Imagine a sugar-free, calorie-free Coke that helps you burn some of the fat you consume during an afternoon of tacos. We have two pieces of news: The good news is that this product DOES exist; the bad news is that it’s only sold in Japan. It’s called Coca-Cola Plus, a variant of the classic beverage that contains an ingredient uncommon in the soft drink industry: dietary fiber.
This drink has become a cultural phenomenon among visitors to Japan. Beyond its ingredients, it gained fame for having and displaying a certificate that endorses it as a “healthy” product within a category usually associated with excess sugar.
Since its launch in March 2017, Coca-Cola Plus has been approved by the Japanese government as a product that helps reduce fat absorption and moderate the increase in triglycerides after eating.
However, despite its official approval in Japan, Coca-Cola Plus is not sold in other countries. Not even in those where sugar-free versions or versions with added ingredients, such as vitamins or caffeine, already exist.
