ATLANTA — Cola and coffee collide in the newest ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage to hit the United States from the Coca-Cola Co.
Coca-Cola with Coffee blends Coca-Cola soda with Brazilian coffee and comes in caramel, dark blend and vanilla varieties. The beverage was first piloted in Japan in 2018, and the United States is the 50th market to launch it.
New Coca-Cola with Coffee Zero Sugar is launching alongside its full-sugar counterpart. The drink is available in dark blend and vanilla flavors.
The idea for Coca-Cola with Coffee Zero Sugar came about after the Coca-Cola Co.’s R&D team conducted consumer research and identified the beverage as an innovation opportunity.
“While other categories including energy drinks have ventured into zero-sugar territory, RTD coffee hasn’t because many offerings are dairy-based,” said Brandan Strickland, brand director of the Coca-Cola Trademark at the Coca-Cola Co. “So we see this as a major whitespace opportunity.”
Both beverages contain 69 mg of caffeine per 12-oz can, which compares to 34 mg in a can of regular Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and 136 mg of caffeine in a 12-oz cup of coffee.
“We’re focusing our innovation efforts on doing what Coca-Cola has always stood for and does best — which is to deliver emotional and functional uplift — in bigger, bolder, more differentiated ways,” Mr. Strickland said. “Coca-Cola with Coffee is a true hybrid innovation that provides the perfect solution for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up we all want, especially in today’s work-from-home environment. We’re fulfilling this need state and occasion in a uniquely Coca-Cola way.”