Coca-Cola Discontinues Spiced Flavor After Six Months Due to Low Consumer Demand

Coca-Cola is discontinuing its Spiced flavor just six months after its launch due to poor consumer response. Despite being marketed as a bold innovation, the raspberry-infused soda failed to attract lasting attention, prompting the company to shift its focus toward new flavor launches in 2025.

Coca-Cola Spiced, Launched as a Bold Innovation in February, to Be Discontinued After Six Months

Coca-Cola's initiatives to broaden its brand portfolio are proceeding differently than anticipated.

Coca-Cola Spiced, introduced to store shelves six months ago, is scheduled to be discontinued by the company due to its failure to attract consumers. The news is particularly significant because, in February, Coke conducted a grand launch for the product, announcing that it would be the first new permanent flavor to be added to its North American portfolio in over three years.

Coca-Cola Spiced was not a peppery beverage, despite its name. Instead, it provided a sudden surge of raspberry flavors accompanied by spices. Audiences may have been misled into believing that the product's name intensified the flavor. "The company stated at the time of its launch that Coca-Cola Spiced is not spicy, but it is our most daring brand innovation to date."

Based on data from the Coke Freestyle drink dispensers, Coca-Cola Spiced selected a raspberry flavor to appeal to a Generation Z audience. Customers selected that flavor over five million times in 2022.

A spokesperson for Coca-Cola assured Fortune, "We are consistently evaluating the preferences of our consumers and adjusting our product line accordingly." Understanding consumer preferences led us to discontinue Coca-Cola Spiced and prepare to introduce a novel flavor in 2025 as part of our strategy.

Despite Spiced's short lifespan, Coca-Cola remains committed to introducing innovative flavors. The recent introduction of an Oreo-flavored cola and the unique Happy Tears Zero Sugar, a mystery-flavored, salt—and mineral-infused product, demonstrate our dedication to pushing the boundaries of beverage innovation.

Coca-Cola Faces Health-Conscious Gen Z Preferences as Pepsi's Popularity Surges in Competitive Market

The soda manufacturer faces a challenge in that Gen Z is more health-conscious, which has benefited soft drink companies that promote health benefits. Pepsi has also experienced a surge in popularity, with some analysts predicting that it could soon regain the title of the highest-valued beverage company.

Although Coca-Cola Spiced's existence was brief, it was still substantially longer than the company's attempt to modify the formula of its flagship beverage in 1985. "New Coke" was only available for 79 days.