It's hard to believe that soda was once considered a medicinal remedy, but when Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886, it was marketed as exactly that.
Since then, it has evolved into America's most iconic beverage, changing its original recipe to become an everyday beverage.
Coca-Cola eventually adapted to modern health trends by launching a sugar-free version of its classic Coke.
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But the company can't seem to escape criticism, sparking debate on whether this lower-calorie option causes more harm than good.
Additionally, pressures on the company continue intensifying, with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Food and Drug Administration's push to phase out synthetic dyes and additives in the U.S. food supply.
Related: Coca-Cola brings back controversial Coke flavor
President Donald Trump has said Coca-Cola agreed to use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup to sweeten some of its products.
The company, however, has not confirmed this, saying only that it will offer details about “innovative offerings” soon.
In any case, Coca-Cola makes every effort to launch new products and follow trends.
And now it's bringing back a discontinued flavor, but making a huge change to remove the controversy from its relaunch.
Coca-Cola launches a line of exotic flavors
In 2021, Coca-Cola (KO) launched Coca-Cola Creations, a program to introduce unique new products, flavors, and experiences through limited-edition, sequential releases promoted through collaborations.
Coca-Cola Starlight was the first product released from this new program the following year. It was a space-inspired soda with matching packaging available in regular and zero-sugar versions.
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Although the soda's exact flavors have never been revealed, many say it tastes like a sweeter and fruitier version of the original Coke flavor, with cotton candy and marshmallow notes.
Once released, the limited-time flavor sold out from grocery store shelves and was not seen again for years.
Coca-Cola partners with a fast-food chain to bring back a sold-out flavor
After a three-year hiatus, Coca-Cola is partnering with Jack in the Box (JACK) to bring back the discontinued Coca-Cola Starlight, along with a new Munchie Meal.
The Munchie Meal is part of Jack in the Box's late-night menu expansion, which began in 2013 to provide customers with more value meal options while aiming to increase sales during extended hours.
This new Jack in the Box x Coca-Cola Starlight Munchie Meal includes a Double Jr. Jumbo Jack Cheeseburger or A Really Big Chicken Sandwich, five Tiny Tacos, four Chicken Nuggets, and medium Curly Fries, paired with a 20-ounce limited-time Coca-Cola Starlight drink.
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However, there won't be a zero-sugar version this time around. To be fair, it probably wouldn't help much, since the Munchie Meal already contains more than a day's worth of calories.
The new collaboration meal with the limited-time soda will be released on July 24 at participating Jack in the Box restaurants nationwide. It can be ordered via the Jack app or online through the Jack in the Box website.
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