Variety is the spice of life


Classic Coca-Cola is the biggest-selling drink in history – but that hasn’t stopped The Coca-Cola Company from coming up with new versions of this beloved beverage. Here we reveal the strangest and most successful flavors that have been available around the globe over the years.



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Coca-Cola with Lemon

A zingy take on original Coke, Coca-Cola with Lemon was launched in the US in 2001 to compete with Pepsi Twist, but was discontinued in 2005. A Diet Coke Lemon was also launched, though this was replaced by other exotic flavors (including Twisted Mango and Ginger Lime) in a recent relaunch in North America. 



Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

New Coke

In April 1985, The Coca-Cola Company released a new formula of its classic drink – unofficially known as ‘new Coke’. The change was so unpopular, it announced a return to the original formula just a few months later. The retro formula resurfaced in 2019 in collaboration with Netflix’s Stranger Things and was described as being sweeter and less fizzy.



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Coca-Cola Vanilla

Remaining a favorite flavor to this day, Coca-Cola Vanilla went on sale in the US in 2002 and in the UK in 2003. But it was discontinued as quickly as it was launched, disappearing from shelves by the end of 2005 to make way for Black Cherry Vanilla Coke. Much to the delight of the Coca-Cola-loving public, it returned for its anniversary in 2013.



Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Coca-Cola Light Sango

A blood orange-flavored drink available in France, Coca-Cola Light Sango is the first product developed outside the company’s headquarters in Atlanta. It was apparently given its catchy name in reference to the French word for blood: sang. 



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Coca-Cola Blāk

The brand’s first foray into coffee drinks, Coca-Cola Blāk was introduced in France, the US and Canada in 2006. Its intended audience was savvy, sophisticated over 30s, but it never took off with them – or anyone for that matter. The plug was pulled on the energy-boosting drink a few years later.



Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Coca-Cola Citra

Coca-Cola Citra, with its red and green packaging, was sold in Japan in 2006. It’s similar – but not to be confused with – Citra, a predominantly grapefruit-flavored drink that came in a yellow can and was sold in India in the 1980s and 1990s, and in the US in the 1990s by Coca-Cola. Rumor has it, The Coca-Cola Company has plans to revive the soft drink once more. 



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Diet Coke Citrus Zest

Launched in 2007, Diet Coke Citrus Zest is a combination of lemon and lime flavors sold in the UK. One day in 2018 it disappeared without warning, much to the dismay of loyal fans.



Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Coca-Cola Orange

This opaque orange bottle has been seen on shelves around the world over the years, and has been available in countries including Japan, Turkey and Brazil. It has been compared to Mezzo Mix, a cola and orange drink sold across Europe.



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Coca-Cola Plus Catechin

Only in Japan would you find this health-conscious version of Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola Plus Catechin. Aimed at younger generations, the innovative drink went on sale in 2009, and contains, as the name suggests, catechins: antioxidants found in green tea.



Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Coca-Cola Plus

Another Japan exclusive, Coca-Cola Plus, launched in 2017, was Coke with 5g (0.2oz) of added dietary fiber. The addition of the indigestible dextrin was said to give the drink a thicker texture – a small trade-off for the fact it was claimed to reduce fat absorption from food.



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Coca-Cola Clear

Launched in 2018 in Japan, Coca-Cola Clear lacks the distinctive caramel flavor of the original product and is recognized by its translucent appearance. The lemony tasting drink has zero calories and is more than slightly reminiscent of Crystal Pepsi in the 1990s – hopefully this one hangs around for longer.



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Coca-Cola Plus Coffee

One of the brand’s latest flavors, Coca-Cola Plus Coffee blends both beverages in one drink. It has more caffeine than a normal can of Coke, but apparently less than your average cup of coffee. Already flourishing in Australia, Italy, and Thailand, it promises to be on shelves in the US by 2021, with three flavors: Dark Blend, Vanilla and Caramel.



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Mexican Coke

Made with cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup, Mexican Coke, or MexiCoke, was first produced in the 1920s. Its fans praise it for its real sugary hit and it can be found throughout Mexico, as well as in select US restaurants, having become something of a trend in recent years. It’s identifiable by its packaging – it’s always sold in the old-style glass bottles.



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Coca-Cola apple

Just in time for fall 2019, Coca-Cola Japan launched a limited edition Apple-flavor drink – and Coke fans are still eagerly awaiting its arrival to the US. Watch this space. We think its red and gold label is one of the most beautiful to date too.



Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


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