Diet Coke Gets Four New Flavors and Whole New Can Design

People who love Diet Coke tend to really, really, REALLY love it. Some of them even go so far as to claim it’s whats keeping them alive! No matter what level of Diet Coke fan you are, you’re sure to have a lot of opinions about the drink’s dramatic new look and range of flavors.

Coca-Cola just announced that the zero-calorie drink is getting a skinny makeover and four new flavors, both set to launch this month. New flavors include Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange and Twisted Mango.

The research and development team at Coca-Cola tested over 30 potential new Diet Coke flavors, working with tropical, citrus, and even botanical notes before settling on the four new flavors.

But Coke purists, don’t worry! The original taste and bottle/can designs you’ve grown to love will still be available for sale, too.

“We know Diet Coke has all kinds of fans – from people who have loved its great taste since it launched in 1982 to Millennial men and women who are always looking to try new things,” said Rafael Acevedo, Coca-Cola North America’s group director for Diet Coke. “We’re modernizing what has made Diet Coke so special for a new generation… Millennials are now thirstier than ever for adventures and new experiences, and we want to be right by their side.”

Expect a slightly taller, slimmer can with a new design. The can will have a vertical red strip lining its side that is “a Coca-Cola red disc that has gone for a walk,” according to James Sommerville, the vice president of Coca-Cola Global Design. Targeting millennials, Coca-Cola hopes to modernize the brand and appeal to new audiences.

The brand’s new design and flavors will be available first in the United States, followed by Canada in February.

Reaction to Coke’s announcement across the internet ranged from excitement, to skepticism and even some humor.

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Diet Coke has a passionate following, with some people swearing by it for their good health. One woman, 104-year-old Theresa Rowley of Michigan proudly proclaims her love for the drink. Each day, she drinks at least one can of it and she has no intention of stopping.

“I drink it because I like it,” she said. “I have a bag full of empty Diet Coke cans that I need to return to buy more Diet Coke.”

Coke isn’t afraid of making changes to its formulas. Back in July 2017, the company announced it was changing its Coke Zero recipe. The new Coke Zero Sugar hit the shelves late last summer, and company officials said the ingredients stayed the same, but the new formula “comes closer to replicating the taste of a classic, regular sugar-filled Coca-Cola.”

What do you think about Diet Coke’s new flavors and new look? Which one are you most excited to try?