Latest news with #Coca-ColaZero
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I just got a first look at Coca-Cola's new Star Wars cans and AR holograms — and both are cooler than you'd expect
Blue milk might be Star Wars canon, but for fans like me here on Earth, Coca-Cola is a little more iconic. Now, Star Wars and Coca-Cola are coming together in a new collaboration featuring 30 collectible character cans and an AR experience that turns you into a hologram — and I got an early look at it all. In what's being called the 'Refresh Your Galaxy' campaign (the corresponding, easter egg-laden video can be watched here), Coca-Cola is releasing a limited-edition collection of new cans and bottles featuring bespoke character designs from all corners of the Star Wars universe. There are classics like Darth Vader and C-3PO, all the way through icons from Disney+ series like Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano. There are some particularly charming nods across the lineup of Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero cans and bottles. My favorite is a toss up between Leia from the sequel trilogy (I still get emotional over the late Carrie Fisher) and K-2SO, the hilariously blunt former Imperial security droid we met in Rogue One but more recently got to seem more of in Andor Season 2. Here's what (or should I say, who) to expect to see in full collection: It's worth noting that some characters will only be available on Coca-Cola products sold at Disneyland and Disney World parks: The Mandalorian and Grogu; First Order Stormtrooper; and Chewbacca. In other words, avid collectors may want to plan a trip to Galaxy's Edge for sometime after July 7, which is when the collaboration will officially roll out. (And yes, a 7/7 launch date is almost definitely a nod to A New Hope's 1977 release.) But that's not all. Refresh Your Galaxy includes a new augmented reality experience accessed by scanning a can or downloading the special campaign app. It lets you record yourself as a Star Wars-style hologram, complete with glowing blue projection lines and subtle signal interference as though you're being projected by R2-D2. As part of the experience you can choose a character type like Jedi, Sith or even Twi'lek, then record a short message and watch it beam into surroundings through a smartphone camera. I always knew I'd make an excellent Stormtrooper, but that didn't make seeing my face under the helmet any less awesome. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Together, the collectible cans and AR hologram feature hit that sweet spot between nostalgia and innovation that, to me, keep fans of all ages in mind. Whether you're into the thrill of tracking down every character design for a collection or just want to drop a hologram version of yourself into your group chat reporting from the Black Spire Outpost, this campaign is one of the most thoughtful Star War collaborations of recent years.
Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Coca-Cola actually cures an uncomfortable health problem
I can't drink Coca-Cola Zero because I think it tastes awful compared to regular Coke. And all that talk about being healthier because of no sugar seems like gibberish. Coca-Cola Zero contains the artificial sweetener aspartame, which is shown to negatively affect metabolic health, potentially cause neurological problems, and possibly even have carcinogenic effects. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter If I wanted an actually healthy option, I would squeeze my own orange juice. But if I'm in the mood for Coke after a heavy meal to help me digest, I want plain old Coke. And it really helps. What's more, I personally know doctors who unofficially recommend Coca-Cola for treating stomach flu. A few sips can help with nausea, because the soda contains substances that calm the stomach. Related: Coca-Cola finally brings viral soda mash-up There are different versions of Coca-Cola's history. Some say it was invented as a patent medicine, containing an extract of the coca leaf - otherwise known as cocaine - which at the time was considered safe in small amounts. The drink was brewed by pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886 and marketed as a tonic for various ailments including hangovers, hiccups, and headaches. Pemberton even claimed it cured his morphine addiction. Fast forward 139 years and Coca-Cola no longer contains cocaine. Its taste is different from the original, but it remains the most popular soft drink in the world. What's more, a systematic review has confirmed a legitimate medical use for the beverage. Believe it or not, Coke is a popular household cleaning and maintenance product. By now, we have all heard about many strange uses of the drink, such as cleaning toilet bowls, loosening rust, and removing stains. It is also used in some cooking and gardening applications. Related: Coca-Cola brings back iconic 1980s soda flavor But did you know that Coca-Cola can help with gastric phytobezoars? A bezoar is a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract, commonly found as a hard mass in the stomach. A phytobezoar consists of plant material, such as cellulose, that can't be digested, writes The Takeout. These masses can cause nausea, vomiting, and a lack of appetite. Thankfully, a proven phytobezoar treatment is none other than Coca-Cola. One systematic study reviewed 24 papers on the matter, published from 2002 to 2012, and discovered that in "91.3% of the cases, phytobezoar resolution with Coca-Cola administration was successful, either as a single treatment (50%) or combined with further endoscopic techniques." The soft drink industry is projected to reach $660 billion by 2028, and 1.9 billion servings of Coca-Cola's (KO) range of drinks are consumed each day around the globe. More on soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Pepsi rival discontinues 3 popular soda flavorsCoca-Cola brings popular TikTok soda craze to store shelvesPopular beverage brand launches genius soda alternative While corporate giants and The Coca-Cola Corp. battle the global market for soft drinks, Coca-Cola is the world's most valuable soft drink brand with a market capitalization of $308.90 billion. Pepsi is the next in line with $178.19 billion. And despite the protests of Pepsi fans, there's definitely something special about the taste of Coca-Cola. In the company's first-quarter earnings call, when Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey was asked about the "wellness and functional" soda market trend, he explained that taste is still one of the most important factors. "So taste is in my mind still going to remain primary, but to the extent there are consumers that were willing to trade taste for ingredients, absolutely, we will follow that trend," he said. Related: Haribo never intended for its bears to be this happy Morgan Stanley analysts recently reaffirmed an Overweight rating on Coca-Cola stock, suggesting that it will continue to grow faster than its peers, especially in an organic sales category. Experts also praised the company's pricing power, sustained market share gains, and benefits from the Fairlife acquisition. Over the last five years, Coca-Cola shares gained 57.39%, currently trading at $71.77 per share. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major pub chain giving away 10,000 free pints on Wednesday
The UK's fastest-growing pub company is giving away 10,000 free pints this week as it celebrates its 10th birthday - here's how you can get your hands on one A UK pub chain with more than 600 boozers nationwide is celebrating its 10th anniversary by giving away thousands of free pints. The Craft Union chain plans to distribute 10,000 free pints across its pubs this week across London, the Midlands, the south, the north and Wales. On Wednesday, May 14, customers can grab a free drink from the wide selection available at Craft Union pubs (their full list of pubs is here). With the arrival of warmer weather and longer evenings, they say it's the perfect time for those looking to relax with a cool drink. Even those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks or children can take advantage of the offer, with Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, and Schweppes Lemonade all included in the deal. To claim the offer, simply show up and ask. In addition to the giveaway, Craft Union says it is also contributing to local causes. On May 14, 10p from every pint sold will be donated to local initiatives, with an estimated £20,000 expected to be raised. Over the past year, Craft Union pubs have already raised approximately £1 million for local causes. But that's not all - one lucky customer could win a life-changing £10,000 on Wednesday, reports Lancs Live. To mark its 10th anniversary, Craft Union pubs are running a special promotion where every pint purchase comes with a QR code that gives customers a chance to enter a daily prize draw. The winner will be announced the next day. Craft Union currently operates 637 locations, with its first site opening in Stoke-on-Trent in 2025. The pub chain says its philosophy revolves around creating welcoming community hubs that aim to offer great value, live sports, and more. Frazer Grimbleby, Craft Union's Managing Director, said: "We're proud to be marking our 10th anniversary with three initiatives to give back to our guests as a thank you for how they have supported Craft Union over the last decade." He also highlighted the company's charitable efforts, saying: "We're delighted to have raised more than one million pounds for local causes in the last 12 months, and we are incredibly grateful to our guests for their unwavering support and enthusiasm in raising funds for charities - so what better way to show our appreciation than a drink on us. "Make sure you get yourself down to your local Craft Union pub on Wednesday to claim your one free drink while stocks last, we're expecting the nation to get through 10,000 drinks in no time at all." Craft Union, a UK pub chain, has seen rapid growth over the past year, opening an impressive 78 pubs in just 12 months. The firm says that makes it the fastest-growing pub company in the country.
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major UK pub chain with over 500 boozers is giving away thousands of free pints next week – how to claim yours
One lucky customer is also in for the chance to scoop a life-changing £10,000 DRINK UP Major UK pub chain with over 500 boozers is giving away thousands of free pints next week – how to claim yours Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR UK pub chain with over 500 boozers is pouring thousands of free pints next week - find out how to claim yours. Punters can nab themselves a drink on the house - from Birra Moretti to Gin and Tonic. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A major UK pub chain with over 500 boozers pouring thousands of free pints next week Credit: Getty The offer couldn't come at a better time as evenings begin to feel warmer and beer gardens across the UK start to call your name. To mark it's 10th anniversary, Craft Union, is giving away 10,000 free pints at pubs across the UK. The deal applies on Wednesday, May 14th and customers can choose from a range of bevvies. Savvy drinkers could enjoy a free Birra Moretti, but if this doesn't take your fancy why not sip a single Gordons and mixer. For the kids, or those who prefer something non-alcoholic, Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke, and Schweppes Lemonade are all included. The beauty of this giveaway is how simple it is - all you have to do to claim your free drink is turn up and ask. Alongside the freebie, Craft Union are also raising money for local causes. On Wednesday 10p from every pint sold will be donated and it's estimated £20,000 will be raised. The company's pubs have raised £1 million for local causes altogether so far. As part of the initiative, one lucky punter is also in for the chance to scoop a life-changing £10,000. Larry Lamb reveals his Channel 5 show with his son has been AXED after he quit TV for a totally different job Every pint purchased on the day will come with a QR code giving guests the chance to enter the draw. They only have to wait until the following day to learn if they've hit the jackpot. Since Craft Union served it's first customer in 2015 at their original site in Stoke-on-Trent. The chain now has a whopping 637 pubs to it's name. Frazer Grimbleby, Managing Director at Craft Union, said: 'We're proud to be marking our 10th anniversary with three initiatives to give back to our guests as a thank you for how they have supported Craft Union over the last decade. 'We're delighted to have raised more than one million pounds for local causes in the last 12 months, and we are incredibly grateful to our guests for their unwavering support and enthusiasm in raising funds for charities - so what better way to show our appreciation than a drink on us! 'Make sure you get yourself down to your local Craft Union pub on Wednesday to claim your one free drink while stocks last, we're expecting the nation to get through 10,000 drinks in no time at all!' Craft Union is now the UK's fastest-growing pub company with 78 pubs opening in the last 12 months alone. This comes as the best pubs around the UK have been revealed - check if your local is on the list. The National Pub and Bar Awards has shared its shortlist of boozers and restaurants in with the chance of claiming the prestigious title of Pub and Bar of the Year 2025. The awards, organised by the Pub and Bar magazine, recognise the best venues in the UK based on a range of criteria including service, style of offer, marketing and customer journey. Almost 100 county winners will be chosen from the shortlist before a grand final in June where regional winners then the grand title of National Pub and Bar of the Year will be announced. Among the nominees this year is The George in Castleton, a small pub nestled in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Another is Beekies Neuk in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, a pub and restaurant serving local produce and large selection of whiskies, rums and gins. Also on the shortlist is the Black Bear Inn in Gwent, Wales, a rurally-situated inn with a rustic feel. Bogans, in Tyrone, Northern Ireland, is also nominated this year, known for welcoming punters of all ages. The Red Lion in Kettering features too - a traditional village pub serving locally-sourced food. Find the full list here.
South Wales Argus
08-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly woman steals goods worth £1,000 from Tesco
Young mum Rebecca Skym, 24, targeted the Tesco supermarket in Caerphilly over a four-day period last month, Newport Magistrates' Court was told. The serial shoplifter was remanded in custody after she pleaded guilty to stealing: Groceries worth £79 on April 27 Meat valued at £129.50 on April 28 Alcohol and meat worth £224 on April 28 A £329 TV on April 29 Coca-Cola Zero valued at £11 on April 29 Alcohol worth £294 on April 30 The defendant, of Caerphilly Road, Senghenydd, Caerphilly is due to be sentenced on May 30. Skym committed these six offences of theft while she was the subject of a suspended prison sentence imposed in January for similar matters. On that occasion, she avoided jail after stealing £3,000 worth of food, clothes, alcohol and homeware. The defendant pleaded guilty to 11 counts of theft at stores across south Wales, dating between September and December 2024. Cardiff Crown Court heard how Skym stole £1,000 worth of clothing from retail giant Next. She also took joints of meat worth £400 from Tesco in Caerphilly as well as four bottles of vodka worth £267 and 10 bottles of gin valued at £240. From Aldi, she stole 17 joints of meat worth £176.32, before stealing 11 fragrance sets worth £765 from Superdrug, and 10 perfume sets valued at £350 from Boots in Talbot Green. She was spared an immediate custodial sentence due to her "previous good character" as she had no convictions recorded against her. Upon sentencing, the judge also considered that as a young mother, her children's lives would have been "destabilised" if he were to sent her to jail. She was sentenced to 30 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge.
