Zero sugar, zero calories, zero taste. That, more or less, describes what I've heard so far about Coke Zero, Coca-Cola's relatively new beverage launched locally a few months ago. My friends are divided in their reactions to this new craze, with some exclaiming their hallelujahs about its great new taste and zero sugar attribute while others dismiss it as a mere copycat of the Diet Coke (or Coke Light) in a different packaging. Still, there are others who describe it as having the same taste as the original Coca-Cola but with zero sugar.

For me, it was zero experience. Yup, I have never tasted Coke Zero (or Coca-Cola Zero) until yesterday for I am no soft drink fan. Though I still gulp an occasional Diet Coke, occasional being once a month (at most), I have switched to the ever-reliable mineral water years ago since discovering that sodas gave me that bloated feeling. However, yesterday was different. Needing a cool drink to quench my thirst on a hot and humid day, I found myself grabbing a can
of Coke Zero from a shop cooler. It was a spur of the moment decision, more of satisfying my curiosity on the popular drink than anything else. However, after a few gulps I was disappointed. It tastes nothing like the original Coca-Cola or even Diet Coke. Definitely not what I expected. In fact, I didn't even finish the entire can, opting to buy my favorite bottled water to satisfy my thirst. I don't care what the ads or my friends say, that was definitely my fist and last encounter with Coke Zero, especially after stumbling upon this disturbing video on YouTube.

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"True facts about Coke Zero/Coca Cola Zero" Video

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Yikes, is that true? And does that mean that Diet Coke is similarly tainted?

Reading up on the product, I also found out that Coca-Cola Zero was primarily launched as a substitute for Diet Coke aimed at the "guy" market. And, judging from the slew of ads from different countries posted at YouTube, it really is targeted for that segment of the market who thinks that diet drinks are quite sissy.

Coke Zero / Coca Cola Zero / Diet Coke Video 1

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Coke Zero / Coca Cola Zero / Diet Coke Video 2

Coke Zero / Coca Cola Zero / Diet Coke Video 3

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I must admit the ads are incredible, and there a lot more of these on YouTube than what this page can accommodate. However, no matter how catchy and convincing these Coca-Cola Zero ads may be, what remains in my psyche is the first video posted on this page. And it's enough to scare me into staying away from zero calorie, zero sugar, diet, light or any other soft drink for good.

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