Coke Blak: More Confusion Than Fusion

By Hanna Aronovich in Food on Apr 13, 2006 1:47PM

Chicagoist was raised on chips, candy and pop, so it’s no wonder we’ve got an adult-sized interest in the latest snack foods. And, when it comes to pop, the ever-rotating new products keep us entertained.

We’ve watched spin-off products, such as C2 and Pepsi Edge, come and go. We’ve held our breath with amusement and delight as cola executives expand the continuously growing line of flavors: lemon, lime, vanilla, cherry. Some of these products have staying power (Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, anyone?)
while others, frankly, don’t (we’re looking at you, Pepsi Blue).

Now, Chicagoist is a longtime fan of Diet Coke (call us purists), but we’re still open to finding a new favorite. So, when Coke Blak hit shelves this month, we had to test it out.

We couldn’t find this dark, sophisticated little number at the smaller, independent convenience stores, but our neighborhood Walgreen’s and Osco carried it. In a small 8 oz. glass bottle, Coke Blak is a “fusion” beverage of coffee and coke.

With only 45 calories per bottle, it also appeals to diet-conscious cola consumers. However, the blend of corn syrup and aspartame makes this coffee/cola concoction sweeter than both regular and Diet Coke.

If you’re looking for caffeine, Coke Blak is not the place to go despite its coffee twist. The bottle only offers a mere 46 milligrams of caffeine (less than Mountain Dew, energy drinks or an average cup of coffee)

How about taste, you ask? If someone left coffee sludge in the bottom of a mug and poured Diet Coke and sugar into it, you’d have Coke Blak. The flavor boils down to Coke with some coffee extract, and is that a hint of hazelnut we taste? Not bad, but super, super sweet, even by Chicagoist’s standards.

It might be a good mixer for rum. Or maybe Bailey’s. Or even in an ice cream float. But, that all seems like a lot of work to enjoy what should be a simple soda. And at $2 a bottle, we’re not sure it’s worth it.

Our prediction: Coke Blak will meet Crystal Pepsi up in soda pop heaven.