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CNN Live Today

Taste Test of New Vanilla Coke Formula

Aired May 08, 2002 - 11:54   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: All right, we told you earlier about today's debut of the new Vanilla coke formula we have been testing off and on throughout the morning here.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We want to see what some kids think about it. And our own little kid here, Kendis Gibson. He feels like he's one of ours.

KENDIS GIBSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: You know, I try to get some respect around here.

KAGAN: I say that with love, Kendis.

GIBSON: Although, look at this, they are practically my height, and they are 12 years old. That's pretty sad.

But as you mention, the new Vanilla Coke going on sale today. It is Coke's latest attempt to try to get some buzz. As you know, sales was down about 2 percent last year for the country's number one soft drink maker. So what do kids think about it, or are they going to be like Mikey from the cereal commercial? We have kids from Greeneville, South Carolina. Let's have Amber take a taste of that first.

Now it is new Vanilla Coke. Some people say it tastes like cream soda.

And Amber thinks what?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's really good.

GIBSON: You like it.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.

GIBSON: Now, you said that your favorite soft drink is Dr. Pepper? How does this compare?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Not as good. But I like it second.

GIBSON: Wow. They already won you over.

What about Mary? Give it a test and see. She is a Cherry Coke fan.

And you think what?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it's really good.

GIBSON: No, you don't. That was really quick.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it was good. It will sale good.

GIBSON: All right. Does it taste anything like Cherry Coke, too.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, just a little bit.

GIBSON: Do you think you like it better than real Coke?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No.

GIBSON: And her brother is also here, Gib (ph). And he's been nervous all morning long. He's like, can I taste it ahead of time?

Gib, go, ahead. Give it a taste.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's all right.

GIBSON: It's all right? Are you going ask your mom to get it for you?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.

GIBSON: So you're not a fan?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.

GIBSON: So there have you it, three kids from Greeneville, South Carolina.

These guys are going to taste it a little bit later on, Leon and Darren (ph), and I got tell you, that I'm happy that I'm not going to be around them after they taste it -- 28 grams of sugar per serving. That's amazing.

HARRIS: Kendis, go back to my man over there who said it's all right. I want ask him, what's it missing? Is there something else it needs, or what?

GIBSON: Yes, Gib, you are just saying that it's all right. Leon wants to know what's it missing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take the vanilla out. It should be regular Coke.

KAGAN: Can I have a Vanilla Coke? Hold the vanilla, please.

GIBSON: That ruins the whole concept of it.

KAGAN: Kendis, did you try it?

GIBSON: You know, I did try it a little bit earlier, and it was a little flat, because the producers got me a flat one.

KAGAN: No respect.

GIBSON: Absolutely no respect. But I'll tell you, it tastes a lot like cream soda.

KAGAN: That's what I said.

GIBSON: It really does taste like cream soda. But I think I will go back to regular diet coke.

Did you guys try the new Pepsi, which is the blueberry one.

HARRIS: Funny you should mention that, the new blue Pepsi. You see the picture there.

KAGAN: I think the kids will like that.

HARRIS: In the interest of equal time, we don't want to play favorites in the Cola wars here even. Our politics and our colas are all about the same with us, equal time for both sides. We will try out the Pepsi Blue, and do some taste testing on that and see what that is all about as well.

KAGAN: I heard it turns your tongue blue or something.

HARRIS: Which is what the kids will love.

KAGAN: Our thanks to Kendis Gibson and the kids, and to coca- cola.

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