Coke Starlight: Is it Good?

Written by Z Skarupa

On Feb. 17, 2022, the Coca-Cola company announced Coca-Cola Creations, an initiative meant to reimagine the brand with new collaborations and ideas. That same day, Coca-Cola also announced its first Coca-Cola Creation: Coca-Cola Starlight. According to the company’s press release, the exclusive Starlight flavor was created with the company’s 35-year-old partner NASA in mind. Coke was one of the first soft drinks to travel to space on the STS 51-F mission in 1985, per the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum website. So, Coca-Cola’s Starlight Creation is perfect for traveling the historic space journey from the comfort of Earth. Hitting the stores back on February 21, the new flavor will be around for about 6 months or so. With that being said, I wanted to let it be on shelves for a bit before writing about it.

According to the company, Coke Starlight is advertised as being “space” flavored, with an experience of “a cooling sensation that evokes the feeling of a cold journey to space.” The question is what does that really mean. Well originally before tasting it, I assumed something fruity, as the color of the drink is red. But after tasting it I will say I’m stuck between two. In my opinion, it’s either a burnt cotton candy/crème brûlée or s’mores flavor, leaning more towards my burnt candy idea. From other people I have also heard the suggestions of: berries and vanilla, raspberry, and toasted marshmallow.

Comparing it to other Coke products, I won’t say it’s my favorite by any means. The cooling effect is strange and the smokey taste is overpowering. But, I will say at least try it once and make your own decisions about it. Personally, I rate this product a 3.2/5.

image credit: Coca-Cola