Coca-Cola Zero - More like the Real Thing

If you are a fan of Diet Coke, you may not be aware of the other, newer zero-calorie Coke product - Coca-Cola Zero. Coca-Cola released this new soft drink in 2006 in the United States in an attempt to make a diet soda that tastes more like the full-sugar version. In 2007, a Zero version of Cherry Coke was also released.

Taste is More Like Regular Coke

Coca-Cola Zero is supposed to taste more like regular Coke, and yes indeed it does. Those who drink regular full-sugared Coke usually complain that Diet Coke has a bitter taste compared to the sweetness of a regular Coke. Coca-Cola Zero retains that sugary sweet taste. The after-taste of Coca-Cola Zero is more comparable to regular Coke that Diet Coke as well. However, if you are used to drinking regular Coke, there is still something "not quite right" about Coca-Cola Zero. Yes, it tastes more like the sugary version, but not exactly like it.

Is it Better Than Diet Coke?

If you prefer the sugary taste of regular Coke over the crisp taste of Diet Coke, you may like Coca-Cola Zero more than Diet Coke as a zero-calorie option. That sugar taste is definitely more prominent in Coca-Cola Zero than in Diet Coke. So, if you drink Diet Coke to avoid the calories, but wish it tasted more like regular Coke, you might want to try Coca-Cola Zero. However, if you regularly drink Diet Coke, and you hate the sugary taste of regular Coke, you will most likely not prefer the taste of Coca-Cola Zero over Diet Coke.

Why Make Coca-Cola Zero?

Soft drink manufacturers have taken a lot of heat over recent years about the sugar content of their drinks and possibly links between childhood obesity and their products. Soft drink lovers are becoming more educated about the contents of unhealthy beverages, and many are turning to low calorie alternatives. More and more people are turning to "diet" soft drinks as an alternative. The soft drink manufacturer with the best tasting low- or zero-calorie beverages is going to get these customers. The creation of Coca-Cola Zero is really targeted at those who drink soft drinks and want to make a switch to a lower calorie beverage. The focus of Coca-Cola Zero creation and marketing is that it tastes more like regular, sugary Coke - and indeed it does. As fingers are pointed at soft drink manufacturers for making America fat, they are responding with lower calorie options.