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Comment by 7thaccount | Hacker News Reader

I've never had New Coke, but heard it was good. Can anyone speak to the flavor?

When I visited Coke’s HQ in Atlanta and did the public tour, there was a section where you can sample all the different Coke flavors from all around the world.

I asked about New Coke and the guide gave me a sour look. I guess the question gets asked really frequently.

I bought some as part of the Stranger Things promotion, so assuming it actually does match the original recipe, it was pretty good. I did blind taste tests with the rest of the family and everyone picked New Coke as their preferred flavour. I guess the best way to describe it is it seemed a bit sweeter (but not more sugary), in the same way Tab had a sweeter flavor profile compared to Diet Coke.

Strangely, in blind taste tests, a majority of folks chose Diet Pepsi over all the others (all other Pepsi; all other Coke). Which shows, soft drink preferences are largely cultural?

Very interesting, while I do not like the flavor of Pepsi, I do crave Diet Pepsi every once in awhile, even though I normally prefer Coke products. I thought maybe I was the only one.

As far as colas go, Diet Pepsi has a decent flavor profile; it's sweet but not cloying or syrupy. And it has enough of whatever acids or other flavorings to mask / distract from the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners.

That's the one thing that hurts Diet Coke, I think, particularly if it isn't cold.

Strange thing that your comment reminded me of. I can't see the phrase Diet Pepsi without picturing Ray Charles. From the commercials from the late 80s and early 90s.

Also grabbed it as I was pretty sure it's the only chance I'd ever get to try it.

Reminded me of Pepsi a lot, like a Pepsi made by Coke. Much lighter and sweeter tasting. Honestly probably would have done well if they hadn't used Coke branding on it.

Personally I like cane sugar Coke, or stevia Coke over it. Fun fact Coke is the one beverage I know of that you can buy with five different sweeteners: - Cane sugar - High Fructose Corn Syrup - aspartame - aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Coke Zero) - stevia

Mexican Coke has cane sugar and it definitely seems more pleasant and less syrupy

I remember it not being bad, and being preferred by my dad, who was a Pepsi drinker. However, I've always been a Coke person, and it didn't live up to Classic. That said, it probably could have been successful under a different brand name.

It tastes a bit like Diet Coke but with normai sweetener instead of artificial sweetener.

New Coke was much better then old coke!

I find Coca Cola "Classic" undrinkable. Too tart, for my taste.

you've at least heard it being more like Pepsi right?

Yes, I remember reading it was meant to be closer to Pepsi, but have never heard it verified.

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