20SMF Consumer Report - Coke Blak

by Jared on April 27th, 2006

One of the great things about being a 20-something includes the endless barage of consumer products forced upon us. As a service to our readers, the 20SMF is proud to bring you a series of “Try It Before You Buy It” reports on consumer products.

Thank goodness Coke got their act together for a new product I would actually want to drink. Normally a Coke purest, I believe that the last new product Coke debuted that was worth paying attention to was Diet Coke.

Lo and behold though; Coke has taken aim at the Starbucks generation with its newest offering, Coke Blak. Part Coke, part coffee, Coke Black harkens back to a bygone era of drinking coke for the taste instead of the sheer quantity. Instead of their usual 12 oz cans or 20 oz bottles, Coke goes back to the original 8 oz glass bottle, almost forcing us to focus on the nuances of taste.

Appealing to decidedly upscale clientele, Coke Blak sports a high price tag and a chill, loungey brand image. Notably, Coke has not spent a lot of time promoting this product through regular channels. Instead, they have preferred to let insider buzz to drive the exclusive and high-end demand.

Click Here To See My Full Take On Coke Black:

20SMF Consumer Report - Coke Blak

20SMF Consumer Report - Tab Energy Drink

by Jared on March 26th, 2006

One of the great things about being a 20-something includes the endless barage of consumer products forced upon us. As a service to our readers, the 20SMF is proud to bring you the first in a series of “Try It Before You Buy It” reports on consumer products.

Today, my friend Amanda (the VP, Randomness for the 20SMF) and I were at the local mall (BIG surprise there, I know). As we were riding the elevator, our attention was drawn to an obnoxiously pink booth in the food court. We decided to check it out.

Apparently, Coke is entering the energy drink market with a two-pronged strategy. The first is of course coke black aimed at truckers. The second is a white collar and feminine brand, Tab Energy.

That’s right - we said Tab. Long sought after in the dusty corners of supermarket shelves by aging 80’s party girls, Tab makes its comeback as the Coke alternative to Red Bull.

Click Here To See Amanda’s Take On Tab Energy & Our Short, 60 Second Report:

20SMF Consumer Report: TAB ENERGY DRINK