Coke with coffee is (finally) here

The product is made with Brazilian coffee and comes in dark blend, vanilla and caramel flavors. There is also a calorie-free zero-sugar version. Each 12 gram can contains 69 milligrams of caffeine. This is about half as much as in a 12-cup coffee, but much more than in a can of cola.

The new product arrives at a time when Coca-Cola (KO) focuses on its core products, including Coke and Coke Zero Sugar. Last year, the company announced plans to halve its portfolio, halting brands such as Tab and Odwalla to focus on its strongest.

Now it seems that Americans are finally ready.

Brandan Strickland, the brand manager of the Coca-Cola brand in North America, spent about two years testing the latest product in the United States.

“It’s not just testing a product and a formula, but also making sure we have the right packaging so we really understand what consumers want in the drink,” he said. The formula for Coke with coffee differs from region to region to suit local tastes.

Coke with Coffee is designed to find customers who are looking for a caffeine delivery in the afternoon, which is an alternative to regular coffee or regular Coke. People may now, more than ever, feel the need for a boost, Strickland said, with the pandemic forcing many people to work while caring for children and other family members.