Is Flavored Diet Coke Out Yet

We put four new Diet Coke flavors to the test. Find out how Coca-Cola's mango, cherry, ginger-lime and blood orange flavors stacked up!

Diet Coke fans, rejoice! There are four new Diet Coke flavors out on the shelves to satisfy your caffeine cravings. The new lineup includes Feisty Cherry, Ginger Lime, Twisted Mango and Zesty Blood Orange. Being the foodies and fanatics that we are, we knew we had to get our hands on these new flavors to test them (and maybe find a new favorite!). Though if you need an energy boost, we've narrowed down a list of the best sources of caffeine.

First Impressions

Before we dive into Diet Coke's new flavors, can we just talk about the updated look for a second? Diet Coke in all its forms—classic formulation included—got a mini makeover. Gone are the squat cans that we're all familiar with. Now the soda is sold in tall, slim cans that just make them seem a pinch more elegant. Don't worry, though—these still hold the same 12-ounces of soda. The new flavors were also accompanied by a vertical band in vibrant orange, yellow, green and violet. My gang of taste testers agreed that we liked this fresh and modern look, but we all know it's whats inside that counts.

Also worth noting: When we grabbed this new soft drink at the store, we noticed that in came in packs of eight, not 12 like you'd expect. So that's just a heads up for your party planning! Hosting a large event? Here's an easy guide forexactlyhow much food you need to serve.

Our Take on the New Flavors

Now let's get into the new flavors themselves! We've all had variations of Coke and Diet Coke in the past (any Vanilla Coke fans out there?), but never anything like tropical fruits or zesty twists. So let's see what our tasting panel thought!

Zesty Blood Orange

Score: 3.5/10

When we first popped open a can of Diet Coke Zesty Blood Orange, we were a little unsure of what to expect—more cola than orange or more orange than cola? Before taking a sip, we took in the soda's bouquet, just like you would with a fine wine. From that whiff, we definitely got a strong smell of orange there.

But taking our first sip, we got what tasted like a kid went crazy at the soda fountain: classic Diet Coke, but with just a splash of orange soda. The flavor wasn't bad by any stretch, but it wasn't quite as advertised. Blood oranges, of course, taste like orange, but they also have a few berry-like notes in their flavor profile as well. In this regard, Coca-Cola didn't quite deliver Zesty Blood Orange, more like sweet, soda fountain orange. If you're looking for a true-blue—erm, orange—flavor try this Blood Orange-Pomegranate Sorbet.

In the end, the testers agreed: We could easily drink a can if it was in the fridge, but we wouldn't go out of our way to buy it.

Ginger Lime

Score: 6/10

Jumping up in the scores quite a bit was Diet Coke's new Ginger Lime flavor. This was the new twist that we were all looking forward to the most—halfway between a classic and something a little exotic. (Kind of like these tropical recipes, perfect for a stay-cation.)

Pouring this pop, we didn't notice the strong aroma like we did with the Zesty Blood Orange (or our top two picks). We crossed our fingers that this one would deliver a real punch. After taking a taste, we couldn't quite grasp those ginger and lime flavors.

Taking a sip of classic Diet Coke alongside this option, though, we started to pick up on the more subtle flavors going on, and we enjoyed the mild ginger flavor that lingered on our palettes. Most testers actually found that they preferred this Diet Coke formula over the original. 'It has a fuller flavor,' one of my colleagues noted, and we all agreed.

Twisted Mango

Score: 6.1/10

Edging out Ginger Lime by one tenth of a point was the Twisted Mango Diet Coke. Unlike the lime option, Twisted Mango Diet Coke offered a bold aroma that we all found pretty irresistible. In fact, when we first popped the top on this can, we kept lingering on this fun tropical scent—maybe it's the Wisconsin winter that has us craving these warm weather ingredients. It's no surprise that mango is the most popular fruit in the world.

As for the taste, it definitely delivered a great balance of Diet Coke and mango flavor. We found ourselves sipping this one over and over and discussing the possibilities for this soda. Maybe a float? Maybe it would be a great addition to a mocktail or even cocktail.

Feisty Cherry

Score: 7.5/10

You'd think that after those unique options, that a cherry Diet Coke might seem a little boring. But this Feisty Cherry really delivered on taste and well all took notice.

Opening this can, we all asked, what makes this Feisty Cherry and not just plain cherry? After a quick smell, we couldn't quite discern—it just had that sweet cherry scent. Taking a sip, though, we found the cherry flavor to be just a bit bolder than your classic cherry Diet Coke. Really parsing this flavor apart, we thought it had more of that authentic soda shop cherry flavor (as compared to that juice from the maraschino jar taste).

We agreed if this was the new cherry option from Diet Coke, we were definitely on board.

The Takeaways

When it comes to the Diet Coke rebrand and all its new flavors, we're definitely interested. The slim cans along with the unique flavors add a bit of pizazz to our refrigerators. Plus, after trying all the new options, we now have three new sodas that might just become regular items on our grocery list: Ginger Lime, Twisted Mango and Feisty Cherry.

Perk up with these indulgent desserts made with instant coffee.

Coffee 'n' Cream Brownies

A friend gave me the recipe for these rich cakelike brownies topped with a creamy coffee-enhanced filling and a chocolate glaze. I like to garnish each square with a coffee bean. —Michelle Tiemstra, Lacombe, Alberta

Cappuccino Cinnamon Rolls

Distinctive coffee flavor accents the filling of these ooey, gooey rolls. The glaze goes on while they are still warm—they won't last long!. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Mocha-Pecan Ice Cream Bonbons

These bite-sized bonbons may sound tricky to make, but you'll find that fashioning them is a breeze. What's more, our cooking experts advise that you keep this recipe handy when you serve them—as soon as folks sample the treats, they'll be asking how to make them. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Coffee Lover's Coffee Cake

I had this cake at a friend's brunch and she graciously shared the recipe. Now people always request it from me, too. It's so tasty, it's always a hit. —Gale Lalmond, Deering, New Hampshire

Mocha-Hazelnut Glazed Angel Food Cake

I love this recipe because it combines three of my favorite flavors: coffee, hazelnuts and cherries. —Joan Pecsek, Chesapeake, Virginia

Tiramisu Cheesecake Dessert

Tiramisu didn't do it for me until I tried this recipe with its luscious layers of cheesecake. It's one of my favorite desserts to make this time of year. —Christie Nelson, Taylorville, Illinois

Coffee Bean Bark

Chopped coffee beans add a yummy crunch to this pretty two-toned bark. Coffee lovers won't be able to resist pieces of the chocolaty candy treat. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

The combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska

Mocha Nut Roll

I've enjoyed this dessert several times at a friend's house, and it never ceases to be delightful. The tender, impressive cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves coffee or chocolate!—Susan Bettinger, Battle Creek, Michigan

Crunchy Chocolate Clusters

This easy candy has a south-of-the-border flavor with cinnamon, chocolate and coffee. Sweet, salty and crunchy, it's a great no-bake treat. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Mocha Truffle Cheesecake

I went through a phase when I couldn't get enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-like crust and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It's ideal for get-togethers because it can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Great Falls, Montana

Ultimate Fudgy Brownies

Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you've got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Glazed Doughnuts

The light coffee flavor in these tasty sugar-glazed doughnuts makes them a perfect start to the morning...on Christmas Day or any day. You'll find that the recipe is a delectable way to use up leftover potatoes. —Pat Siebenaler, Random Lake, Wisconsin

Mocha Truffle Cups

One classic recipe I pull out every yuletide is for these dreamy creamy truffle cups. They're just so festive...and the smooth filling melts as fast as snowflakes on your tongue!

Coffee Cream Tortilla Cups

Here's a special dessert for two. Crispy tortilla bowls hold creamy coffee-flavored pudding topped with a mix of colorful fresh berries. —Amber Zurbrugg, Alliance, Ohio

Coffee Shortbread

You'll be remembered for these cookies when you serve them for a morning coffee or at a gathering. Melted chips drizzled on top make them look fancy, but they're so easy to make. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois

Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies

My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Potluck Banana Cake

I found this recipe more than five years ago and have been making it for family gatherings ever since. The coffee-flavored frosting complements the moist banana cake. —Kathy Hoffman, Topton, Pennsylvania

Frozen Mocha Marbled Loaf

This showstopping marbled dessert seems fancy, but it's really simple to prepare ahead of time and pop in the freezer. Frosty slices have a creamy blend of chocolate and coffee that's delightful anytime of year. —Cheryl Martinetto, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Cappuccino Flats

These coffee-flavored cookies are so delicious they make my own kitchen seen like a gourmet bakery!

Molten Mocha Cake

When I first made my decadent slow-cooker chocolate cake, my husband's and daughter's expressions said it all. Now it's one of my daughter's favorites. Later, I gave one of these cakes to our next-door neighbors. Turns out their teenage son, who'd answered the door, ate the whole thing without telling anyone else about it! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee

Mocha Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds are a classic fall snack. Kick them up a notch with instant coffee and cocoa powder for a mix that's mocha genius at any time of year. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Creamy Mocha Frozen Dessert

Light as a feather, this cool, satisfying dessert is delicious and impressive to serve. It's an excellent dessert to take to a potluck because it can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina