It’s not every day that a new Coke flavor drops. Scratch that. It is practically every day that new Coke flavors drop (it seems like we’ve tried dozens of Coca-Cola Creations releases in the past year or so), but what is rare is that a new flavor of Coke joins Coca-Cola’s permanent lineup. Like, if you really loved the Coke that tasted like “transformation” or the one that was concocted by AI, sorry, but those are limited edition. Presumably, Coca-Cola is very choosy about the flavors that join the ranks of Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Cherry Coke. And that’s part of what’s so interesting about the newest permanent flavors of Coca-Cola, arriving on shelves as we speak: Coca-Cola Spiced and Coca-Cola Spiced Zero Sugar.
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Coca-Cola with some added spice sounds pretty cool, but there’s more to this flavor. The can describes it as “raspberry spiced,” which I think is confusing. Is it Coke that’s simply been spiced up with raspberry flavor? No. It’s a combo of unnamed spices and raspberry flavoring. According to the brand’s North American VP of marketing, there’s a method to this flavor madness. Sue Lynne Cha told CNN that the new Coke flavor was borne of research indicating that there’s been an “increase in consumer willingness to try a spiced beverage,” as well as data that says a lot of people choose raspberry flavoring when they use Coke Freestyle machines—who knew they were monitoring us?! So, there you have it. Good ol’ fashioned market research and data gave us Spiced Coke. Is it good? Naturally, we tasted it to find out.
I read on the internet that there used to be a straight-up Raspberry Coke that was launched in New Zealand in 2005 and discontinued shortly thereafter. And listen, I don’t purport to know more about people’s soda proclivities than Sue Lynne Cha, but after trying this new Coke flavor, I can’t help but think they should have just released a plain Raspberry Coke here in the U.S., hold the spice. Coca-Cola Spiced smells like Sun-Ripened Raspberry from Bath & Body Works and definitely gives raspberry up front, but it settles into something much stranger. As the raspberry settles on your palate, the “spice” flavor hits you in the nose. It’s very medicinal, especially when the soda is super cold. My colleague Justine Sterling likened it to the taste of a Ricola cough drop, and she’s totally right (Chloraseptic was my first stab at identifying it). Weirdly, this new Coke flavor becomes a lot more palatable as the can sits. I took a few more sips once it was closer to room temp and it tasted much better. But I’m sure you agree that soda should taste good ice cold.
This probably won’t be a huge surprise, but zero sugar Spiced Coke tastes like the sugar-full version, but slightly sweeter because of the aspartame. The experience of drinking it is the same. You get raspberry up front, and then the spice, which is tough to identify. I still can’t put a finger on what spices we’re dealing with here. If I were to revisit Spiced Coke, I’d be more likely to grab the Zero Sugar version, but only because I don’t feel like this flavor is compelling enough to warrant consuming the 41 grams of sugar that are in the full-sugar version. But mostly I think I’ll stick to Raspberry Coke from my AMC Theatres Freestyle machine.
Howdy! I’m Gwynedd, Sporked’s managing editor. I live in Los Angeles and have access to the best tacos the U.S. has to offer—but I’m a sucker for a crunchy Old El Paso taco night every now and then. I’ve been at Sporked since 2022 and I’m still searching frozen mozzarella sticks that can hold a candle to restaurant sticks.
Why you should trust me: I’ve been a journalist for 20 years (yikes), a consumer of food for 40-plus years, and I’m truly hard pressed to think of foods I don’t like (or that I can’t tolerate at the very least). Oh and one time I cooked my way through Guy Fieri’s cookbook and wrote about the journey through Flavortown.
What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s Original Savory Thins. Fat free plain yogurt (usually Fage or Nancy’s). Honeycrisp apples. Sweet cream coffee creamer for my at-home Americanos. A frozen cauliflower crust pizza and some jarred mushrooms to top it with. Old El Paso Stand ‘N Stuff taco shells and Gardein Ground Be’f, even though I think “be’f” is a nightmarish contraction.
Favorite ranking: Stouffer’s frozen dinners. I don’t own a microwave (I get my cancers the old fashioned way!), so I love taste testing things that I don’t really buy to eat at home.
Least favorite ranking: Soy sauce. Don’t get me wrong, I love soy sauce—but consuming that much sodium in one sitting is probably illegal in some countries. Our frozen enchilada taste test was a close second; the smell of microwaved corn tortillas still haunts me.
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!
Well I guess I don’t get out and about enough LOL because I had no idea that there was such a thing as Coca-Cola Spiced. That’s pretty weird because Coca-Cola is my all time favorite pop to drink SO much that if I don’t have a couple maybe three or four of them a day you can most definitely tell lol. So I don’t know how in the world I miss that. So first thing tomorrow I am definitely going and find a place that sells it and get me a couple lol, providing they’re still around I should say 🤞🤞 However I do NOT like flavored pops of any kind and I have yet to taste one that I do like. Not vanilla not cherry or other fruity or vanilla flavors in my pop. Otherwise YES I absolutely love raspberry and Cherry and All the other fruit flavors and vanila , (I Love All Fruits in general ) a whole lot but by themselves LOL. Although raspberry is probably my fav I just don’t know about it being in my Coke Cola, Anyways.. I just heard on the TV show World News that after introducing the spiced flavored Coca-Cola and in just only a few short months the soda giant Coca-Cola was going to eventually discontinue their spiced flavored pop 🤯 I was somewhat shocked and I dropped everything I was doing and picked my phone up and asked my friend Google “Is it true that Coca-Cola has a flavor called SPICED and if so is it true that they’re discontinuing it and why” and Google confirmed Coke a Cola does have a flavored Coca-Cola called spiced Coca-Cola but they are going to start phasing out the spiced flavor soda and start a new flavor of Coca-Cola in 2025. Spiced flavored Coca-Cola was mostly targeted more towards the younger crowd and they found that the younger consumers we’re interested more in the healthier options. That’s a real bummer, I’m not old by any means but I’m not a millennial either LOL and I love Coca-Cola and I know a lot of people that do as well,; its really too bad they couldn’t keep it around for the rest of us. I’m not even sure about it yet myself since I wasn’t aware it existed so I haven’t had the chance to try but that’s about to change LOL. It’s the first thing on my to do list tomorrow and I am excited to taste this new flavor of Coca-Cola and I can’t wait. Good word, whether I do or don’t care for it as long as they don’t mess around and change anything about the Original Coca-Cola it’ll all be good. Sincerely, ❤️🤍 My Coke-Cola
Love Zero Sugar Spiced Raspberry Coke. But it’s getting hard to find, which I’m very not happy about. All the grandchildren love it, and my kids do too. So if it’s not available, I buy Zero Sugar Dr. Pepper, Strawberry and Creme. Not as good, but close.
Horrible , rancid , taste bud assaulting , and this is just the beginning . Front of can states below RASPBERRY SPICED COKE – ” AND OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS” . The catch word here being NATURAL . There is nothing NATURAL in that can , except maybe just maybe the 82% DV of high fructose corn syrup ( and that is questionable ) . Living in farm country I know natural flavor . The raspberry in that can has the bouquet of Bath & Bodyworks and the finish of some CHEAP raspberry bubble gum . Thirty minutes ( maybe twenty five ) after drinking that swill I was still tasting after-taste , Nature nor anything natural will not do that , lab created flavor will . I don’t know , maybe being older than millenials or Gen Z ( I am NOT taking a shot here just age comparison ) my senses are just tuned differently . I come from the generation of the ORIGINAL lemon and ORIGINAL cherry coke . In late 60’s early 70’s and beyond in some small towns the local drug store usually had a sit down counter where you could buy ice cream sundays milkshakes etc . The favorites though were a tall mug of coke with either real lemon or cherry syrup placed in bottom of glass before adding the coke from a true soda fountain . Here is something to google …………. the world famous Coke Float …….. or the Hires Rootbeer Float , Ohhh for love of ice cream . I hope the powers that be at Coca Cola DO NOT decide to try their hand at synthesizing vanilla ice cream flavor , Remember Coca Cola Company it is MY idea ! we can work out a deal .
I’ve been a loyal Coke drinker for many many years. Stuck it out no matter what you did. But this Spice is NASTY. Tastes like dish soap is added. OR cheap perfume. Limited income and all I poured 5 bottles down the drain. Oh & it smells too.
Coke Zero Spiced is great and many people enjoy it but it’s only available a few stores. The raspberry spice does not take over the flavor of coke Zero.
Coke Spiced and Diet Coke Spiced (I tried both of them on a road trip last week) are flavors that never should have been produced. There is nothing about either one that I liked, and certainly I would never buy either again. It was like drinking Alka-Seltzer with a weird floral and spice artificial flavoring added to it.
It’s weird to want something to go away because you don’t like it. I LOVE it and I’m so bummed it’s been discontinued. But congratulations, you got what you wanted.
Coke has been my drink of choice for over 30 years. I am also a raspberry lover, so I was excited about this new flavor. My initial reaction? “Disappointment.”
I gave it a couple minutes, and tried it again. “Syrupy sweet. Undrinkable, Doesn’t even closely resemble a Coke product.” Have yet to hear anyone say anything good about it.
I’m not into raspberry’s flavors but i want to tase it just to see myself what the taste is like everyone tells there story and everyone had a different taste so can’t go by that.
It’s not bad enough to dump it out, but the 2l bottle I bought will probably be perfectly flat before I finish it. I wish I’d bought a smaller size. C’est la vie.
Sorry this flavor in Zero Spice Coke after buying a 12 pack was a nightmare. I had to drink the whole thing by myself. Because know one liked it. I’ll stick with your other flavors. This is the first time I left a comment on any flavors. Thank you for your patience.
Just bought it today, when the price FINALLY dropped below regular Coke Zero, which is my “go to” brand these days — Coke LIME would be my favorite, but I can only get it in Wendy’s self-serve machine. Anyhow — the Coke Spiced reminds me of something between my dad’s Old Spice after shave and my grandmother’s scented drawers. DEFINITELY not a good flavor. 3 generations including 14-year-old twin boys and 17-year old Coke-loving granddaughter are totally in agreement. Bought 12-pk of Coke Spiced and 12 pk of Coke Spiced Zero Sugar. Still can taste it a half hour after finishing…definite sachets in my mouth tonight!
Personally i think it tastes like someone stirred a tablespoon of Linzer Torte filling into my can of soda. I didnt hate it but wasn’t wild it and probably wont buy it again
Just tried a can of the Spiced Raspberry Coke Zero- tastes like the air smells when you go into a LUSH store.
Sweet Raspberry with Peppery and Cardamom at first, and leaves a mild incense after taste.
I’d much prefer that coca-cola brought back their cinnamon flavored coca-cola that was available during Christmas pre-pandemic. Not sure why you’d flavor a fruit like raspberry with spice. Thanks for reviewing!
Wow! I really love the zero sugar Coke Spice. I liked the regular version well enough but the zero sugar Coke I find waaaayyy more palatable. It seems smoother and not as sickeningly sweet. The Coke Zero version is tasty and very fresh tasting. My family thinks this is delicious. Please don’t stop selling this. It seems everytime I become attached to some new flavor it gets cancelled never to be seen again. Please keep selling this. Please???
Davey’s reason for loving Coke Spiced is exactly why it’s undrinkable to a Coke lover. It DOES taste like raspberry bubble gum! Who in their right mind would like that in a soda. It certainly isn’t refreshing.
Is it a drink or perfume? Has a perfume like after taste that lingers. It’s a big no for me. I agree with some posters, nyquil, bubble gum, someone said aftershave (must be the perfume after taste).
Well for the people in our home all came to the same decision. Kids did not like it after the first drink. For the two adults sorry to say that we will not be buying this flavour of coke again. I think it would be best without the spices.
I like the sugar version of “spiced”,but find it weird that the plastic bottles have a slight dark tinge to them. Hmmm,are the spices and raspberry flavorings that strong that they are permanently staining the plastic bottles,yikes. Oh well,at least it’s not nicotine,have a coke ‘n’ a smile people.
I liked it better than Cherry Coke and it’s a good change of pace for me since for some reason Vanilla Coke Zero is only available occasionally at one supermarket chain and Walmart in my area now. As for the flavor, I found it to be VERY raspberry forward; almost to the point of overpowering the Coke.flavor itself, but not quite. It is still there, in the background, along with the “spice”, which is a little bit of ginger, as far as my palette can tell.
I didnt like it as with most of the more recent Coke flavors. I was excited for this because it is supposed to rival Dr. Pepper and Pibb but not even close. Now to be fair my taste has been gone since December due to Covid but it’s about 50-60% now and the first thing I tasted was nutmeg or something similar and I instantly felt like this would’ve made more sense to put out around Christmas. I couldnt taste raspberry (Coke needs to just put out a raspberry Coke like they have in the freestyle machines). Sadly Coke Spiced was a letdown and I am surprised this will be a permanent flavor. Not sure how well it will sell. I honestly think Pepsi does a better job with newer flavors. I enjoyed their Peeps flavor last year.
Gwynedd Stuart
Vinz Karl
Justine Sterling
Please do not discontinue Coke Zero Spiced
I love the regular and the Coke Zero version
Well I guess I don’t get out and about enough LOL because I had no idea that there was such a thing as Coca-Cola Spiced. That’s pretty weird because Coca-Cola is my all time favorite pop to drink SO much that if I don’t have a couple maybe three or four of them a day you can most definitely tell lol. So I don’t know how in the world I miss that. So first thing tomorrow I am definitely going and find a place that sells it and get me a couple lol, providing they’re still around I should say 🤞🤞 However I do NOT like flavored pops of any kind and I have yet to taste one that I do like. Not vanilla not cherry or other fruity or vanilla flavors in my pop. Otherwise YES I absolutely love raspberry and Cherry and All the other fruit flavors and vanila , (I Love All Fruits in general ) a whole lot but by themselves LOL. Although raspberry is probably my fav I just don’t know about it being in my Coke Cola, Anyways.. I just heard on the TV show World News that after introducing the spiced flavored Coca-Cola and in just only a few short months the soda giant Coca-Cola was going to eventually discontinue their spiced flavored pop 🤯 I was somewhat shocked and I dropped everything I was doing and picked my phone up and asked my friend Google “Is it true that Coca-Cola has a flavor called SPICED and if so is it true that they’re discontinuing it and why” and Google confirmed Coke a Cola does have a flavored Coca-Cola called spiced Coca-Cola but they are going to start phasing out the spiced flavor soda and start a new flavor of Coca-Cola in 2025. Spiced flavored Coca-Cola was mostly targeted more towards the younger crowd and they found that the younger consumers we’re interested more in the healthier options. That’s a real bummer, I’m not old by any means but I’m not a millennial either LOL and I love Coca-Cola and I know a lot of people that do as well,; its really too bad they couldn’t keep it around for the rest of us. I’m not even sure about it yet myself since I wasn’t aware it existed so I haven’t had the chance to try but that’s about to change LOL. It’s the first thing on my to do list tomorrow and I am excited to taste this new flavor of Coca-Cola and I can’t wait. Good word, whether I do or don’t care for it as long as they don’t mess around and change anything about the Original Coca-Cola it’ll all be good. Sincerely, ❤️🤍 My Coke-Cola
Love Zero Sugar Spiced Raspberry Coke. But it’s getting hard to find, which I’m very not happy about. All the grandchildren love it, and my kids do too. So if it’s not available, I buy Zero Sugar Dr. Pepper, Strawberry and Creme. Not as good, but close.
Horrible , rancid , taste bud assaulting , and this is just the beginning . Front of can states below RASPBERRY SPICED COKE – ” AND OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS” . The catch word here being NATURAL . There is nothing NATURAL in that can , except maybe just maybe the 82% DV of high fructose corn syrup ( and that is questionable ) . Living in farm country I know natural flavor . The raspberry in that can has the bouquet of Bath & Bodyworks and the finish of some CHEAP raspberry bubble gum . Thirty minutes ( maybe twenty five ) after drinking that swill I was still tasting after-taste , Nature nor anything natural will not do that , lab created flavor will . I don’t know , maybe being older than millenials or Gen Z ( I am NOT taking a shot here just age comparison ) my senses are just tuned differently . I come from the generation of the ORIGINAL lemon and ORIGINAL cherry coke . In late 60’s early 70’s and beyond in some small towns the local drug store usually had a sit down counter where you could buy ice cream sundays milkshakes etc . The favorites though were a tall mug of coke with either real lemon or cherry syrup placed in bottom of glass before adding the coke from a true soda fountain . Here is something to google …………. the world famous Coke Float …….. or the Hires Rootbeer Float , Ohhh for love of ice cream . I hope the powers that be at Coca Cola DO NOT decide to try their hand at synthesizing vanilla ice cream flavor , Remember Coca Cola Company it is MY idea ! we can work out a deal .
Love Coke Zero Cherry
Coke Zero Spice is the WORST SOFT DRINK EVER!
WASTE OF 7.99. I WANT MY MONEY BACK! THIS IS ROBBERY!
Spice cola is the worst drink I have ever tasted
YUCK !!
Tastes like dish soap !!
Will not buy this EVER !!
It taste like the Salvation Army smells.
I’ve been a loyal Coke drinker for many many years. Stuck it out no matter what you did. But this Spice is NASTY. Tastes like dish soap is added. OR cheap perfume. Limited income and all I poured 5 bottles down the drain. Oh & it smells too.
Coke Zero Spiced is great and many people enjoy it but it’s only available a few stores. The raspberry spice does not take over the flavor of coke Zero.
There is no way someone liked that spice cola. Took what I bought to homeless shelter. They gave it back
Combine a a spiced Coke with a Tylenol and an Ibuprofen. Some 15 minutes later you will be having a pretty good time, except for the spiced Coke.
Coke Spiced and Diet Coke Spiced (I tried both of them on a road trip last week) are flavors that never should have been produced. There is nothing about either one that I liked, and certainly I would never buy either again. It was like drinking Alka-Seltzer with a weird floral and spice artificial flavoring added to it.
To me it smells and tastes like medicine. Wish CocaCola would do away with flavor!!
It’s weird to want something to go away because you don’t like it. I LOVE it and I’m so bummed it’s been discontinued. But congratulations, you got what you wanted.
Is the spiced flavour chai? I can’t figure it out. I like it though.
Coke has been my drink of choice for over 30 years. I am also a raspberry lover, so I was excited about this new flavor. My initial reaction? “Disappointment.”
I gave it a couple minutes, and tried it again. “Syrupy sweet. Undrinkable, Doesn’t even closely resemble a Coke product.” Have yet to hear anyone say anything good about it.
I’m not into raspberry’s flavors but i want to tase it just to see myself what the taste is like everyone tells there story and everyone had a different taste so can’t go by that.
It’s not bad enough to dump it out, but the 2l bottle I bought will probably be perfectly flat before I finish it. I wish I’d bought a smaller size. C’est la vie.
Spiced Coke is NASTY! I bought one bottle to try it. I took 2 swigs. That was enough. GROSS!
I love the spiced coke!!
I had a half bottle today and found it perfectly flavored. I rarely drink soda but actually may buy more of this one☺️😋
I f
Definitely tastes like cough syrup!
Sorry this flavor in Zero Spice Coke after buying a 12 pack was a nightmare. I had to drink the whole thing by myself. Because know one liked it. I’ll stick with your other flavors. This is the first time I left a comment on any flavors. Thank you for your patience.
Just bought it today, when the price FINALLY dropped below regular Coke Zero, which is my “go to” brand these days — Coke LIME would be my favorite, but I can only get it in Wendy’s self-serve machine. Anyhow — the Coke Spiced reminds me of something between my dad’s Old Spice after shave and my grandmother’s scented drawers. DEFINITELY not a good flavor. 3 generations including 14-year-old twin boys and 17-year old Coke-loving granddaughter are totally in agreement. Bought 12-pk of Coke Spiced and 12 pk of Coke Spiced Zero Sugar. Still can taste it a half hour after finishing…definite sachets in my mouth tonight!
Discusting. I actually waisted my money on this and had to throw it out. Gross product
Personally i think it tastes like someone stirred a tablespoon of Linzer Torte filling into my can of soda. I didnt hate it but wasn’t wild it and probably wont buy it again
The taste reminds me of the smell of my grandma’s poutpourri sachets.
Just tried a can of the Spiced Raspberry Coke Zero- tastes like the air smells when you go into a LUSH store.
Sweet Raspberry with Peppery and Cardamom at first, and leaves a mild incense after taste.
This one may go better with Vodka over ice.
My friend and I tried coke raspberry spice. We both think it tastes like Dawn dish soap smells! Terrible flavor!
Some of these comments are tripping. Nyquil? SOAP!? Where?
This tastes like Raspberry bubblegum and I LOVE it. It’s like a soda you’d get from one of those smaller brands that specialize in candy sodas.
I hope this is around to stay for a good while.
I think a lot of these peoples tongues are fried to be honest.
Lies this must be a bot spice cola is trash
I love it too!
How can you. Be honest.
I’d much prefer that coca-cola brought back their cinnamon flavored coca-cola that was available during Christmas pre-pandemic. Not sure why you’d flavor a fruit like raspberry with spice. Thanks for reviewing!
I missed the cinnamon flavored Coke, but by golly, I think that would be a winner!!
Wow! I really love the zero sugar Coke Spice. I liked the regular version well enough but the zero sugar Coke I find waaaayyy more palatable. It seems smoother and not as sickeningly sweet. The Coke Zero version is tasty and very fresh tasting. My family thinks this is delicious. Please don’t stop selling this. It seems everytime I become attached to some new flavor it gets cancelled never to be seen again. Please keep selling this. Please???
Tried the Coca Cola Spice does anyone taste this stuff before you market it. BAD
Speak for yourself, I LOVE this stuff. Tastes like Raspberry bubble gum.
This definitely did pass multiple taste testing from clients.
I think Davey waves taste buds left him!
Davey’s reason for loving Coke Spiced is exactly why it’s undrinkable to a Coke lover. It DOES taste like raspberry bubble gum! Who in their right mind would like that in a soda. It certainly isn’t refreshing.
taste like shampoo with cologne or something.
Is it a drink or perfume? Has a perfume like after taste that lingers. It’s a big no for me. I agree with some posters, nyquil, bubble gum, someone said aftershave (must be the perfume after taste).
You’ll like it if you like nyquil, taste just like it!
Tasted like Raspberry bubble gum. I hate gum!
Has the aftertaste is straight up Old Spice aftershave.
That was my SAME comment!! Reminded me of my dad!
I think your taste testers need to be replaced. The Spice Coke tasted like swamp water.
Well for the people in our home all came to the same decision. Kids did not like it after the first drink. For the two adults sorry to say that we will not be buying this flavour of coke again. I think it would be best without the spices.
I like the sugar version of “spiced”,but find it weird that the plastic bottles have a slight dark tinge to them. Hmmm,are the spices and raspberry flavorings that strong that they are permanently staining the plastic bottles,yikes. Oh well,at least it’s not nicotine,have a coke ‘n’ a smile people.
It was like drinking pepto bismol and a Christmas candle. Disgusting!
This is nasty it taste like soap or body wash please take it off the market.
NUH-UH. This Raspberry bubblegum flavour is Delicious!
Hope this stays for years!
I enjoy this new offering, and as long as you don’t compare it to Dr. Pepper (of which it was never to compete against) I think you’ll like it.
I liked it better than Cherry Coke and it’s a good change of pace for me since for some reason Vanilla Coke Zero is only available occasionally at one supermarket chain and Walmart in my area now. As for the flavor, I found it to be VERY raspberry forward; almost to the point of overpowering the Coke.flavor itself, but not quite. It is still there, in the background, along with the “spice”, which is a little bit of ginger, as far as my palette can tell.
I didnt like it as with most of the more recent Coke flavors. I was excited for this because it is supposed to rival Dr. Pepper and Pibb but not even close. Now to be fair my taste has been gone since December due to Covid but it’s about 50-60% now and the first thing I tasted was nutmeg or something similar and I instantly felt like this would’ve made more sense to put out around Christmas. I couldnt taste raspberry (Coke needs to just put out a raspberry Coke like they have in the freestyle machines). Sadly Coke Spiced was a letdown and I am surprised this will be a permanent flavor. Not sure how well it will sell. I honestly think Pepsi does a better job with newer flavors. I enjoyed their Peeps flavor last year.
I don’t think they are tasting before ramping up to sell