# Coke Zero may soon be phased out **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** soda-softdrinks\ **Created:** [June 10, 2017, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561 "2017-06-10T01:53:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2017, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/141 "2017-09-07T22:56:19Z")
I finally tried some. Could only try the regular as there does not appear to be a cherry version (yet). I thought it had much more of the caramel taste that regular Coke is known for than Coke Zero did. Unfortunately, one of the things I like(d) about Coke Zero was that it was crisper and lighter than regular Coke. I also thought it tasted sweeter than Coke Zero, which was kind of the point of why I liked Coke Zero: it was sweet without tasting like sweetener. This new soda tastes (and feels) heavier than Coke Zero, IMO. I don’t like it nearly as much as Coke Zero, but it is better than the abomination that is Diet Coke. Now I’m left clinging to the faint hope that they decide it’s too much trouble to change Cherry Coke Zero and leave well enough alone. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/142 "2017-09-08T00:39:20Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > I thought it had much more of the caramel taste that regular Coke is known for than Coke Zero did. That’s it! I was trying to figure out what the taste difference is. _Caramel_. To me the difference is very slight, small enough to pull me back in from the ledge I have been standing on since they made the announcement. And I am glad to learn from this thread that my wife and I are not the only ones who start the day out with a Coke Zero. ---
**Author:** ![drmark7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba8739/32.png) [@drmark7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drmark7)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/143 "2017-09-08T05:57:34Z")
To me COKE ZERO SUGAR tastes NOTHING like regular Coke. For that matter, neither did COKE ZERO. And the new COKE ZERO SUGAR tastes NOTHING like COKE ZERO. It’s lighter for sure. A bit less chemical taste. But it shouldn’t fool anyone that it’s REGULAR Coke. In my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2017, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/144 "2017-11-16T22:28:14Z")
BUMP Hey, so what’s up with Coke Zero Cherry and other non-standard versions of Coke Zero? Coke Zero Sugar is now standad at the stores in my area, even in the Freestyle machines. However, I bought a Cherry variety today and it is still Coke Zero. I noticed Caffeine Free is also still Coke Zero in my stores. Mello Yello Zero is also still in the Freestyle machine, not changed to Mello Yello Zero Sugar. My question is: **Is Chery Coke Zero still Coke Zero formula with cherry?** ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2017, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/145 "2017-11-16T22:42:13Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > I think traditional diet soda with aspartame is just so deeply ingrained in our culture that it has become the default taste that everyone is used to… This may be. I know the reason I prefer Diet Coke over Diet Pepsi is because Diet Coke has that distinct tang of battery acid that wakes up my mouth! I find Coke Zero too sweet and bland, and wouldn’t miss it if it were gone. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/146 "2017-11-17T00:59:48Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > BUMP > > Hey, so what’s up with Coke Zero Cherry and other non-standard versions of Coke Zero? > > Coke Zero Sugar is now standad at the stores in my area, even in the Freestyle machines. However, I bought a Cherry variety today and it is still Coke Zero. I noticed Caffeine Free is also still Coke Zero in my stores. > > Mello Yello Zero is also still in the Freestyle machine, not changed to Mello Yello Zero Sugar. > > My question is: **Is Chery Coke Zero still Coke Zero formula with cherry?** Yes, I can confirm that as of today, Cherry Coke Zero is still the original formula (and it’s still delicious). [Coca Cola must know they fucked up just by changing something no one wanted changed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge4DT9RJICQ); I wonder how long until they admit it by changing the formula back. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/147 "2017-11-17T01:09:55Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Yes, I can confirm that as of today, Cherry Coke Zero is still the original formula (and it’s still delicious). > > [Coca Cola must know they fucked up just by changing something no one wanted changed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge4DT9RJICQ); I wonder how long until **they admit it by changing the formula back.** Classic Coke Zero, anyone? ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/148 "2017-11-17T01:12:48Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Yes, I can confirm that as of today, Cherry Coke Zero is still the original formula (and it’s still delicious). I wish it took hold here. Australians just didn’t seem to like it, but I completely adored it. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/149 "2017-11-17T01:50:34Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > [Coca Cola must know they fucked up just by changing something no one wanted changed](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge4DT9RJICQ); I wonder how long until they admit it by changing the formula back. Except for the lack of Cherry and Vanilla variants, I haven’t really noticed the difference. And I drink a lot of Coke Zero (Sugar). ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/150 "2017-11-17T22:31:47Z")
Stores in my area still stock the Coke Cherry Zero in the 12 ounce cans. The only format in which I’ve seen the Coke Zero Sugar was clearly a special promotion: single aluminum cans, 8.5 ounces, cast in the shape of the traditional Coke bottle. I bought one to try (and after all, the aluminum ‘bottle’ is probably collectible). I didn’t like it–if that’s all there is I may as well buy the store-brand cola. But for the time being, the good old (relatively) stuff is still available. ---
**Author:** ![Quimby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/22d042/32.png) [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2017, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/151 "2017-11-18T04:58:01Z")
My supermarket still has Coke Zero Cherry and Coke Zero Caffeine Free so I have a decent amount of them and can get more for now. I still have one bottle left of the regular Coke Zero which I am saving like fine wine 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/152 "2018-01-30T00:38:33Z")
Just resurrecting this thread to say that I’m about to open my last can of real Coke Zero. On my birthday last month I opened the last 12 pack I had and now I’m on the last can. It is delicious. It is so much better than new Coke Zero Sugar that I’m trying hard to burn the crisp, light flavor into my brain so I can pretend whenever I’m forced to drink a CZS. Thankfully, as far as I can tell, the formula for Cherry Coke Zero has not changed. In fact, I notice that they haven’t changed the name at all yet: It’s still Coca-Cola Cherry Zero on the label. I’ve got about ⅔ of the can left now and a bowl full of beans and rice. Best damn Coke Zero I’ll have all year; prolly be the last one too, ever. RIP Coke Zero. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/153 "2018-01-30T20:51:03Z")
I know this is not an opinion thread really, but I liked zero better than any other diet cola out there. I liked the sweetness even if that’s more a pepsi thing, I think coke zero did it better. I am happy to say I’ve done taste tests with it and Coke Zero Sugar, and, a least to my palate, they taste virtually identical. Hopefully they don’t mess with it any more though. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/154 "2018-01-30T21:01:52Z")
I find 0Sugar better than 0. Tastes more like real Coke to me. The telling test is if I have to drink somewhere that doesn’t have 0Sugar I can drink straight honest leaded Coke and not notice any difference. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2018, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/155 "2018-01-30T21:03:44Z")
> [@Ashtura](#): > > I know this is not an opinion thread really, but I liked zero better than any other diet cola out there. I liked the sweetness even if that’s more a pepsi thing, I think coke zero did it better. I am happy to say I’ve done taste tests with it and Coke Zero Sugar, and, a least to my palate, they taste virtually identical. Hopefully they don’t mess with it any more though. If not identical, it is close enough that I have accepted it. I still see no reason for the switch, though. Pepsi Zero Sugar is still the best. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/156 "2021-07-15T02:07:02Z")
BUMP [It’s changing its flavor again.](https://www.kcrg.com/2021/07/13/coke-zero-is-getting-new-look-taste-it-will-be-store-shelves-soon/) ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/157 "2021-07-15T02:53:10Z")
I’ve been adding an eyedropper of concentrated cherry juice in CZS for over a year now. I wasn’t thrilled with the taste of CZS vs CZ; I doubt the new formula will matter much to me. I’ll just add more cherry juice. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/158 "2021-07-15T02:59:59Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Cherry Coke Zero That and Diet Dr Pepper for me. I will tolerate Dr Pepper Zero. I’m wondering if they are going to phase out the Diet - and yes I can taste the difference. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/159 "2021-07-15T19:21:43Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > …Diet Dr Pepper for me. I will tolerate Dr Pepper Zero. I’m wondering if they are going to phase out the Diet - and yes I can taste the difference I am the opposite, I prefer Dr. Pepper Zero to Diet Dr. Pepper, and lately I have trouble finding it making me think that Zero is getting phased out. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2021, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561/160 "2021-07-15T19:24:45Z")
Based on the article I see, they’re changing the can color to red from black. They used to have a clear distinction with red for the regular Coke, silver for Diet Coke and black for Coke Zero. Now two of them will be red? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-zero-may-soon-be-phased-out/788561.md?page=9)