Coke’s newest flavor is now available in stores

Coke’s newest flavor is now available in stores

Coca-Cola Spiced is officially on shelves.

The new beverage, described as “a burst of refreshing notes from raspberry and spiced flavors,” is the first new Coca-Cola flavor to be added to the brand’s permanent drink portfolio in years.

Coca-Cola Spiced will come in both regular and zero-sugar variations.

In a statement shared with the Associated Press, Shakir Moin, the chief of marketing for Coca-Cola North America, said the drink was created in part to help attract “the next generation of consumers.”

“If you go to the aisles, you’ll see the amount of spiciness has gone up because consumers’ taste palettes have evolved,” Moin told AP. “We realized that could be an opportunity for us.”

The new release is likely a plan to appeal to younger consumers who are increasingly choosing water and low-sugar beverages, opting to drink Coca-Cola as a special treat, reports CNN.

“Coke is feeling competition from smaller brands that produce punchier and fruit-inspired flavors, like Olipop and Poppi, that have attracted consumers’ attention.”