Coca-Cola Zero Sugar MN event - feedback - find out what MNers think about the new drink NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

The team at Coca-Cola Great Britain say “we were delighted to host MNers at our London HQ to showcase our new Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.” MNers were given the chance to take part in a tasting as well as chat to the team to find out more about the drinks sold by Coca-Cola GB.

The event was aimed at adults who like a sparkling soft drink and were interested in trying no sugar options.

They say “Coca-Cola Great Britain is launching Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, a new and improved sugar-free Coca-Cola which will replace Coca-Cola Zero. It will taste even more like Coke and look more like Coke but without the sugar. It is the result of years of innovation and recipe development and will replace Coca-Cola Zero which was launched in 2006. We’re pleased to give MNers a chance to be one of the first to give it a try and tell us what they think.”

There was also be an opportunity to find out more about the drinks that Coca-Cola offers – they make and sell 18 different brands including favourites like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Dr Pepper, Schweppes, smartwater and more. They also had experts on hand to answer any questions you might have about the drinks.

Attendees and non-attendees who tried Coca-Cola Zero Sugar at home, please share your responses to the following questions (non attendees please answer Qs 1- 5 below):

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?

Everyone who attended the event and shares their feedback on this thread on MN, will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £200 John Lewis voucher.

All non-attendees who try Coca-Cola Zero Sugar at home and share feedback on this thread, will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £100 John Lewis voucher (they should answer Q1-5 above).

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

[FMJ1000]

Thank you for inviting me, I had a lovely time!

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
CLASSIC COKE

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
MUCH NICER THAN I THOUGHT AND NEARER IN TASTE TO CLASSIC COKE

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
YES DEFINITELY

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
SUGAR FREE IS MUCH CLEARER ON PACKAGING

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
YES

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
DIDN'T REALISE SO MANY SUGAR FREE OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE AS WE TEND TO DRINK COKE MOSTLY!

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
EXCELLENT. CLEAR STRATEGIES AND TRANSPARENT INGREDIENTS - THE CONSUMER CAN MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
LEARNT ABOUT SMARTLIVES - WILL DEFINITELY CHECK OUT WHAT IS IN MY AREA

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
NO MARKETING AIMED AT UNDER 12S - RESPONSIBLE COMPANY!

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
AN ABSOLUTELY LOVELY TEAM AND THANK YOU TO THE KIND GENTLEMAN THAT GAVE US THE NOTEBOOK!

[FMJ1000]

Please start marketing the drinks machines!

[Punkatheart]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I sometimes drink Lucozade or Vitamin Water (I had no idea that the latter was a Coca Cola product.

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Not entirely convinced - I found it comparatively flat and watery.

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
No - like a watered down version - very different, particularly when side to side.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
Yes.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Alas, no.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I did not.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
It a necessity in a sugar fearful climate - they seem to be doing a good job.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
Park Lives seemed like such a joyful project - so yes, would like to know if there was anything like that locally to me.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
It seemed like such a vibrant, innovative company, with strong ethics.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I was astonished that, even though I rarely drink Coke - I was able to distinguish, Zero. Life, Classic and Diet. But perhaps if I hadn't had them all together...

[KnittyFoxyMa]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Water! Otherwise Coke classic/7-Up Sugar Free/Appletise

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I loved it!! I was blown away!

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
Absolutely! I literally couldn't tell them apart.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
The name is clear, I'm not entirely convinced the packaging would be clear to someone who had never seen it before. I would now recognise the design tho and therefore know it is.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
YES!! And I've never ever bought soft drinks to drink at home, only when eating out. But I would now buy this for myself as a treat for when working from home in the afternoons.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I did not know this before today, and I was very impressed by this.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
I'm very pleasantly surprised, although I do have concerns about the artificial sweeteners used in the mainstream sugar free versions, I prefer not to eat or drink artificial sweetners on a regular basis, but I recognise that sugar free drinks really enhance my weight-loss and anti-diabetes campaign, so I take this on balance. I do, however, refuse to allow my children to eat or drink artificial sweeteners.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I was very interested to hear about the Parklives project. I would love to know if there are any of the schemes in my local area, and I would suggest that my local council would definitely want to take part, especially in our immediate area where they are putting a lot of money and time into a local area regeneration.
I am really heartened to hear about Coca-Cola GB's stance on not marketing their brands to under 12s, and I think the ParkLives project is fantastic.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
I was surprised to know that every sparkling soft drink made by Coca Cola has a sugar free version, I loved the fizzy slushies, and want those available everywhere! I think I even got closer to an answer as to why there were 2 distinct sugar free colas in the Coca Cola brand (Coke Zero and Diet Coke) and I am now very very clear that the new Zero Sugar and Diet Coke are definitely NOT the same drink in different packaging, as many people assumed the predecessor was.
I was really pleased that I could tell Coke Life and Diet Coke fairly easily, and I was utterly gobsmacked at how similar Zero Sugar and Classic tasted.
10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I had a really fun time, I LOVED the meal, tho was surprised that some of the food was quite spicy which seemed surprising just before a taste test! (any chance of the recipes for those amazing salads being shared?!) I was really delighted to win a prize, and to meet some really lovely, friendly people - both Coca Cola staff and Mumsnet guests.
The only other comment I have is that I would love to see more caffeine free options becoming available, especially with natural sweeteners. I'd love to see a (admittedly hippy sounding) caffeine free Coke Life, but maybe that's a pipe dream - but having suffered from gestational diabetes, I found going out for a meal was fine, but finding something to drink was really hard. I wouldn't have alcohol when pregnant, I couldn't have sugar, or juice, i didn't want to have artificial sweeteners while pregnant, and I didn't want to caffinate my baby either! I had similar issues each time I was breastfeeding also, and as a breastfeeding peer supporter I know I'm not alone in avoiding artificial sweeteners as well as caffeine when bfing!
Loved the drinks machines, the slushy maker and the glass coke bottles lighting!!!

[Maladicta]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Diet Coke

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I enjoyed it far more than I expected to. I didn't like the old Coke Zero.

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
Yes, but without the tooth stripping effect I usually expect! Tasting it alongside full-fat Coke showed how similar it was although I was able to pick out the difference.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
The simple addition of 'Zero Sugar" helps. We discussed the fact that lots of people felt the old Zero was also no caffeine as it wasn't explicit enough in message.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Yes, I really liked the taste - it was far less chemically than Diet Coke.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I did have a reasonable idea, the general sugar reduction over the last few years was something unknown to me.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
As I've mentioned, I was unaware of how much they'd already reduced the sugar in a lot of drinks. Their future plans about sugar reduction are ambitious and I would hope realistic. Certainly, the difficulty we had in distinguishing the different low sugar varieties would suggest they're getting the recipes right.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I knew about the athletics sponsorship, I was really pleased to hear about the role the company plays in Special Olympics - would be great if CCGB could push for some television coverage!

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
Seeing the whole brand portfolio was a bit of a nostalgia fest - I'd always wondered what happened to KiaOra!. Appreciated the not marketing to U12s!

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
Frozen Coke and Fanta should be mainstream. OMG they were delicious!!!

[Chocolateisnottheonlyfruit]

Thanks for inviting me to come along. Loved the roof terrace and almost got the taste test right for the first time !

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I have always been a Diet Coke girl - and not just because of the hunky man in the adverts (although he was pleasantly distracting !)

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I was pleasantly surprised as it's not a drink I would have picked normally. I always thought it was aimed at men due to the black packaging - I realise how silly that sounds, but there you go.

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
I've never been a Coca-Cola Classic drinker, so I have no comparison really.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
I'm not sure the name does as there was a zero drink already and like a lot of people I would assume it's just a design change. Once I actually read the label it was clear, but not immediately so.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I probably would now that I know more about it and have tried it.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I really had no idea and it is good to know, although it did make me wonder how much sugar was in them before.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
It's good to know that so much effort is being made to reformulate popular drinks to reduce sugar while maintaining the taste. I've only ever bought diet drinks so have gotten used to the saccharine 'fake' taste of sugar alternatives. It's good to be able to try drinks that don't have that aftertaste.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I would really like to know more about Parklives and how this would benefit my area. I have read a lot about the company that is less than flattering so another viewpoint would be refreshing. The active role in supporting parathletes was news to me too. I am no expert on the business so it was all a big learning curve really.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
I learned about all the drink brands that belong to Coca Cola and that marketing to children is against company policy. The stance on this latter point is of particular interest as increasingly we - as parents - are seeing the rise of marketing to our children to get to us. It's nice to see that a brand that could easily exploit worldwide visibility are not using it to target vulnerable groups.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I really enjoyed the event. In the eighties when there was a branded clothing store just opposite Bond Street Station I used to covet the Coca Cola sweatshirts and t-shirts in the windows. It's a brand everyone knows, but it's had those associations with America from my childhood. I did take a glass bottle home with me to keep as a souvenir - shh don't tell anyone !

[Amaksy]

Thanks for a wonderful opportunity to visit the CocaCola HQ yesterday, it was an amazing experience especially the bit about being produced in the UK and the no of brands!!

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? Classic coke/Lemonade/Ginger Ale
2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? Not that different to Classic coke so love it
3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would? Yes - the difference isn't that obvious (well to my taste buds anyway)
4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free? Yes as the name implies - zero sugar! If it was just Coke zero it would've been unclear as to what's zero - calories? taste? etc
5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? Yes I would and in all varieties too - for myself and to share.
6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free? 27 as per the presentation but noticed 28 on banner.
7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar? I think it's really good to ensure that the reduction is around 50% as it would only cost them not to especially when the government introduces its sugar tax.
8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event. I would definitely check out the ParkLives activities in my local area as I wasn't aware that Coca-Cola ran such project. Keeping active for free and having fun is definitely a win-win
9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you? As mentioned earlier, learning about the 18 brands Coke owns in GB - some I knew and others I wasn't aware of. Will also look out for the advert during the Euros!
10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share? We got into a discussion on my table as to why there are calories in the drink especially when it's zero sugar. And also whats the difference in Coke Zero Sugar and Diet coke?

[SnotGoblin]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
My preferred drink is Pepsi Max; Coke Zero if that's not available.

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I think it was the closest they've come to Classic Coke in a sugar free/calorie free varient. It didn't have the unpleasant aspartame bite or citrusy flavour that Diet Coke has.

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
Much more like Coca-Cola than I thought it would. So much so, I got it wrong on the taste test.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
Yes.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
If Pepsi Max wasn't available, I would definitely reach for one of these.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I knew there were a lot but hadn't really thought much about it.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
I think they are doing this due to the impending sugar tax and general societal aversion to sugar and aspartame. The sugar tax and bad press surrounding how much is in soft drinks seems to be the primary motivator.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I was so impressed with the sound of the Parklives scheme that I came back to the office and Googled it. Nothing near me as yet heh.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
I was mostly suprised that Roses's Lime Cordial had been brought under the Coke banner.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I actually saw Coke Zero Sugar for sale in Tesco this morning and went to reach for one to have with my lunch but it was £1.31 compared to Pepsi Max's £1.04. Price won out.

[peaches786]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I am a loyal Classic Coca Cola drinker
2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I didn't like it
3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
It wasn't too bad but it was not as fizzy as I would like
4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
Yes it is quite clear
5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Very unlikely
6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
Yes, I have drank many and found them very nice
7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
It is a very good idea
8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I didn't realise how much Coca Cola try to help people stay active
9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
I was very surprised to learn about the other drinks they manufacture besides Coca Cola
10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
It was a very nice informative day, just a little disappointed our goody bags were not there for us to take home, I hope they are worth it.

[hanliying]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? Coca zero
2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? cannot tell the difference between zero and zero sugar
3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would? yes
4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free? yes
5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? yes
6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free? 18
7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar? very good, need to reduce sugar and provide alternative
8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event. park life is a great concept and wish to have it in more London borough
9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you? Most surprising thing is that i cannot tell the difference of the 4 cocacola drinks
10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share? no

[jes73]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Classic Coke

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I quite liked it.

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?

Yes it did. I expected it to taste like Diet Coke.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?

Yes it does

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I would.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I did because I've worked with Coca-Cola before.


7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
I think that they are doing a really good job.


8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.

I do know quite a bit about Park Lives and the only thing is that it's not been rolled out in my area.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?

It was great to learn about the history of Coke. I was surprised to know it's been around for so long.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share? No - just that I always go for Coke over others. And my favourite is the Classic version or Cherry Coke.

[User543212345]

Thank you so much for a great event!

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Diet coke

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Much nicer than the old coke zero, which didn't really taste of much. This one was much closer in taste to proper coke

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
Yes, especially given how much the old one didn't taste like coca-cola

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
Yes, but people can be very foolish and not understand what they're voting for buying so I wouldn't underestimate the potential confusion of what the zero means

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Yes

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
No, that was a pleasant surprise

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
I think they're doing a great job, in line with the current position on sugar, though they seem to be taking a sensible point of not demonising sugar completely

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I didn't know anything about park lives and will certainly be researching that further - it seems a great initiative

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
The explanation of the history and coke brand was interesting - and like many others I didn't know that Roses cordial was under the Coca Cola umbrella

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
Just that it's nice to see huge companies engaging with the public like this and I appreciated the explanation and process behind the rebranding rather than just the advertising spiel. It was a lovely day - and lunch was smashing

[Goldenhandshake]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Dr Pepper

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Much better than the old Coke Zero

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
Yes, surprisingly similar

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
Yes

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Definitely for my husband who loves classic coca cola but is diabetic and can't stand coke zero.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
Yes, but I didn't realise there was a sugar free alternative in all coca-cola ranges

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
A good start.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
Will definitely be looking into Park Lives

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
That coca-cola specifically avoids targeting under 12's, great initiative but should be scaled up imho.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
Great event, fizzy slushes were amazing and the dirnks machines were fab.

[OmaC]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
ginger beer

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
better than expected

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
YES DEFINITELY

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
SUGAR FREE IS MUCH CLEARER ON PACKAGING

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
YES

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
DIDN'T REALISE SO MANY SUGAR FREE OPTIONS WERE AVAILABLE AS WE TEND TO DRINK COKE MOSTLY!

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
EXCELLENT. CLEAR STRATEGIES AND TRANSPARENT INGREDIENTS - THE CONSUMER CAN MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
LEARNT ABOUT SMARTLIVES - WILL DEFINITELY CHECK OUT WHAT IS IN MY AREA

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
NO MARKETING AIMED AT UNDER 12S - RESPONSIBLE COMPANY!

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
AN ABSOLUTELY LOVELY TEAM AND THANK YOU TO THE KIND GENTLEMAN THAT GAVE US THE NOTEBOOK!

[greatbigwho]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

Diet coke!

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

I was really impressed!

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?

Yes! It took my husband several sips to tell the difference, and he had been so sure he would be able to tell the difference instantly.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?

Yes, I think the branding is very clear.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

Probably not for me - I still prefer the flavour of diet coke - but my husband said he would definitely consider switching from Classic Coke.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?

I didn't! I was impressed.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?

I couldn't believe how much the sugar in Lilt was reduced by (56% I think it was?!) and they seem to be making a real effort.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.

I would - the rounders games looked fun!

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?

I was amazed how many brands they have in the UK, and I was surprised by some of them! I am also really impressed at their pledge to not market to under 12s.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?

Please consider bringing root beer to the UK! Also, that frozen Coke machine was amazing! Thank you for a fantastic lunch (and seconding the previous poster who asked for the recipes! I wish I'd taken a lunch box to fill up!)

[GreatBigHoo]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Diet Coke, usually.

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Liked it. It was really interesting to compare the four variants side-by-side. I realised that Diet Coke really doesn't stand up to the other ones - I think I'm just used to it and don't notice the chemical aftertaste any more!

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
Coke Zero didn't quite taste the same as Classic Coke, but it was really close and much nicer than Diet Coke. It did a pretty good job of getting that sugary sweetness without a nasty aftertaste. I would definitely choose it over Diet Coke next time.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
The new branding does seem to do a good job of bringing it closer to the Classic Coke look, and clearly says it's zero sugar.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Yes, I think I will make a conscious decision to swap from Diet Coke in future.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I had been aware of most of the sugar-free varieties, but I hadn't realised how many there were that came under the Coca Cola umbrella.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
They seem to have been moving ahead of the curve. I think it's good that they are actively steering consumers towards lower and zero-sugar products, whatever their motivations may be for doing so.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I'd seen promotion of the park events before, but they aren't local to me at the moment. I'd definitely be interested if it was happening in a park near me.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
I don't think I'd been aware just how many UK sites and employees the company has. That's good to know.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I had a really good time at the event - loved the Coke slushy machine! Thanks for a very tasty lunch and an interesting experience.

[Wincher]

What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
It's been Coke Zero recently

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I have to say I wasn't hugely keen on the new version - in the taste test I thought it was Diet Coke as it smelt strongly of sweeteners

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
Not really

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
Yes

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Yes

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
Yes

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
I was impressed - they are obviously taking it very seriously and working hard on it

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I hadn't heard of Park LIves so that was interesting. It's a project which supports sporting activities in parks in more dep[rived areas.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
I learnt about the different brands Coca-Cola owns which I didn't know about. They came across as a very socially conscientious company.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
Thanks for a really enjoyable session.

[Penfold007]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero
Sugar?

Regular lemonade or 7Up

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

Much nicer than I'd imagined, a pleasant surprise

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?

I was really surprised at how similar they looked and tasted. I got them mixed up in the blind tasting.

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?

Yes, no confusion

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

Much to my surprise; yes I would and will.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?

Was really surprised at the range of sugar free drinks Coca-Cola produces in the UK.

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?

I was very impressed by Coca-Cola's efforts to continually reformulate their recipes and so reduce sugar. I agree that removing sugar isn't the answer to obesity just one of the steps.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.

I was really impressed by the Park Lives initiative, I loved that it was aimed at adults and families and worked with local authorities. The guy interviewed in the film just looked like he loved it so much that there was no way I wouldn't laugh with him. Very impressed that Coca-Cola actively avoid sponsoring under 12s.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?

The depth and breadth of the Coca-Cola brand from Coca-Cola Classic through to bottled water. Was amazed at the effort that goes into formulating and marketing the entire range. Yes it's to make a profit but in turn that employees people and if they didn't make products people like consumers simply would vote with their purchases and shop elsewhere.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?

I don't like and don't buy 'diet' drinks so attended this event expecting not to like the low/no sugar products but really curious to try a range of soft drinks. I seldom buy 'pop' because I only like the 'full fat' variations. Well I've been educated and converted, I will buy Coca-Cola Zero. I also discovered Coca-Cola Life and really enjoyed the taste, none of the bitterness or aftertaste I normally associate with stevia.

I really enjoyed my time at Coca-Cola HQ and meeting some amazing fellow MNers, thank you.

[ladedah]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
REAL/FAT/PROPER/RED "CLASSIC" COKE

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
I QUITE LIKED IT AND AT FIRST GOT IT AND CLASSIC COKE MIXED UP IN THE TASTE TEST, BUT SOON REALISED THE MISTAKE AND THEN COULD EASILY TELL THEM APART. I THINK IT TASTED MORE OF THE FLAVOURS THE SOMELIER MENTIONED EG VANILLA, CINNAMON ETC - POSSIBLY TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LACK OF SUGAR OR ELSE BECAUSE THE LACK OF SUGAR MADE IT EASIER TO TASTE EVERYTHING ELSE?

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
YES AND IT ALSO MADE ME REALISE WHAT FLAVOUR(S) COKE ACTUALLY IS BECAUSE I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT BEFORE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY ONLY NOTICED A SPECIFIC "COLA" FLAVOUR IN OTHERS SUCH AS FENTIMANS, FRITZ KOLA ETC.


4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
YES BUT I THINK PEOPLE WILL NATURALLY SHORTEN THE NEW NAME TO "COKE ZERO" WHICH MAY BW CONFUSING AS IT IS WITHDRAWN/PHASED OUT TO MAKE WAY FOR THIS NEW FORMULATION. VERY GLAD THE TIN IS MOSTLY RED AGAIN BECAUSE I DIDNT LIKE THE BLACK, OR GREEN COKE LIFE.

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
YES! I TRIED TO GET MY DAILY 5PM CAN AS THE NEW VERSION TODAY BUT THEY ONLY HAD THE OLD ZERO VERSION WHICH I NEVER LIKED. TRYING TO CUT DOWN SUGAR SO GOT CHERRY ZERO (JUST OK). MANAGED TO FIND THE NEW VERSION WHEN DOING THE WEEKLY SHOP LATER ON SO GOT THE 1.25L BOTTLE - MY FAVOURITE SIZE TO KEEP IN THE FRIDGE AND MIX WITH RED WINE TO MAKE KALIMOXTO, DOES ANYONE ELSE DO THIS?!

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
NOPE BUT I DO NOW!

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
I THINK ITS GOOD THAT THE BIGGEST COMPANIES LIKE COCA COLA AND MCDONALDS SEEM TO BE THE ONES MOST PUBLICALLY TAKING ACTION. I DIDNT KNOW THE SMALL CANS AND BOTTLES WERE TO REDUCE SUGAR, JUST ASSUMED THEY WERE TO GIVE PEOPLE MORE OPTIONS DEPENDING HOW MUCH THEY WANTED TO DRINK.

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
PARK LIVES SEEMS LIKE A GOOD SCHEME. I DONT THINK IT IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD INTEREST ME PERSONALLY AT THIS POINT, THOUGH NOT SURE ABOUT THE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES. I'D BE MORE INTERESTED IN PILATES, ZUMBA OR TONING EXERCISE RATHER THAN SPORTS.

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
I HADNT THOUGHT ABOUT WHERE COKE WAS MANUFACTURED BUT WOULDNT HAVE GUESSED IT WAS IN THE UK. I LIKED THE FIRST VIDEO WE WERE SHOWN ABOUT WHEN COCA COLA WAS FIRST INVENTED AND THINK A SODA FOUNTAIN STYLE BAR COULD DO WELL IN LONDON AS A POP-UP AT STREET FEAST ETC - IT WOULD BE VERY HIPSTER! I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO KNOW ABOUT WHETHER IT EVER CONTAINED COCAINE, AND ALSO MORE INFO ON THE COKE THAT COMES FROM MACHINES IN FAST FOOD PLACES ETC AND HOW IT IS DIFFERENT TO PRE-PACKAGED COKE.

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
I THINK I'VE RAMBLED ON ENOUGH IN THE PREVIOUS ANSWERS. ONLY OTHER THING I CAN THINK OF IS ALL THE COCA COLA STAFF WERE LOVELY THOUGH IT WAS AMUSING THAT SOME OF THEM GOT MIXED UP IN THE TASTE TEST THE SAME AS US! ALSO I DIDNT GET A CHANCE TO TRY THE SLUSHIES OR CUSTOM FLAVOURS BECAUSE WE WERE GEEKILY TRYING TO SAVE OURSELVES FOR THE TASTE TEST! WOULD LOVE TO KNOW IF THERES ANYWHERE OUTSIDE OF HQ TO TRY THESE. OH AND LUNCH WAS GREAT ESPECIALLY FOR VEGGIES - THANKS FOR A FUN EVENT!

[lotusisaddictive]

I wasn't at the event but I've always been a Coke Zero drinker and now that I'm pregnant again it was my treat to have a can when I got home.

Hate the new version it is far too sickly just like normal Coke. I'm buying up all the old style Coke Zero I can find!

[TenaciousOne]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Classic Coca-Cola would be my choice of fizzy drink.
2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
It was the closet of the three to the taste of Classic Coca Cola. It had a flavour which was enjoyable instead of tasting sweetners.
3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?
It did indeed however, side by side it was easily distinguishable.
4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?
Personally I thought it was clear before that it was sugar free however, having spoken to friends who didn't I think the new packaging screams at you that it's sugar free.
5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?
Probably not. Fizzy drinks are a treat so I'd rather drink Classic but in moderation.
6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?
I had noticed there were more sugar free options. Having grown up with a diabetic in the house it's an ingrained habit to check sugar content. Although I didn't realise that so many of the drinks had a sugar free variant
7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?
I think it's great however, I'm interested in the use of Stevia and the flavour it gives.
8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.
I knew Coca Cola did a lot for local communities but didn't know about the ParkLives initiative. In my local area there is nothing for ParkLives the nearest is in central London.
9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?
Watching the advert from the soda bar was interesting like I didn't know originally he syrup was added at the point of drinking in the soda bars. Oh and how much Coca Cola are trying to reduce sugar in their products.
10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share?
Thank you for a great experience. Oh and is there a job in getting the taste test right

[Tiredmumno1]

1. Coke Zero/Cherry Coke Zero

1. Love it

1. The new improved Coke Zero tastes so much more like Coca-Cola now, the taste in comparison is much better than the original Coke Zero.

1. Yes, I think it is perfectly clear.

1. Absolutely, and I'd recommend to others.

[Thatsthat]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

Diet coke

2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

Tasted like classic coke but slightly less syrupy

3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would?

Yes

4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free?

Yes

5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar?

Possibly - but I think I still prepare the taste of Diet. Would like to get away from sweeteners though.

6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free?

No

7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar?

I think it's good - but I am wary of new "sugars" maybe not being as healthy as we think they are

8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event.

Yes, park life looked great and something that would be perfect for where I live in South London

9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you?

That Coca Cola manufacture so much in the UK. And that they will not advertise to under 12's

10 Do you have any other comments you would like to add?

The whole team were great. Very enthusiastic and approachable. Lunch was lovely, and it was brilliant to meet Ann and the
Mumsnetters, thank you!

Looking forward to the goody bag!

[like7]

1 What was/is your preferred soft drink before trying Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? I try to drink water for health reasons but if I want something to quench my thirst, I choose classic coke.
2 What did you think of the taste of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? I liked it and preferred the taste to diet coke.
3 Did Coca-Cola Zero Sugar taste more like Coca-Cola than you thought it would? Yes, definately! In the taste test I got classic coke and coke zero the wrong way round, so no taste difference for me. That surprised me.
4 Do you think the name and look of the drink make it clear that Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is sugar free? The name certainly makes it clear, I think, and the packaging is very clear too.
5 Would you buy Coca-Cola Zero Sugar? I would certainly by it in preference to diet coke and would prefer my children to drink it instead of diet coke.
6 Did you know how many of the sparkling soft drinks Coca-Cola Great Britain offer are sugar free? 25, I seem to remember from the day?
7 What do you think of the actions Coca-Cola Great Britain are taking to reduce sugar? I'm very pleased that action is being taken. I hope that the reduction in sugar means that our tastes will change and lower sugar in products will just become the norm. It's better for our health, weight, teeth. etc. I'm still a bit uneasy about anything with artificial sweeteners in it.
8 Would you like to know more about the community projects that Coca-Cola GB supports? Please share what you learnt at the event. I was surprised at how many different events that Coca Cola supports locally and it was a great film we saw of the rounders in the park that is supported by coca cola. I wonder if there is anything near me?
9 What else did you learn at the event?/What most surprised you? I was surprised that Coca Cola has 28 brands! I didn't realise how many different shapes and sizes and sorts that coca cola comes in! I enjoyed the taste testing and learnt that I can distinguish the different cokes better than some people but not as good as others! I loved the old film too about how the soda cafes started in the USA!
10 Do you have any other comments you would like to share? I enjoyed my time at the venue - lovely staff and premises and we were made very welcome. And the lunch was amazing...thank you.

[itsbetterthanabox]

I wasn't there but please don't stop making Coke Zero. It's really nice, so much better than Diet Coke.