Coca-Cola is pulling the plug on Coca-Cola Spiced by the end of 2024, less than a year after it launched the drink as a permanent flavor across North America.
The soda, which blended classic Coke with raspberry and spice, first hit shelves in February 2024. It was developed in record time; just seven weeks from concept to rollout. Despite that speed and a marketing push aimed at younger consumers, it didn’t catch on.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson told CNN the company constantly reviews what people are enjoying and adjusts based on that feedback. “As part of this strategy, we’re planning to phase out Coca-Cola Spiced to introduce an exciting new flavor in 2025,” the company spokesperson said.
Why It Didn’t Stick
Coca-Cola appeared to have had high hopes for Spiced. It was the brand’s first permanent flavor launch in three years and was built around the idea that Gen Z might appreciate something bold and different. But by most signs, the drink failed to build momentum.
There were signs from the wider market, too. While Coca-Cola’s global revenue rose slightly in the second quarter, sales volume in North America fell by 1%. That drop, combined with a general trend toward lighter or more health-conscious options like sparkling water, didn’t help Spiced’s odds.
Coca-Cola’s Experimental Streak
The quick exit of Spiced is part of a broader pattern. Coca-Cola has been trying out lots of flavors in recent years (many of them temporary). There were high-profile collaborations like the “Marshmello” edition, and more offbeat ideas like “Byte” and “Starlight.”
Spiced, even though it was supposed to stick around longer, now joins the growing list of drinks that didn’t.
What Comes Next?
Coca-Cola says a new flavor is already in the pipeline for 2025, likely aimed at the same younger crowd the company hoped Spiced would win over. [Update: Coca-Cola announced a new “Orange Cream” flavor in January, 2025]
At the same time, the company is continuing to trim its lineup. Cherry Vanilla and Diet Coke with Splenda are also on the way out. Over the last few years, Coca-Cola has shelved more than 200 drinks, including names like Tab and Odwalla.
At The End it Just Didn’t Quite Land
Spiced might have sounded promising on paper, but it didn’t land. Some people were confused by the name, expecting heat or something closer to cinnamon. Others likely just didn’t know what to make of it. And with so many limited-edition flavors launching back to back, this one may have simply been forgotten.
Coca-Cola isn’t wrong to experiment, especially if it wants to stay relevant with younger consumers. But it might want to give each new release more space to breathe.