Coca-Cola's limited edition Oreo drink – is it worth trying?

Over the last couple of years, Coke has launched a ‘space-inspired’ Intergalactic flavour, collaborated with DJ Marshmello and promised a taste of the future (the year 3000, to be precise) under its Coke Creations range.

This year has also seen the launch of its summery but divisive lemon concoction.

Now, I have to admit: I'm a sucker for a flavoured Coke. I regularly find myself picking up the cherry and vanilla cans, and every Christmas I find myself scouring the shelves for the (presumably long discontinued) cinnamon version.

But even I was a little apprehensive when I stumbled across the new zero-sugar product Coca-Cola has released in partnership with Oreo, the makers of the iconic ‘sandwich cookie’, under a vague marketing campaign that claims to be inspired by “besties around the world”.

The two flavours don't strike me as natural bedfellows. After all, Oreo has built a brand around its biscuits being dipped in milk, not brown carbonated beverages.

The ‘fizzy cookie flavoured’ drink was priced at 85p. (Image: Newsquest)

The distinctive black 250ml can, offset with red and white Coke branding and the blue Oreo logo, certainly stood out on the shelf at my local Co-op, and the 85p price tag justified my purchase to fulfil the curiosity the drink had inspired.

So how does it taste?

Well, it's suitably artificial and almost indistinguishable from Vanilla Coke – which is unsurprising, given the Oreo biscuit's sweet fondant.

I was grateful to find there wasn't so much as a hint of chocolate, as I suspect that would have been a difficult taste to acquire.

This isn't a product I'll be seeking out again. If you want to try it, you'd better be quick: The flavour launched this month for a limited time only.

What does Coca-Cola have to say about the Oreo flavour?

In its online marketing, Coca-Cola says: “Coca‑Cola and the Oreo brands have teamed up to create an exclusive and limited-edition drink: Coca‑Cola OREO Zero Sugar Limited Edition.

“Inspired by ‘besties’ around the world, the two iconic brands are, for a limited time, sparking celebration amongst besties with the launch of a legendary drink and unique digital experiences.

“Coca‑Cola OREO Zero Sugar Limited Edition (250ml) will be available in major stores nationwide from September.

“Besties will also be able to order cans of Coca‑Cola Oreo Zero Sugar Limited Edition in Pizza Express, Popeyes and Slim Chickens restaurants from early September.

“The drink features a captivating design and sleek packaging, adorned with the distinctive Oreo cookie embossments and stacked Coca‑Cola bottles.

“With each sip of the Coca‑Cola Oreo Zero Sugar Limited Edition, fans can savour a refreshing Coca‑Cola taste with flavourful hints inspired by Oreo cookies, creating an unparalleled experience from these new-found besties.”

Coca-Cola and Oreo have built their campaign around the idea of ‘besties’. (Image: PA)

Oana Vlad, global vice president for brand strategy at the Coca-Cola company, said: “Bringing together the playfulness of Oreo and the real magic of Coca‑Cola is unexpected, but also feels right because our brands are alike in so many ways.

“As a first-of-its-kind collaboration for both brands, we are thrilled for besties around the world to join us in celebrating new products, great experiences and unexpected moments of connection.”

Eugenia Zalis, global head of marketing and brand for OREO at Mondelez International said: “At OREO, we strive to identify fresh ways to excite consumers and, with this collaboration, we have truly upped the ante.

“The bestie bond forged between OREO and Coca‑Cola is a playful way to unite our fanbases and celebrate the power of connection and togetherness.

“We cannot wait to see the reaction to the campaign and hope fans are excited to experience the latest twists on two classics.”