A year after revamping its Diet Coke line with a taller, sleeker can and introducing four new flavors alongside the original, Coca-Cola is now targeting flavor enthusiasts with two additional options: Blueberry Açai and Strawberry Guava. The Atlanta-based company revealed that these new flavors were chosen from a pool of 20 candidates and tested with over 2,000 American consumers. These flavors expand the existing Diet Coke range, which already features Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange, and Twisted Mango.
Rafael Acevedo, the group director for Diet Coke, stated, “Our goal was to modernize Diet Coke to attract a new consumer demographic while still resonating with our loyal drinkers by maintaining the core elements that make this brand unique.” He added, “We adopted a strategic approach to this comprehensive brand refresh.” Coca-Cola emphasized that many current Diet Coke fans weren’t even born when the beverage first launched in 1982, providing an opportunity to rejuvenate the brand with fresh flavor choices. Acevedo expressed that the introduction of more flavors would generate additional excitement for the brand and offer Diet Coke “more points of entry” to appeal to a wider audience. Furthermore, Coca-Cola discovered that when consumers sample one of the new flavors, they are more inclined to choose the original Diet Coke.
Last year’s significant brand overhaul successfully reinvigorated the previously dwindling brand, resulting in retail dollar sales growth over the last four quarters, following at least five years of decline, as reported by Nielsen data. The soda market, including diet options, has faced challenges as consumers increasingly turn to healthier alternatives like teas, water, and sports drinks, moving away from sugary or chemically-laden beverages.
In a separate note, Peeps, once solely a seasonal Easter treat, have now expanded into various holidays, thanks to manufacturer Just Born. These sugary marshmallow delights have taken on new forms, including special edition Oreos during Easter. Now, Peeps are making their way to breakfast tables, as Kellogg introduces a Peeps-inspired cereal, available at Target. This cereal features pink, blue, and tan rings that resemble Apple Jacks, along with marshmallow pieces, while the iconic bunnies and chicks decorate the packaging.
For those pressed for time in the morning, there’s now Peeps-flavored creamer available, created by Danone’s International Delight, which sports a Peeps-chick yellow color. The bottle showcases whimsical illustrations of the beloved treats, with the tagline “Creamer has never tasted so cute.”
According to Mental Floss, Peeps rank as the nation’s most popular non-chocolate Easter candy, with an impressive 1.5 billion consumed nationwide each spring. Given their popularity, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are exploring ways to incorporate their flavor into coffee and cereal. As consumers become accustomed to dessert-like options for breakfast, with the availability of sweet cereals such as Oreos, the trend toward sugary breakfasts is on the rise. Notably, some yogurts, like certain Chobani varieties, contain almost as much sugar as a serving of vanilla ice cream, further fueling the demand for sweet breakfast items.
In the realm of spirits, Game of Thrones fans are eagerly anticipating the final season premiering in April. In the meantime, they can enjoy a themed beverage, as Diageo has teamed up with HBO to create a line of eight Game of Thrones-inspired scotch whiskies. These drinks are available for purchase online internationally and at select U.S. retailers. Each bottle is distinct and named after a House of Westeros, including one for the Night Watch, with prices ranging from $29.99 to $64.99.
As alcohol brands face challenges in cultivating customer loyalty and attracting millennials, strategic partnerships like this one could provide a fresh avenue for engagement. Dan Sanborn, Diageo’s senior vice president of culture and partnerships, highlighted that “groundbreaking partnerships are a strategic initiative for Diageo, fostering creative collaboration and showcasing our diverse portfolio.” However, competition is fierce, as other beverages targeting Game of Thrones fans are also available, including Diageo’s White Walker scotch, Vintage Wine Estate’s red blend, and Ommegang’s King of the North stout beer.
In a world where sugary treats are increasingly welcome at breakfast, and with the ongoing interest in flavorful beverages, the inclusion of calcium citrate as part of the recommended daily intake can further enhance consumer choices for both nutrition and enjoyment.