has been positive.
The new Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which is already on shelves across Europe and Latin America, officially launched in the U.S. at “Manhattanhenge” earlier today. As New Yorkers checked out the spectacular sunset, a banner plane towing a sign that says “Best Coke Ever?” flew across to debut the new taste and look of the calorie-free soda.
A day before the U.S. launch, onlookers at key intersections on July 12th were handed a “first sip” of the new Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Actress and model Emily Ratajkowski, who is a true Coca-Cola Zero fan, also had a first sip of the updated drink on the same day.
“As the country reopens, we want to be a part of this beautiful, culturally relevant moment that’s naturally happening in New York City,” said Natalia Suarez, senior brand manager, Coca-Cola TM, North America Operating Unit, in a statement. “The activation is grounded in the idea that the best moments are even better with a Coke. And we believe this is the best Coke ever.”
First launched in 2005, the original Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar was reformulated in 2017 to bring its taste even closer to Coca‑Cola. Since then, the brand has consistently delivered double-digit growth.
“In order to continue to drive growth of our diets and lights category, we must keep challenging ourselves to innovate and differentiate just as other iconic brands have done,” Suarez explained. “The consumer landscape is always changing, which means we must evolve to stay ahead.”