Coca-Cola, the renowned beverage giant, recently unveiled its new flavor, Y3000, developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. This addition to the Coca-Cola Creations lineup is marketed as a taste inspired by an “optimistic future” and is available in both original and zero-sugar variants.
The development of Y3000 began with researchers collecting flavor preferences from consumers to discern future taste trends. This data was then processed by a proprietary artificial intelligence system, which played a pivotal role in shaping the flavor profile of the soda. In addition to the flavor, AI was also instrumental in designing the branding and artwork for the product. The cans sport a neon-purple aesthetic, reminiscent of images generated by AI platforms like Dall-E.
However, the reception to this new flavor has been polarized. Some testers, as reported by CNBC, likened the taste of Y3000 to a raspberry slushy. Kevin Hurler, who has limited his soda intake over the past six years, found the beverage bland, a sentiment echoed by his co-writer, Kyle Barr from Gizmodo. Barr further critiqued the AI’s role, noting that AI systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard base their recipes on past ingredient combinations, which might not always result in a palatable outcome. Haley Tenore of Insider also weighed in, describing the flavor as reminiscent of a mix of various soda flavors, evoking notes of gummy bear, lollipop, and a caramel-vanilla aftertaste.
In a twist to the traditional soda launch, Coca-Cola has incorporated an augmented reality (AR) experience with Y3000. By scanning the QR code on the soda bottle, consumers are directed to a web app that offers an augmented reality glimpse into the year 3000. This feature showcases images such as a utopian vision of New York City and various colorful trinkets.
Oana Vlad, the senior director of global strategy at Coca-Cola, mentioned in a press release dated September 12 that the company aimed to “explore the concept of what a Coke from the future might taste like.” The company also collaborated with luxury streetwear brand Ambush for a Y3000-themed clothing collection set to release later this season.
Despite the innovative approach, not all feedback has been positive. Some consumers on social media platforms like Reddit have compared the taste to yogurt, jelly beans, cherries, strawberries, and even vinegar. The consensus on the flavor remains divided, with some, like a journalist from Insider, enjoying the zero-sugar variant more than the original.
Coca-Cola has yet to comment on the mixed reviews received for Y3000.