July 14, 2005

Coke Zero: Better than a Zero

Coca-Cola has a new product, Coke Zero. You may have seen the cut-rate pricing they're doing to get people to try the stuff. The premise is a zero-calorie cola that doesn't taste like Diet Coke. I was shocked when I found out years ago some people actually like the taste of Diet Coke. For me, the only diet soda I can tolerate is Diet 7-Up (and I like it better flat--yes, I'm weird). Since I'm a sucker for trying new stuff and Coke Zero is selling for 59 cents I gave it a shot.

Originally I thought Coke Zero had Splenda in it. Nope, that's the new version of Diet Coke. Coke Zero has a combination of aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Aspartame is what was in original Diet Coke. Aspartame is what gives Diet Coke a harsh, chemical aftertaste. There was some of that with Coke Zero, but the acesulfame potassium softens the edges (yikes, this is turning into a wine review). It does succeed in tasting more like original Coca-Cola. I liked it enough I bought a second bottle. Repeat drinkings is a definite possiblity. "Flat Coke-scented cardboard" Coke Zero isn't.