Coca-Cola taps into nostalgia with launch of Orange Cream flavor

• Coca-Cola is launching an Orange Cream variety that contains the taste of its iconic cola infused with orange and creamy vanilla flavors. The beverage was developed in response to consumer demand for the nostalgic taste of orange cream.
• The flavor offering, the first for the brand since it debuted the now discontinued Spiced last winter, is rolling out Feb. 10. Orange Cream also is available in zero sugar. Coca-Cola expects the product to remain on shelves until early 2026 but cautioned that could change depending on market trends and consumer preferences.
• As consumer tastes shift, Coca-Cola has been moving aggressively to grow and maintain interest in its beverage platform. While the Atlanta-based company has expanded its reach in waters, teas and sports drinks, it has continued to innovate its soda portfolio through new flavors.

When Coca-Cola phased out Spiced last year, the Atlanta-based beverage giant said the drink would be replaced by another offering in 2025.

Unlike Spiced, which despite its name combined traditional Coke flavor with raspberry and “spiced” flavors, Orange Cream leaves little to the imagination about what it will taste like. Still, with consumers continuing to crave nostalgia, and orange cream a flavor that people can relate to, the launch should have little trouble connecting with consumers who desire new flavors and tastes.

The orange cream flavor has been around since 1905 but has seen a renaissance with interest growing “incrementally” over the last 10 years, Coca-Cola said, citing Google Trends data.

A major part of Coca-Cola’s recent innovation efforts has centered around its Creations platform which debuted in 2022 to highlight the company’s signature beverage while drawing in younger consumers. Creations don’t promote or reveal a flavor profile, such as orange cream, cola, cherry or vanilla, but rather a mood or experience. The extensions have proven successful in drawing consumers into the original Coca-Cola brand.

The strategy behind Orange Cream is likely similar. Coca-Cola is hoping that Orange Cream will increase consumption among existing users while attracting new drinkers who will later purchase other brands within the company’s portfolio of teas, waters, sports drinks and juices.

With soft drink consumption slipping as consumers turn to other beverages, many of which are healthier, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper have little choice but to turn to new flavors that have proven to be effective in boosting sales.

Food Dive