How well do you know your favourite Coke?

Ever wondered what year Coca‑Cola first hit the shelves? Are you familiar with the taste difference between Diet Coke and Coke with Stevia? Can you name the Coke that made sales records after the packaging changed from white to black?

Here’s a quick guide to the family of Coke:

1. THE CLASSIC COCA-COLA

Born: The first born was created more than 125 years ago, in 1886, by Atlanta pharmacist John Pemberton. First bottled in Australia in 1938.

Did you know ― Coca‑Cola co-sponsored the first truly international broadcast – the landing on the moon?

When Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became the first two humans to walk on the moon in 1969, there was another first ― the Coca‑Cola co-sponsored the broadcast of the Apollo XI Moon Shot, from take-off July 16 through moon landing July 20, to splash-down July 24. The meant that Coca‑Cola was the first product of its kind ever advertised on international television.

Of course, the other important “first” was for television, because people in major markets around the world got to see the whole thing live on TV, from the comfort of their living room.

And… did you know that the abbreviation “Coke” was used for the first time in magazine ads in 1941.

Over the years the abbreviation has appeared in a variety of slogans, like “Coke is it” and “Coke adds Life”, and in one of the most iconic commercials of all time, the 1971 “Hilltop” ad ― “I’d like to buy the world a Coke.”

Taste: Nothing beats the taste of Coca‑Cola. Designed to go with everything, the taste of the original Coke has remained unchanged in over 131 years. 

Fan base: Coca‑Cola is loved around the world by people of all ages.

2. THE 80s KID ― DIET COKE

Born: The launch of Diet Coke, the first extension of the Coca‑Cola trademark, was a top secret affair, which coincided with the 100th Anniversary of Coca‑Cola.

Diet Coke was officially introduced to the world at Radio City, NYC in 1982 with the Rockette dancers. It launched in Australia one year later. By the end of 1986 it became the world’s top low kilojoule drink.

Did you know ― Diet Coke made history as the first additional trademarked Coca‑Cola, launched 100 years after the original.

With such a rich heritage, landmark birthdays are to be expected.

In 2013, Australia celebrated Diet Coke’s 30th with a remake the iconic 1990’s Diet Coke Hunk ad, this time featuring Aussie model and carpenter, Matt Wilson. The campaign proved a hit with Aussie fans, helping to launch Matt’s acting career on popular soap, Neighbours.

Famous fashion collaborations have also made this Coke a pop-culture icon. Diet Coke’s packaging has been outfitted in limited addition designs by Jean Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Matthew Williamson, Patricia Field, Marc Jacobs and most recently by London-based luxury designer Jonathan Anderson.

Taste: Distinct, unique and a lighter taste to Coca‑Cola.

Fan base: Diet Coke is especially loved by women.

3. AUSSIE HERO ― COKE ZERO

Born: First launched in North America in 2005, and a year later in Australia.

Did you know ― Coke Zero is Coca‑Cola’s second most popular drink and Australia is credited with launching its success?

When Coke Zero launched in the United States, it debuted with white packaging. It was thought that white cans and bottles would help the brand stand out on supermarket shelves. But the new design did not ignite the market.

So Coca‑Cola Australia shook things up, launching their Coke Zero in the now familiar black bottle. The black packaging was an instant hit in Australia and New Zealand. Coke Zero – originally dubbed “Bloke Coke” due to its popularity with males – sold three times more than expected in its first year. Not surprisingly, the US followed suit, switching to black packaging globally.

Taste: Closer in taste to the original Coke but with zero sugar.

Fan base: Coke Zero is loved by both men and women.

4. LESS SUGAR, REAL TASTE ― COKE LIFE 

Born: First launched in Argentina in 2013 and in Australia early 2015.

Did you know ― Stevia, which helped sweeten Coke Life, has been used for its sweetness for hundreds of years throughout parts of the Amazon?

A plant in the chrysanthemum family, the stevia leaf is a unique source of intense natural sweetness that grows in the Amazon Jungle on the border of Paraguay and Brazil in South America, as well as other parts of the world including Asia and Africa. With zero kilojoules and 200 times the sweetness of sugar, the locals eat it raw, include it in their tea and use it in their cooking. 

Taste: Coke Life had the great taste you would expect from Coca‑Cola but with 35% less sugar and kilojoules, compared to the original.

Fan base: People who wanted to save on kilojoules.

5. HALF THE SUGAR – COKE WITH STEVIA

Born: First launched in Australia in February 2017.

Did you know - dried stevia leaves are soaked in water to unlock the best-tasting, sweet substance found in the leaf. 

Coca‑Cola with Stevia is an evolution of Coca‑Cola Life and forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to offer lower sugar options.

Previously, Coke Life had 35 per cent less sugar than Coca‑Cola Classic. Now Coke with Stevia has half the sugar of Coca‑Cola Classic.

Taste: Coke with Stevia is suitable for those that love the taste of the classic Coca‑Cola with even less sugar and kilojoules.

Fan base: People who want to save on kilojoules.

5. THE NEW KID – COKE NO SUGAR

Born: First launched in Australia in June 2017.

Did you know – The Coca‑Cola team conducted 18 separate consumer trials before finally cracking it.

Coke No Sugar became a new permanent member of the Coca‑Cola family in Australia June 2017.

Coke No Sugar was created after more than five years of research, recipe mixing and flavour trials.

Taste: We think it’s the closest ever flavour to the classic taste of Coca‑Cola.

Fan Base: Lovers of the original taste who would like a no sugar option.

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