There are a handful of words recognised globally in this world of 7100 living languages.
‘OK’ is one, ‘hello’, another. And Coca-Cola? Some say it is the second most known term on any landmass you find yourself on.
Surprising? Well, no. Coke is among the most successful soft drinks on earth, found in Parisian cafes to Vietnamese drinks vendors pedalling cold cans on a bicycle. Despite its ubiquity, the recipe for the drink, invented some 140 years ago by a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia, remains a closely-guarded secret. Whispers on the internet suggest just two people alive know the exact formula, but however many it is, one thing’s for sure: the group is select.
For those so inclined, there are plenty of facts to unearth about Coca-Cola. Everyone knows about the early version of the drink containing (extremely light) traces of cocaine, but did you know it was the very first beverage to be drunk in space? The crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger did so in 1985, though it is unknown if they took a can or a bottle.
Coca-Cola may have started out with one recipe, but over time, it’s grown and morphed to suit shifting palettes. Alongside Diet and Zero, there are caffeine-free versions and additional flavour options like Cherry, Raspberry and Vanilla. And let us not forget Coca-Cola BlāK, a short-lived flavour (2006 - 2008) that tasted of coffee, and the limited edition Starlight Coke, inspired by the flavours of space (nope, me neither).
Everyone has a preferred Coke option, with restaurants and cafes often taking slightly varying Coke orders, all from the same table. As for the Continent? Well, they seem to have closed the door on Diet Coke altogether.
Which one is top of the pops? Well, the ES Best shopping team is here to decide that. We’ve lined up the best Coca-Cola flavours you can find in the UK, and ranked them from the best to the worst. Agree or disagree? Well, that’s what the comments are for.
See our musings below
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Coca Cola Zero Sugar 24 x 330ml Cans
There's nothing like the sweetness and fizz of a Coke Zero surging down your throat when you're parched. Even better knowing there are no calories to atone for later.
When sale prices make each can pennies compared to the high street's pounds, I buy these on bulk whenever they're on sale.
They taste better from a can, and having them in single servings ensures I don't exceed my self-imposed daily quota.
Buy now £8.07, Amazon
Coca-Cola Original Taste 24 x 330 ml
While I'm Coke Zero till I die, when one is hungover, there's nothing like the full-sugar remedy of an OG Coke.
The classic can revives almost instantaneously, the fizz triggering a second wind. Just what the doctor ordered.
Buy now £14.48, Amazon
Diet Coke Can Cola, Tray 330 ml (Pack of 24)
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The opening of a can of DC is contagious; have you ever heard that hiss-crack and not wanted one? I've tried, but resistance is futile.
Purists swear they can tell the difference between this and Zero, but for the less fussy, they are interchangeable.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon
Jack Daniel's and Coca Cola RTD can
With park picnics and festivals back in weekend plans, the search is on for the tinnie to quench your thirst.
While Jack Daniel's has offered a cola pairing before, this is the first time it's teamed up with Coca-Cola on a pre-mixed ready-to-swig can. Expertly balanced, the smooth sweet tastes of the two iconic brands complement each other perfectly. There's also a zero sugar version available in the UK. Your new festival must-have.
Buy now £2.15, Tesco
Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry 8 x 330ml
A guilt-free cherry cola? When the sun is shining, this hits just right. Love rum? This makes a stellar mixer, bringing out the sweet sunny flavours.
Buy now £4.04, Amazon
Coca-Cola Lemon 8 x 330ml
Feel like you’re on a beach break even if you haven’t gone further than your back garden. Spiked with lemon, this flavoured Coke tastes best in summer, sipped from a tall glass with as much ice as you can cram into it.
Buy now £5.51, Amazon
Coca-Cola Lime 8x330ml
Prefer sharper citrussy notes? Reach for this red and green can, a lesser-spotted Coke flavour but tasty all the same.
Buy now £5.85, Amazon
Diet Coke No Caffeine, 24 x 330 ml
Some would argue that caffeine is one of the main draws of Coke, but if you’re trying to watch your intake, switch to this free-from version. Fans have called it their ‘life force” and noted how similar it tastes to the OG recipe.
Buy now £10.68, Amazon
Coca-Cola Vanilla 12 Pack Of 355ml Cans
Turns out you can have too much of a good thing. Sweet Coke dialled up with sweet vanilla is reminiscent of Coke floats, where a glass of the stuff would be, inexplicably, topped with a scoop of ice cream. This is cloying to the point of feeling suffocating. Hard pass.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
