Find out what Mumsnet users thought of Green Cola

[EllieMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who tried and tested the new Green Cola drink. This product test was open to all UK MNers who have at least one child. Selected testers received 4x330ml cans to try out.

Here is what Green Cola have to say: “Green Cola is a healthier AND tastier cola from an independent, British company. Why ‘Green’ Cola? Well, as well as having zero sugar and therefore no calories, we are 3 times green: 1) sweetened with natural Stevia from the green Stevia plant , 2) our caffeine is fully natural and extracted from green coffee beans, and 3) as a small, family company, we work hard to minimise our impact on the environment in everything we do.

Green Cola isn’t just healthier however, it also tastes even better than the leading no calorie brands – So you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health, making it an easy switch to make for you and your family.

We’re proud to be supporting Change4Life, Public Health England’s campaign to reduce childhood obesity through encouraging families to cut back on sugar by making simple swaps to healthier products – we share the Change4Life mission to offer healthier choices without compromising on taste!”

Testers please answer the questions below:
- What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
- How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
- What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
- To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
- Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
- How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

Selected testers will be required to leave feedback on a thread on Mumsnet and complete a short survey. All who do so will be entered into a prize draw where 3 MNers will win a £100 voucher each of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw.
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[Passmealargewine]

-What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
It was ok, not a huge amount of taste but very fizzy which I liked

-How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
An alternative to diet coke

-What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
Taste, sugar content

-To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
Not much

-Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
Yes, like the idea of cherry or lemon flavour to make it tastier

-How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
Partially but not usually my main focus when buying drinks

[CommanderShepard]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?

I really didn't like the taste. It's an interesting concept but it's not for me.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?

Imagine that cheap Panda Cola you used to get at corner shops. This is marginally worse.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?

As few artificial sweeteners as possible. I think better to have a little 'real' sugar than loads of aspartame or whatnot.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?

I am confused. Do other colas have animal products in that I didn't know about? Anyway... we limit meat in our diets but not going vegan any time soon.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?

Once was quite enough, thank you.

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

I think sustainability is incredibly important but I don't think soft drinks are necessarily the priority.

[Caillou]

What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most? I like the concept of Green cola, same taste but no sugar or sweeteners


-How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?

It tastes exactly the same, maybe a little less fizzy, but still very refreshing.

-What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
Taste is the main factor.

-To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?

Definitely interested in switching.

-Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?

Yes, cherry coke would be amazing in this range.

-How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

It is very important to us.

[melissa32]

I was really inpressed with the taste of the green cola, as a regular drinker of cola cans for work and home. Me and my family enjoyed the taste and will buy again for the alternative option.
I dont myself like other varieties like lemon etc ..

[cookiemonster66]

What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients?
I have been waiting for a stevia based cola for ages as usual sweeteners give me terrible side effects

Which elements did you like the most? - stevia not sweeteners

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?

Just like normal diet coke but better for you

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?

No added chemicals, widely available to buy, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets etc

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?

As a veggie/vegan it is all a plus for me!

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?

Caffeine Free, and Vanilla flavour please

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

Very important but it has to be affordable, we all would love to be ethical but in the real world we have budgets, not everyone can afford ethical all the time

[mccabereb]

I was really excited to try Green Cola with my family as it is very rare that a new cola comes to market. I was, however, slightly disappointed. We only managed to have 3 cans as one was very badly damaged.
The taste was also disappointing as we all agreed that it just tasted like flat Coke Zero.
The packaging was, however, eye-catching although very similar to rival brands.
As a family, we are always looking to be healthier and kinder to the environment. We do not have sugar and it is nice to have a beverage that doesn't contain any. I do not like caffeine and it is also nice to have a natural coffee bean that doesn't affect me in any way.
Although we weren't too keen on this it would be nice to try in different flavours as this would give it the umpf needed to take away the flat taste.

[3kidstoomany]

I liked the idea of a greener cola - and fully support Change4life's campaign to reduce childhood obesity
Unfortunately the cola didn't go down well with my family. It was flat, lacking in flavour and left an aftertaste
I do check for sugar quantities and reduce my children's intake where possible but have no particular need for vegetarian/vegan diet
Its possible a flavoured green cola may taste better, I'd be willing to give the cherry flavour a go
Products that are ethical and sustainable definitely have a place in the market and should be increased/adopted wherever possible

[Rich0on]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most? I love the fact that it tastes exactly the same as normal coke but is a healthier alternative.
  
• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family? Coke but healthier
  
• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks? It is actually healthier for you (less sugar etc)
  
• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola? If the price was fair then we’d certainly switch
  
• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free? Healthier options in different flavours would certainly be welcome, personally I love cherry coke so a green cherry coke would be an option for me
  
• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies? More ethical and sustainable drinks in today’s market would be ideal, as long as the price wasn’t affected dramatically

[DonPablo]

@CommanderShepard my favourite MN product review. Like panda cola but marginally worse

[WeAreTheWeirdosMister]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
  

I liked that it is a healthier soft drink, and the labelling was nice.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
  

Healthier diet coke

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
  

Probably a lack of caffeine

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
  

We are mostly vegan, but not looking for a coke alternative as we only drink it on very rare occasions.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
  

Caffeine free would be good, but I'd probably not seek to buy it.

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
  

It is important to have the option 5/5

[Deedee75]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most? Nice idea, having stevia instead of artificial sweeteners, but I found it gave it a sweet nasty taste that I don't like. My husband did enjoy it though.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family? Not a very nice cola.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks? Taste

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola? None, although I wasn't aware that any other cola's were not vegan or vegetarian.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free? Not if it has the same taste. If it was a nice cola, I would be interested in caffeine free since I avoid caffeine from lunchtime onward due to it keeping me awake at night.

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies? Fairly important, but I'm more interested in having something I enjoy since I only drink soft drinks occasionally (maximum of one a day), I mainly drink water and tea.

[Asuwere]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?

It tasted good, I liked that it didn't have any artificial sweeteners.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?

Cola without artificial sweeteners.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?

No artificial sweeteners: I'd rather have water than something full of additives.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?

Are other colas not vegan/vegetarian? We do have several meat free days but no plans to become vegetarian.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?

Caffeine free, definitely.

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

I think in general, more products should be more ethical and sustainable but I'm not sure soft drinks are a priority on this.

Thanks for letting me try this.

[eteo]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
  

I’m not keen. There is no depth in the drink. On the other hand, my husband like it.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
  

Made from green coffee bean. It is special.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
  

No added colouring or sweetening.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
  

No. Still prefer Diet Coke.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
  

Mango and also cherry.

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
  

Very important and will be great.

[Ribeebie]

What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?

I enjoyed the taste. It tastes more like regular cola than other diet versions which I think is due to the stevia. Overall I have a positive perception and liked the drink. The only negative I found was that it seems to lose its fizz quicker than other brands.

- How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?

A no sugar cola / diet cola that's made with Steve so more natural and healthier that tastes more like regular cola.


- What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?

The calorie content and the additives - we avoid thinks such like iron bru, cherryade etc as I don't think they are as 'natural'

- To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?

It's something I'm becoming more conscious of. We are not vegetarian or vegan in the household but we are actively reducing our meat consumption for health benefits.

- Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?

Yes I would. I particularly like cherry cola and caffeine free as I'm breastfeeding so ty and limit my caffeine consumption.

- How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

It is important to me, particular more so now than it was a few years ago but it still has to be a good price for me to buy it.

[PerksOfBeingLouise]

-What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
tasted like a lighter version of Diet Coke, but with more fizz. which in my opinion is a perfect mix.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
  

lighter version of Diet Coke taste wise, but with lots of fizz!

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
  

sugar content, taste and fizz. sometimes fizzy drinks can taste alittle flat.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
  

would switch to Green Cola, as perfect for my Gluten Free Ceoliac daughter who cannot drink many fizzy drinks.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
  

yes! Cherry, Apple, Mango sounds amazing!

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
  

never really thought about it, but it’s a good option especially for Vegans and those with other dietry requirements.

[AndNoneForGretchenWieners]

What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
I thought it tasted very similar to the leading brands. I didn't feel it was synthetic, which was a big plus for me.

-How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
Bit of a no brainer really - depending on price point, a good alternative to Pepsi or Coke.

What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
Taste mainly. I can't have aspartame and a lot of the alternatives include it, or if they do not they don't taste particularly good.

To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
Not particularly bothered by it being vegetarian or vegan, I am neither, but alternatives to traditional diet sodas are helpful.

Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
Different flavours - so yes to cherry, lemon, also ginger beer, orange etc.

How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
The practices of the big brands are of concern, and it is important to me to buy British wherever possible. I would definitely buy this product as I feel it rivals the big international brands, but hopefully it won't be as expensive as some of the other alternatives (Dalston I'm looking at you).

All in all, my DS and I didn't find any reasons not to user this product in the future, and preferred it to Coke Zero. I like the use of Stevia from a taste perspective, and it is helpful to have another option that both DS and I like that does not include aspartame.

[Alizzle]

What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
It tastes better than normal full sugar cola but not as good as diet cola. I liked that it is a more natural product as I worry about the chemicals I consume or are in contact with daily.
-How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
Like diet cola but more natural
-What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
Less sugar and sweetners
-To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola? We're not
-Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
I like cherry cola so.maybe that one?
-How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
Very important that companies and people are socially and ethically responsible.

[Friolero]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
  

I was pleasantly surprised. I drink a lot of Diet Coke, and although I do prefer the taste of Diet Coke, it’s great to have an alternative which tastes almost as good and has less artificial sweetener. I think given that it costs quite a bit more than Diet Coke, I’m unlikely to buy Green Cola at the moment though.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
  

Like Diet Coke but with natural ingredients.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
  

Less artificial sweeteners and sugar

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
  

I wasn’t aware normal Coke wasn’t vegetarian, but this isn’t an issue for me as I’m not vegan / vegetarian.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
  

No, I don’t like other flavoured coke.

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
  

It’s good to support local independent companies where possible, and it’s becoming increasingly important to have sustainable products, but the price has to be acceptable too.

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

Why are they claiming that it's from an 'independent British company'? It takes minimal Googling to find that it's owned by Coca-cola, neither independent nor British.

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

Oh no! Ignore me. Apparently Coca-cola also had a 'green' version, which is different.

[MaternalMusings]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?

It was OK. My first impression was... "oh, it's not green in colour!". Which I was expecting. Tasted a lot like Diet Coke - but with more fizz.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?

A more natural version of Diet Coke.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?

Sugar and Caffeine content - especially as I'm pregnant at the minute. I'm currently avoiding both of these factors as much as possible.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?

We're not a Vegan/Vegetarian family - so this isn't something we're looking at. We normally only ever drink water (just because we all love fresh cold water!), so a fizzy drink or juice is always a treat in our house. The healthier the better.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?

I'd definitely like to try Cherry, Lemon AND Caffeine-Free. I'd also love to try a Dandelion & Burdock or perhaps a Shandy? Would an Ice-Tea version be on the books? I'd love to try a Peach or Lemon Iced Tea.

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

I'd always choose a UK based brand over an International brand. I like to support "local". The more sustainable the better! So both are important for us.

[jazzandh]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?

The cola was attractively packaged. It stood out from the sea of colas on the Ocado webpage.

I am looking for a cola that has less sugar - in general I find all fizzy drinks too sweet. They would be more refreshing with less sweetness.

I dislike artificial sweeteners in general. They taste cloying and have an unpleasant aftertaste.

I found the Green Cola to be better than a normal diet drink in terms of aftertaste. It was lacking a full depth of flavour - so even with stevia and sucrulose it was apparent that it was some kind of diet drink, but it would possibly be an acceptable purchase in future.

My teenager disliked it, but my younger son enjoyed the taste - so it is something that I may consider for him.

I am not bothered about vegetarian/vegan drinks in particular. I would just prefer less sugar naturally and natural flavours.

Not particularly bothered about alternative flavours.

I think it is good to have ethical sustainable soft drinks, but there is also a price point to be considered. So when they are too expensive they are very much in the "treat" category - so you are looking for something that ticks all the boxes.

[paddler78]

What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?

Mixed reactions in our house, the children liked it and thought it tasted quite like normal coke, husband less keen as reminded him of Diet Coke and he felt it didn't have much taste. Personally I would buy this instead of Diet Coke.

How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
Like Diet coke but without artificial sweetner

What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
No artificial sweetners

To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
No current plans

Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
Yes as long as the taste was okay - Cherry and caffeine free.

How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
Always happy to support UK independant companies, an sustainabilty is becoming more and more important.

[onemorecakeplease]

• What is your overall perception of Green Cola, in terms of taste, as a healthier alternative, better ingredients? Which elements did you like the most?
  

I thought it tasted really nice. Dh said it had an after taste which I didn’t notice.
I loved that it didn’t have aspartame or other nasty sweeteners and that the caffeine was from green coffee beans.
I looked on amazon and a pack of 24 works out at 60p per can which is actually not bad, shop prices for Diet Coke really. So I’ll definitely order a 24 pack.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family?
  

Alternative to Diet Coke with no nasties in.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?
  

No aspartame
No sugar
Great taste

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?
  

We aren’t

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free?
  

Definitely caffeine free and cherry please!

• How important is it to have wherever possible more ethical and sustainable soft drinks like Green Cola, as well as those from UK independent companies?
  

I think it’s really good. Was really pleased with this drink and the company.

[Cooptime57]

Hi, after trialing the Green Cola, i was totally amazed at the so refreshing taste, its healthly contents, the zero sugar, and the can itself. My daughter drinks Cola on a regular basis and i gave her a can to try, she is currently pregnant, and said the Green Cola was a much better alternative all round, she is already transformed into buying this only. I have spoken to lots of others who drink Cola and told them my findings and i know a lot who have already been out and bought as i am already getting very good feedback. Well done on producing such a healthy fizzy drink for all ages :)