Coca-Cola's Recipe Change Sparks Outrage Among Fanta Fans

• Coca-Cola updates Fanta Orange Zero Sugar recipe, causing backlash among fans.
• New recipe introduces multiple sweeteners, replacing aspartame.
• Fanta's "Chief Flavour Officer" Jamie Laing launches new flavor in London.

Coca-Cola recently unveiled a revamped version of their popular Fanta Orange Zero Sugar, but the change has not gone down well with its fanbase. The new recipe, which now includes a mix of cyclamates, acesulfame-K, sucralose, steviol glycosides, and neohesperidine DC, has replaced the simpler aspartame-based formula, leading to significant customer dissatisfaction.

Fans have been vocal about their displeasure on X (formerly Twitter), with one stating, "No idea what Coca Cola are up to but the new Fanta Zero is horrible. Phenomenal downgrade on the old one." Another expressed, “The new so-called ‘improved’ version tastes like chemicals!”

The launch was marked by an event in London featuring Jamie Laing of Made in Chelsea fame, who has been named Fanta’s “Chief Flavour Officer.” Despite these high-profile endorsements, the reception has been less than favorable, with comments ranging from "diabolical" to demands for a return to the original formula.

James Flanders at The Sun reported on the unfolding controversy, noting that while the new Fanta Orange Zero Sugar promises an "irresistible taste," the reaction suggests otherwise. The redesigned bottles prominently feature the tagline "new irresistible taste," but this has not helped mitigate the backlash.

Charlotte Walsham, Fanta Brand Manager, defended the change, stating, "Our new and irresistible taste for Fanta Orange Zero has been created in response to the public’s changing tastes and habits, and is the result of extensive consumer testing. We can’t wait for customers across Great Britain and Ireland to try it.”

The new Fanta Orange Zero is available across Great Britain and Ireland, with prices remaining stable despite the recipe overhaul. Fans of the brand recall a similar uproar in 2017 when the sugar content was reduced to comply with government health initiatives.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, "Whenever a classic drink undergoes a significant recipe change, it's natural for there to be a period of adjustment among its fans. It appears that Fanta has a challenge ahead in winning over its core supporters with this new formula."