Coca-Cola’s AI-Developed Y3000 Flavor Meets with Disappointment over Bland Taste and Lack of Novelty
In yet another attempt to ride the AI wave, Coca-Cola has enlisted the help of artificial intelligence to develop a new flavor for its iconic soft drink. However, the results have left much to be desired. Gizmodo recently conducted a taste test of Coca-Cola’s Y3000, short for Year 3000, flavor, and the verdict was far from positive.
The tagline Futuristic Flavored sets high expectations for bold and innovative flavors that reflect a prosperous tomorrow. Sadly, Y3000 falls short. Upon taking the first sip, one anticipates the familiar acidic and carbonated sensation of regular Coke, but instead, the drink settles at the back of the mouth, leaving a numb and unremarkable taste. The flavor quickly dissipates, leaving only a faint aftertaste of berries and sugar.
Thanks to the involvement of AI in its development, Y3000 is essentially a different version of the same old taste, lacking any semblance of novelty. Unlike the seemingly infinite variations of Oreo flavors that pique curiosity, Y3000 fails to generate any interest. It seems that the buzzwords surrounding the drink are merely a marketing ploy, rather than an indication of its true appeal.
One could argue that perhaps the underwhelming flavor of Y3000 is a matter of personal preference. However, even when the drink was chilled with ice, it somehow managed to be even more bland. Each bottle of Y3000 costs $1.99 plus tax, a price that rarely feels like a waste; however, in this case, it is just that – a waste.
Considering AI’s notorious track record in recipe development, it should come as no surprise that Y3000 missed the mark. AI lacks the ability to understand the outcome of its concoctions and can only rely on past ingredient combinations. If Y3000 indeed underwent AI development, it is likely that Coca-Cola had to make significant modifications to the recipe to make it even remotely palatable.
Furthermore, Coca-Cola’s attempt to enhance the Y3000 experience with an augmented reality component falls flat. Scanning the QR code on the soda bottle leads to a web app that generates augmented reality images based on the user’s photos, supposedly providing a glimpse into the year 3000. However, these images are nothing more than glossy renditions similar to what any mediocre AI image generator could produce.
Coca-Cola announced the Y3000 flavor with much fanfare, aiming to explore the concept of what a Coke from the future might taste like. Unfortunately, if Y3000 is anything to go by, a Coke from the future would be virtually nonexistent. It seems that the organic pleasure of plain water still reigns supreme when it comes to thirst-quenching satisfaction.
