AI isn’t just coming for screenwriters’ jobs. It’s also making soda. The latest new Coke flavor of 2023 is Coca-Cola Y3000 Zero Sugar, and, according to the can, it was “co-created” with artificial intelligence. According to Coca-Cola, the flavor of Coke Y3000 was inspired by “insights gathered from artificial intelligence.” It supposedly tastes like “Coke from the future.” But what the heck does that actually mean? What is the Y3000 Coke flavor? We grabbed a mini aqua and magenta can to find out.
If this is what AI thinks humans want to drink then I don’t think flavor scientists should be worried about their job security. Coke is so good. It’s such a good, unique flavor. Cherry Coke is also good. And, honestly, that’s where it should end. I have yet to truly enjoy any Coca-Cola Creations flavors. Coke Y3000 was not the exception to the rule.
Pros: The packaging is pleasing. I like the pixelated pattern. I like the pale, aqua blue and the vibrant magenta pink together. It creates a fun vibe. Very ‘80s Barbie. The bubbles are good. It’s lively and spritzy like any good Coke flavor. And I was surprised to find out that Coca-Cola Y3000 is zero sugar. It doesn’t taste zero sugar. It tastes like real sugar. End of positive notes.
Cons: Crack open a can and you’re immediately hit with a smell of fruit punch you’ve left out for too long—like you’re trying to create kombucha by just letting Kool-Aid ferment. It tastes slightly better than that but not by much. There’s a definite fruit punch quality—I’ve also seen other reviews describe it as “tutti-frutti,” and I’d agree with that. It’s a little like the liquid from maraschino cherries mixed with grape cough syrup—it even has a little of that medicinal burn. If someone offers you a sip of Coca-Cola Creations Y3000, go ahead and take it, just to experience what AI thinks the future tastes like. But you’ll never make it through a full 12-pack.
Justine Sterling is the editor-in-chief of Sporked. She has been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and is an avid at-home cook and snacker. Don’t worry, she’s not a food snob. Sure, she loves a fresh-shucked oyster. But she also will leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and loves a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients.
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