Coca-Cola with Coffee (finally) is here

The product is made with Brazilian coffee and comes in dark blend, vanilla and caramel flavors. There is also a sugar-free and calorie-free version. Each 12-ounce can has 69 milligrams of caffeine. This is equivalent to about half a cup of coffee, but much more than a can of Coke.

The new product arrives at a time when Coke (KO) is focusing on its core products, including Coca and Coca Zero Açúcar. Last year, the company announced plans to cut its portfolio in half and discontinued brands like Tab and Odwalla to focus on its most powerful.

Now, it seems that the Americans are finally ready.

The company spent about two years testing the latest product in the United States before launch, said Brandan Strickland, director of trademarks for Coca-Cola North America.

“It’s not just about testing a product and a formula, but also making sure that we have the right packaging, that we are really understanding what consumers want from the drink,” he said. The Coca-Cola with Coffee formula differs from region to region to suit local tastes.

Coca-Cola with Coffee is designed to attract customers looking for an afternoon caffeine collection that is an alternative to regular coffee or a regular Coca. People may feel the need for a boost now more than ever, said Strickland, with the pandemic forcing many to work while looking after children and other relatives.

Correction: An earlier version of this story distorted the title of Brandan Strickland. He is the director of trademarks for Coca-Cola in North America.