Vanilla Coke

INTRODUCTION

Vanilla Coke was launched in late 2002 amidst much fun and fanfare. It was getting a humongous response that Pepsi was somewhat speechless. Vanilla Coke was having such a welcome that many did not expect. This was totally contrary to the consequences of 1985 when Coke launched “New Coke”-rejected by the people. Pepsi launched Vanilla Pepsi etc. However, people realized the fact and in 6 months, the sales dropped approximately 66.1 % (So I hear) and VC was brought to ground by the people.

Why was VC having such a response? Is the drink so nice? Is the drink addictive? Is it good? I shall try to elaborate in this review.

Personally, I feel that VC is a nice drink. I am no big fan of soft drinks myself. Occasionally I have it as a time pass. I have no other go in parties, as I am a teetotaler. I completely buy the idea of soft drinks being hazardous to health. After all they are all chemicals anyways. Thinks of mixing a set of chemicals from your old chemistry lab and drink. What will happen to you? Will you survive? Well, that’s another question, if you correlate it to food. It is better to listen to Nutritionists, as I am no doctor myself.

I liked the taste of VC immensely, when it was originally launched. After 10 or 15 cups over 2-3 months I felt it was just another ordinary drink on the block. Do read on my review

HISTORY

Vanilla

Vanilla is an essence from the seedpods of Vanilla orchids (Vanilla planifolia). Vanillin (The chemical name of Vanilla) is 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde. Thus, vanilla essence is an aldehyde(CHO) by itself. Vanilla is primarily used as an additive. Largest producer of Vanilla is Madagascar and the largest consumer of vanilla extract in the world is Coca-Cola Company (How coincidental!). When Coke released “New Coke” in 1985 with artificial vanillin, the economy of Madagascar crashed. It resurrected when CC pulled NC from market.

Coca-cola Company

CC is an International Icon. There can be no second thoughts about it. A company founded by a pharmacist, Doc Pemberton in the 1880s. It was innovation delivered right from inception. Be it the Font/Script Frank Robinson used for CC logo or the marketing ploy CC had for a while. Though the original CC had some cocaine contents, since 1929 CC made sure that there has been no cocaine in any form The leaves were still used for flavor, but the alkaloids were completely removed.. CC has come a long way and it can be concluded that CC is in the same league as a Wheel, Gutenbergs Printing Press, Sliced Bread or Computers and CellPhones. You need to give CC the due credit for its yeoman services to humankind by affecting the lifestyles in many socio-economic manners.

CC is also known for introducing great products with an eye for profit at the cost of health of a few. At the end of the day, it is the sheer pleasure of thirst quenching taste that scores over a fear of long-term health. CC has wide range of products from fruit juices to carbonated drinks and potato chips to restaurants

CC’s ingredients are somewhat of a secret and formulas are held closely in a high security vault in a Geogia (in US) bank.

To me CC as a company is a role model in many ways. For market leadership, innovation, innovative marketing, thirst for humongous growth and the authority is exerts in international economy.

Now just say HALF CIRCLE, FULL CIRCLE, HALF CIRCLE, YEAH, HALF CIRCLE, FULL CIRCLE, RIGHT ANGLE, YEAH COCA-COLA

Now coming to the Review

ANALYSIS

As mentioned, though I am no big fan of soft drinks, I liked VC for few of the following factors.

PROS

1. Taste - I like Vanilla. I always go for Vanilla when it comes to ice creams. I like CHO Ramaswamy ( A popular critic in TN). Hence I like Some Aldehydes. This means I like 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde which is Vanilla ( Now don’t ask me if I like Formaldehyde). Leaving PJs aside, I like the taste of VC. It rather gives you a chilling and dissolving feeling in you. May be it is some of the chemicals. I really don’t know which one, to be precise. I like tastes that linger hours after you had it. I certainly had such a feeling for sure. At least while it lasted.

2. Size It comes in many sizes. It goes along with the regular CC sizes. The VC can is what I like the most. It has perfect size to quench your thirst. I have never seen VC in a fountain so far. Therefore, I cannot comment on it. The 2 litre option is another one I liked along with the 500 Ml personal can. I am yet to see VC in the classic CC bottle. Size wise it scores over many others.

3. Price When they introduced VC ( I was in US that time), they had 89¢ 2 litre bottles for sale at a local Wal-Mart store. I thought of trying it, for it is indeed an unbeatable price. I felt I got more than what I deserved for the price. Same applied when I order Pizzas at Pizza Hut for my friends. The price is nice

4. Thirst Quenching Ability VC does quench your thirst. At least to some extent, VC lasted, when I tried. I give it a Thumbs Up (No… Not another drink from CC India!)

5. Ads I thought that the ads were very funny

CONS

Ingredients – 10 chemicals a day keeps your doctor’s pay. No question about it;for it is indeed unhealthy to gulp many chemicals.

Masking effect– This happens if you take it with a pizza or any other drink (May be it was ingenious of them to sell soft drinks to hide the bad taste of their pizza!!). It is nice if you take it alone

Combinations - They have recipes on VC. Go figure. It is not so good. I tried VC smoothie once. I felt so yucky.

Long term effects - CCs contain more caffeine than a coffee (so I hear). All the chemicals can cause a long term effect, albeit slowly. Hence stay away from it.

Some Coca-Cola Links

Myths about ingredients

https://.coca-cola.com/contactus/faq/index.html

CONCLUSION

VC is a nice to have drink, occasionally. It comes with a nice taste at unbeatable price. It does give you some pep-up. While all soft drinks are bad to have, VC is nice to have, occasionally.

Go for it if you want to have it once in a while

I hope you liked this review. Do RRC when time permits

KALIL