"New Coke" Is Back After 34 Years — Here's What It Tastes Like

    That was the '80s. This is 2019.

    Jasmin Suknanan
    by Jasmin Suknanan

    BuzzFeed Staff

    OK, let's talk about this drink called New Coke that's been all over the internet lately.

    Basically, Coca-Cola launched New Coke — a new drink with a new recipe — in 1985, and people absolutely HATED it. In the company's own words, "it spawned consumer angst the likes of which no business has ever seen."

    Jasmin Suknanan / BuzzFeed.com

    They pulled New Coke from the shelves and returned to their classic soft drink formula that summer.

    Thanks to the impending release of Stranger Things 3, the Netflix drama set in the 1980s, Coca-Cola decided to partner with Netflix for a Stranger Things can, while also giving New Coke one more fighting chance. So, here we are!

    Jasmin Suknanan / BuzzFeed.com

    The company has only released a limited amount of cans for a limited time.

    As a Coca-Cola devotee, I had to see what the fuss was all about. I cracked open a can of the rare soft drink...and promptly knocked it over while taking photos.

    Jasmin Suknanan / BuzzFeed.com

    I think Coca-Cola has a lighter, smoother taste compared to other soft drinks and it felt like New Coke was even LIGHTER than the classic Coke. (It pretty much looks the same, though.)

    Jasmin Suknanan / BuzzFeed.com

    I also grabbed a cup of classic Coke to compare. With classic Coke, there can be a lingering but pleasant aftertaste, but I didn't get that from New Coke. Nevertheless, I thought it was nice and refreshing.

    Some of my coworkers were also excited to give New Coke a try. Here's what they had to say:

    Jasmin Suknanan / BuzzFeed.com

    “I would say that Coke is my favorite soda so I will notice if this is different. It’s distinctly less sweet than regular Coke. The old one definitely has a flavor that lingers, but the two aren't super different otherwise. I do like it, though. I think that because of the name, you think it’s going to be something COMPLETELY different, but it’s not. I think it’s worth trying if you’re interested in it.” —Taylor Owens

    "This is different. Yeah, I would take this over other colas. I taste a slight difference, but I’m not sure what it is. It’s good, though, and it definitely tastes like Coke.” —Ajani Bazile

    "I think it tastes better than the original Coke. I think it's sweet but in a way that kind of reminds me of the Mexican Coke. It tastes like Coke that's been in a glass bottle." —Syd Robinson

    In conclusion, we recommend trying New Coke for yourself if you can snag a can or two. It's available as a gift with a purchase from Coca-Cola's online store or in Stranger Things-inspired upside down vending machines in some cities.

    Coca-Cola