New Coke (1980s)

New Coke, introduced in 1985, was Coca-Cola's attempt to revitalize its brand by changing its flagship formula. The new flavor was sweeter and designed to appeal to a broader audience, directly challenging Pepsi's growing market share. However, the change sparked immense backlash from loyal Coke drinkers, who felt betrayed by the alteration of a beloved classic. This outcry led to Coca-Cola bringing back the original formula as "Coca-Cola Classic" just 79 days later. New Coke became a symbol of marketing missteps and consumer loyalty, forever etched in pop culture as a cautionary tale. People fondly remember the intense media coverage, the protests, and the relief when the original Coke returned, highlighting the deep emotional connection consumers had with the brand.