Fanta's New 'Mystery' Flavor Sparks Debate Among Shoppers

• Fanta introduces a "mystery" Strawberry Cheesecake flavor, causing mixed reactions.
• The zero sugar drink spotted in Heron Foods, Leeds.
• Fans and critics alike weigh in, with some praising and others rejecting the new taste.
• Coca-Cola raises prices on Fanta products amidst new flavor releases.
• Insight on where to find discontinued chocolate bars provided.

Shoppers were taken by surprise with the latest addition to the Fanta lineup, a "mystery" flavor that's stirring quite the conversation. This new, purple-hued soda, part of the brand's #WhatTheFanta campaign, has sparked varied reactions among its fans.

The discovery was made by a beverage enthusiast and shared within a popular Facebook Group, revealing that this intriguing zero sugar variant is actually Strawberry Cheesecake flavoured, and is available in eight-can packs at Heron Foods in Crossgates, Leeds. The revelation prompted a flurry of comments from fellow group members, revealing a divide in the community.

One shopper expressed a novel use for the drink, saying, "Love them only when poured into white wine to make a spritzer/cocktail," showcasing the innovative ways fans are enjoying the new offering. However, not everyone was as impressed. "It's awful. Myself and my three kids tried it and none of us could drink it. It's so sweet," a disappointed customer remarked, highlighting the polarizing nature of the flavor.

Another commenter added a dash of humor to the mix, stating, "Feel like there's no mystery – they are all this flavor," while another bluntly shared their regret: "It's rank. I've bought 2x24x330ml cans and I absolutely hate it."

This launch follows a series of flavor innovations by Fanta, including Raspberry Zero Sugar in 2020, Strawberry and Kiwi in 2022, and Watermelon last year. Amid these introductions, Coca-Cola, Fanta's parent company, has also adjusted its pricing, with a 19p increase on a 2l bottle of Fanta, showcasing an average hike of 9.9 per cent as reported by Trolley’s grocery price index.

In related beverage news, Marks and Spencer is tapping into nostalgia with a new soda line featuring retro styles and flavors like cream soda, while Costa introduces a warmed thick milkshake drink for the winter. Additionally, Tango and Vimto are expanding their flavor assortments with new offerings that are sure to intrigue soda aficionados.

Jonathan Rose at The Sun shared insights into this fizzy debate, also highlighting where to find those hard-to-get chocolate bars, providing a sweet escape for those perhaps looking for a different kind of treat.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, weighed in on the conversation, stating, "The release of Fanta's 'mystery' Strawberry Cheesecake flavor showcases the brand's continued innovation and willingness to experiment with unique tastes. While it's clear opinions are divided, it's exciting to see such engagement from the community, sparking lively debates and discussions around new products. Additionally, the tips on where to find discontinued chocolate bars offer a nostalgic treat for those on the hunt for their long-lost favorites."