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

• 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?

My family and I had differing opinions on the green coke. They loved the taste, I did not. We all felt that it was a healthier alternative to our usual Coke Zero. I liked that it appeared to use natural ingredients. The design of the cans was cool

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

I felt it was far, far too sweet. It was sickly tasting, like the cola bottle sweets you used to buy from the corner shop. My family thought it was cool looking, fizzy, refreshing and tasted good.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks? It has to be taste. If it doesn't taste good then I wouldn't buy it. I am also conscious about aspartame and don't love buying soft drinks that contain it
• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola?

We are not interested in vegan/vegetarian soft drinks as we eat meat

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

I would love to try cherry if it was available.

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

I think it is very important! I actively want to support British independent companies but the products do have to be something we enjoy

I still havent received the Coke to review. I have sent an email but still no response.

• 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?

Lower sugar would be my most important trait, I also prefer the use of stevia versus aspartame’s so long as it is sourced responsibly

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

Pepsi max with stevia

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

Taste, cost, are they very acidic and bad for teeth

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

No current plans but have large volume of plant based meals per week

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

I love a cherry coke but it’s generally such an artificial flavour (slutty food type thing☺️) I wouldn’t be sure how cherry flavour fits wit the more natural image of this product

• 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?

Don’t care that it’s a British company but would be happy with a sustainably manufactured product.

www.coca-cola.ie/faq/coca-cola-drinks-suitable-for-vegans-and-vegetarians

Vegan /veggie Diet Coke facts

Pepsi is safe for veggies

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/worklife/news/amp50405/diet-pepsi-non-vegan-ingredients/

So how is this a vegan or veggie alternative? Unless they are using the V words as shorthand for healthy and we're heading back to the days of lentil weaving and not being offered chips...

• 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 impressed by the ingredient list. I gave some to DH and a friend to try and without telling them anything and both thought it tasted just like Coca Cola. They were pleasantly surprised when they saw the can.

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

Healthier cola

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

Sugar free, vegan.

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

DH and I are vegan. The DC are vegetarian but I don’t give them caffeine.

• 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 interested to try cherry or vanilla flavours too

• 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!

I wasnt too fussy on the taste it was very fizzy but tasted like the cheap cola brands. My partner loved it though and would buy it regularly so i guess its different tastes. Its alright as an alternative to diet coke but the flavour wouldnt entice me. Love the design colours of the can though

Id definatly try different flavour varieties like lemon, peach as i feel the flavour was just a bit lacking for me.

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?
In terms of healthier/better ingredients I liked it because I don't want my kids drinking full fat coke but equally don't want them having drinks loaded with artificial sweeteners etc. In terms of taste we found it a bit "odd", maybe like a cheap version of Diet Coke with a really weird after taste that I couldn't quite describe.

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

A healthier version of Diet Coke.

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

Less artificial sweeteners/nasty stuff and low calorie.

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

I am very interested in Vegetarian/Vegan options but I'm trying to convince my husband and son.

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

I would definitely be interested in trying the Lemon or Cherry varieties as I think that may make it tastier. I prefer Diet flavoured Coke/Pepsi to the originals as they seem to have more taste.

• 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 would always support UK Independent brands where possible and the more sustainable the better.

Thanks so much for letting us try out your drink, it definitely opened up lots of conversations in our house.

• 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 think it has a unique taste, which is slightly different from normal coca cola. It doesn't taste any healthier than other drinks, but it definitely isn't as sweet as some. I liked this about it.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family? A healthy alternative to fizzy drinks, with less sweetness.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks? Low sugar content. Flavour.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola? Probably unlikely to as I didn't enjoy drinking it that much. I do like the concept of it though.

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free? Yes, as that may improve the overall taste of 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? Very important. I love the idea of it.

• 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 no-aspartame element of it. I thought it tasted nice, more citrusy than real Coke, like a nice own-brand cola. Everyone liked it although taste wise it wouldn’t be my first choice. But no sweetener aftertaste either. Nice and fizzy too.

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

As a good more natural alternative to diet cola drinks.

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

I prefer something a bit more natural although this is hard to find - real fruit flavours etc.

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

Not really something we’re looking to do actively but I’m open to trying alternatives where they taste good.

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

I’d love a cherry version, I think that would taste really good actually.

• 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 love buying from uk independent companies, that’s a real plus for me, and the sustainability part is great too.

• 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?

Liked that it was fizzy. Tasted like cheap full fat Coke, bit of an aftertaste. Packaging reminded me of Coca-Cola.

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

A small sacrifice on taste but a healthy alternative to Coca Cola

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

Taste, ingredients, price

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

Not at all

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

Yes - I think lemon or lime versions would be nice

• 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 product needs to have equivalent taste

• 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 that it has no artificial sweetners

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

a better alternative coke to Diet cola

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

I choose ones without sweetners or with a natural flavouring

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

my son is vegetarian, and I am flexitarian so are always looking for better options

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

would love a cherry cola which has no additives

• 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 like that there are ethical companies and it is good to support independent companies

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? The packaging is really pretty and I like the design.
I love the ethos around a healthier lifestyle and vegetarian ingredients.

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

Great idea but it’s not the best in taste experiences. I really want to love Stevia but it leaves a bitter aftertaste in any drink I taste with it.

• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks? Low sugar, natural ingredients.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola? Yes, definitely. I would love out family to be vegan. That’s my aim, and I use vegan food where and whenever I can.

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

Yes I’d like to try 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 that all companies use eco friendly packaging and healthy, natural ingredients.

Hi this is my first test so please be kind.
I was sent 4 full size cans of green cola to test my overall opinion of this cola was good it has so many good thing going for it
1 natural caffeine from green coffee bean.
2 no sugar
3 low calorie drink
There are many reasons why I liked this cola. I have 4 children i did a blind test with this cola and there usually cola drink and 3 out of the 4 actually chose the green cola as the one they liked the best. I liked the taste and was please that it never left a sweetener taste in my mouth after I drank it I also liked that it was not over fizzy so did quench my thirst. I did feel that the look of the can made me think it was made by a different cola brand and if I didnt know about the green cola brand I would assume it was made by them so would probably not purchased it at a slightly higher price than I normally pay but now I have tried it I definitely would and would recommend to others.

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 idea that its made from natural ingredients, even down to the caffeine.
Tastewise it was ok but reminded me of the cheap rolla-cola my nan used to get.

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

A healthier alternative with natural ingredients.

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

Sugar content

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

We have no plans to go vegan or veggie but having the option there is a bonus.

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

Cherry and lemon sound nice. I like the coca cola and coke zero cherry so would be interested in trying those.

• 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 definitely important that companies try to find greener, more sustainable ways to make their products so it's good to see this on the market.

Taste perception - very satisfactory - looks and tastes like the well known brand cola drink, albeit the diet version as less sweet ( this is a good thing and everyone agreed - the diet version being the cola of choice in household - everyone agreed same taste). Refreshing ice cold. Would describe as refreshing cola drink - healthier, environmentally friendly - tastes like a diet cola.
Love that :- no artificial sweetener/ green coffee beans/ more environmentally friendly.
Look for drinks that are particularly aspartame free.
Some members of household are vegetarian/vegan so we mingle products in any event.
Would love cherry version - popular cola drink in household.
Environmental issues hugely important.
Would purchase.

• 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 enjoyed it, I thought it was tasty and it quenched my thirst. It felt healthier!

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family? A delicious, natural alternative to other fizzy drinks!
• What are the most important factors you look for when selecting healthier options in soft drinks?

I don’t usually go for soft drinks but sometimes I really fancy one. Because they are so rare I don’t really look for a healthier alternative because I view it as a treat.

• To what extent are you and your family looking to switch to vegan / vegetarian alternatives such as Green Cola? Not really at all.
• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free? Definitely 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

• 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 wasn’t very keen on the taste. I like that it has better for you ingredients but the taste was a little bland and it didn’t really taste of anything at all.

• How would you describe Green Cola to your friends and family? Healthier alternative to the leading brands of cola on the market

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

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

• Would you be interested in other varieties from the Green Cola brand? If so, which? E.g. cherry, lemon, caffeine free? Not really

• 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 do agree it is important but also agree they need to taste good in order for me to switch from my existing brand.

• 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?

No aspartame or sugar is what drew me to trying this.
Taste was good, definitely an option if I did want to switch. It did taste different compared to other brands but not in a bad way.

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

Healthier alternative to coke.

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

Sugar free/low sugar.

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

We're not really. I'm more drawn to this because of the no aspartame and no sugar.

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

Caffeine free, lemon, lime.

• 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. Every company should be moving towards more ethical and sustainable products. And where I can I like to support small businesses - however price is a big factor as I'm not well off so can't always if the price is a lot different.

Thanks for letting us test this.

• 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?

At first, I thought it tasted very similar to Pepsi Max which I don't like so I wasn't overly impressed by the taste. However, this similarity didn't last and it eventually seemed closer to Diet Coke which I drink regularly. I thought it was really fizzy and refreshing. I also like that you can drink it without feeling guilty because you aren't having sugar or artificial sweeteners. This is the first cola drink I wouldn't mind giving my children sometimes.

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

I would describe it as a healthier alternative to other cola brands that doesn't include any harmful ingredients and that you could let your children have sometimes.

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

No sugar
No artificial sweeteners if possible although I will compromise on this if I have to
Refreshing and nice taste

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

Over the last few years we have been gradually cutting down on animal products and trying to live in a more sustainable way. I don't think we will ever be vegetarians but we do have meat free days regularly. Therefore, I do look for products that allow us to live in this way more easily and this product would interest me for these reasons as well as how it tastes

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

I usually prefer the original cola taste but I sometimes drink a cherry diet coke so I would welcome this flavour but wouldn't drink any other varieties.

• 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 important in all areas so if a drinks company can add to this I can only see it as positive. However, I wouldn't consider soft drinks companies to be an area where urgent improvement is needed although I haven't done much research into this particular industry.

Thanks for letting us try these drinks! They are definitely something I will look out for now and will buy again.

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

A healthier option that still tastes good!

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

That it still tastes good!

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

We arent vegan but healthier options are always a good idea!

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

Yes! Cherry, lemon, lime or orange? Any citrusy is good 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?

A really good idea to be sustainable so a move in the right direction for this brand!

Overall a lovely, refreshing drink
Doesn't taste like other flavours but still tasty and refreshing and the fact it's natural and sustainable all seem like great selling points!
Overall really impressed and will be on the lookout for it in supermarkets near me! X

• 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 liked the concept of Green Cola, in particular the zero sugar and use of Stevia a natural sweetener, I also liked that it’s a family business. However neither myself or my husband liked the taste, I found it far too sweet and we both felt it had a nasty aftertaste.

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

An alternative diet drink using Stevia rather than the chemical sweeteners.

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

Taste and ideally no artificial sweeteners, I wish they’d make alternatives with just less sugar in.

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

It wasn’t something we’d given a great deal of thought too.

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

No 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 it’s fairly important as long as it doesn’t affect prices.

• 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 the freshness of the drink and was a lot similar to full sugar versions without losing the taste too much and i liked the fact it didn't taste of artificial sugars like some diet drink alternatives. I was pleasantly surprised having always preferred classic coca cola.

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

Quite a refreshing enjoyable drink

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

Artificial ingredients and sugar content

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

We aren't specifically but wouldn't rule out varying our options.

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

No

• 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