If they taste exactly the same, but Coke Zero is healthier, then why bother selling the original Coke? They've just created the exact same product, but with zero calories. That's product innovation! Coke is a genius! They've done the impossible! They've pretty much made the zero-emissions car of the beverage industry!
All sarcasm aside, I understand this is just a marketing ploy, but the message still bothers me. It's based on the assumption that there are people who actually like the extra calories and will buy the original Coke for that reason. The last time I checked, nobody ever liked these monstrosities called calories.
The obvious reason why original Coke still sells is because it tastes better (at least to those who buy it) than Coke Zero. Especially in 2008, where the majority of people can taste the difference between a diet drink slash zero calorie drink and its original, I truly think that the message of "It tastes the same" is totally obsolete. Our good friend Mountain Dew used a similar message back in the day, but that's when it was easier to convince people that it actually tasted the same.
The reality is clear. Zero calorie (or Diet) drinks taste different from their original. So someone should tell Coca-Cola Inc that being different is okay and Coke Zero is different. Embrace this diversity! Glorify the distinct taste of Coke Zero! Don't associate it with that terrible calorie-full monster called original Coke. I'm sure Robin enjoys Coke Zero because of its taste (and calorie-free feature) and not because it's a two-for-one deal.
Coke Zero tastes different from original Coke. Either that, or sugar never actually tasted like anything.
