Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte, reviewed by Polygon

In case you missed it, Coca-Cola has a brand new limited-edition beverage that was “born within the metaverse” and apparently is “pixel-flavored.” Referred to as Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte, the drink initially premiered in Fortnite (certain!) and is out there by way of the official Coca-Cola Creations web site until it sells out. (It prices about $15 for a two-pack, by the way in which, so it’s nonetheless obtainable.)

What does “pixel-flavor” style like, although? Properly, the Coca-Cola of us describe it as “an modern style impressed by the playfulness of pixels, rooted within the experiences that gaming makes doable.” That’s an bold method to describe a drink, and we couldn’t assist however need to put it to the check.

Picture: Petrana Radulovic/Polygon

On a cloudy afternoon, 5 Polygon staffers gathered round a can of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte, desirous to pattern this unusual and new beverage. The can itself was aesthetically pleasing, a pale purple accented with turquoise and fuchsia “pixels.” We gathered some cups — and crushed ice for these of us with extra refined palettes — and poured out some contemporary Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte.

After just a few sips, it was clear that’s not your common Coca-Cola Zero. There are definitely the undertones of a typical Coca-Cola beverage, however earlier than I may even course of that, I’m hit with a tsunami of synthetic fruitiness that I can not fairly make sense of. Is it citrus? Is it berry? Does it have notes of mint? In the long run, I boil it all the way down to “tutti-frutti,” which is each particular and extremely imprecise. Because it seems, my colleagues have related sentiments:

Tasha Robinson

It has the same old Coke drawback of not tasting like a lot of something after the primary sip. It smells slightly spicy and slightly floral, and for a second initially, you get the impression of one thing very candy and fruity, like a maraschino cherry. After that it simply tastes like acid and sugar.

Susana Polo

It tasted of confusion, however in a nice method. I completely wouldn’t drink a complete can.

Austen Goslin

It’s overpoweringly candy, however the mysterious mixture of unidentifiable artificial-fruit flavors that come by way of after that first blast of sugar is considerably nice. That being mentioned, I nonetheless wouldn’t need various sips of it, and I’m not totally satisfied that it’s truly what pixels style like.

Chelsea Stark

What is that this fruit? Can somebody please inform me? I do just like the Coke Zero ranges of sweetness, but it surely was unattainable to discern what sort of fruit Coke thinks a pixel is made from. I’d perhaps drink extra although.

Picture: Petrana Radulovic/Polygon

However in the long run, one doesn’t drink for the style, however for the expertise. One drinks Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte to enter the metaverse and embrace the uncooked essence of gaming. One drinks Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte to unlock one’s true gamer potential. So, did the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte encourage us as players?

“Completely,” says Austen. “I can’t elaborate additional.”

“It allowed me enter the Metaverse and up-level my Gamertude,” says Chelsea.

“Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte has distilled a fruit-themed match three puzzle/microtransaction sport all the way down to a style sensation,” says Susana. “Additionally, no.”

“It’s completely impressed me to return to my common gamer gas of alternative, bottled Food regimen Dr. Pepper,” says Tasha.

As for myself, effectively, let’s simply say I’m nonetheless processing simply what Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Byte tastes like, however I did lastly win a sport in Nintendo Change Sports activities. True gamer standing, activated.