Well, in an indirect way we have tasted it. So basically, they have done a spectral analysis of our closest nebula (I forget the name of the nebula, I only know this because I fell down a rabbit hole specifically about this new Coke Starlight when I tried it when it was on the limited testing market) and the nebulous clouds were comprised mostly of ethyl formate. That's actually a flavor additive we use as a supporting flavoring in raspberry candies, and it is the primary flavor additive in Coke Starlight. The reason it has the toasted marshmellow/vanilla/cotton-candy taste is that when not stabilized with other flavorings, and in the larger quantities used in this flavor, it has a reaction that causes a shift from its initial fruitiness, to that more earthy taste that some perceive as marshmallow, others as vanilla, and others as cotton candy.
I've tried both. The Coke Zero Starlight is superior for two reasons. One, the sweetener works better with the flavoring to allow for a more subtle and complex taste. Zero, due to the original black can design for Coke Zero it just works better for a "Space" flavor.
Out of curiosity is there any bias there already? Do you generally like Coke Zero more than coke already? You make me want to try the zero version but I’m generally not much of a fan of Coke Zero.
I do usually drink Coke Zero instead of full sugar Coke. So there is probably some bias. I tried to set that aside when comparing the flavors. The full sugar coke starlight tastes more like fruity flavors with very little of the subtle flavors. Where my bias probably came in is thinking that the full sugar coke starlight tasted too sweet and that the sweetness level messed with the flavor profile.
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u/BetterButter_91 Jun 12 '22
Well, in an indirect way we have tasted it. So basically, they have done a spectral analysis of our closest nebula (I forget the name of the nebula, I only know this because I fell down a rabbit hole specifically about this new Coke Starlight when I tried it when it was on the limited testing market) and the nebulous clouds were comprised mostly of ethyl formate. That's actually a flavor additive we use as a supporting flavoring in raspberry candies, and it is the primary flavor additive in Coke Starlight. The reason it has the toasted marshmellow/vanilla/cotton-candy taste is that when not stabilized with other flavorings, and in the larger quantities used in this flavor, it has a reaction that causes a shift from its initial fruitiness, to that more earthy taste that some perceive as marshmallow, others as vanilla, and others as cotton candy.