- #1
- 2,009
- 974
Do you think Coke was thinking science when naming this "Energy drink" ??
Do they know how much energy zero calories represents?
Do they know how much energy zero calories represents?
Marketing and science don't always mix
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the marketing strategies of Coca-Cola, particularly in relation to its "Energy drink" branding and the scientific implications of such marketing claims. Participants explore the intersection of marketing and science, questioning the accuracy and implications of labeling products with terms like "zero calories" and the absence of certain claims like "GMO-free." The conversation touches on consumer perceptions and the role of embellishment in marketing.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question whether Coca-Cola considered scientific accuracy when branding their "Energy drink," particularly regarding the concept of zero calories.
- There are humorous suggestions about the drink's effects, such as becoming a perpetual motion machine, highlighting skepticism about the product's claims.
- Concerns are raised about the marketing being misleading, with suggestions that the energy could be branded as "100% green and renewable."
- Participants note the absence of claims like "GMO-free" and "no gluten," expressing suspicion about the marketing choices.
- One participant argues that scientists' modesty contrasts with marketing's tendency to embellish, suggesting that this creates a disconnect between the two fields.
- There are comments on consumer behavior, suggesting that good products do not need excessive embellishment to sell.
- Some participants humorously critique the idea of paying high prices for products like pristine water or sea salt, drawing parallels to the marketing of Coca-Cola's drink.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of opinions on the effectiveness and ethics of Coca-Cola's marketing strategies, with no clear consensus on whether the marketing is justified or misleading. Multiple competing views remain regarding the relationship between science and marketing.
Contextual Notes
Participants' claims depend on personal perceptions and assumptions about marketing practices and consumer behavior. The discussion does not resolve the implications of scientific accuracy in marketing claims.
- #2
Rive
Science Advisor
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It's just that they considered a division there too difficult so they omitted it 
- #3
- 29,525
- 21,312
The miracle of Coca-Cola!
- #4
256bits
Gold Member
- 4,212
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Who would want to buy a drink named PLACEBO.
- #5
berkeman
Admin
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It's the false energy you feel from all of that caffeine... 
https://us.coca-cola.com/products/coca-cola-energy/original-zero-sugar
https://us.coca-cola.com/products/coca-cola-energy/original-zero-sugar
- #6
Haborix
- 382
- 446
If I drink this, will I become a perpetual motion machine? 
- #7
berkeman
Admin
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Sorry, we are not allowed to discuss Free Energy Drinks on PF.Haborix said:If I drink this, will I become a perpetual motion machine?
Unless the discussion is about free drinks or something...
- #8
BWV
- 1,665
- 2,008
It’s bad marketing, as they just as easily could have branded the energy it provides as 100% green and renewable
- #9
Rive
Science Advisor
- 3,339
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The GMO-free is also missing.
Suspicious. I've seen that even on water bottles.
Suspicious. I've seen that even on water bottles.
- #10
Jarvis323
- 1,247
- 988
Shouldn't it technically be about ##1.27\times 10^{16}## calories?
- #11
256bits
Gold Member
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YeahBWV said:
Green Energy Drink
- #12
gmax137
Science Advisor
Education Advisor
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Don't forget, "no gluten."Rive said:
- #13
Jarvis323
- 1,247
- 988
They could call it the worlds finest ginger beer too if they wanted.
- #14
WWGD
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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I only drink fat-free water!
- #15
nuuskur
Science Advisor
- 926
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I only drink transparent water 
(NOT dest-water, don't even try :D )
Pop science and marketing might mix very well. I've thought about this a bit and came to the conclusion that scientists are often too modest (and this is preferable) for marketing, whereas in marketing things need to be embellished, which again isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the two don't mix that well imho.
So, if you put zero cals on your soda can, that will, by default, contribute to more sales of the (god-awful digusting stomach-turning) product.
As far as embellishments go, the less there are, the better, in my experience. For example, there's a native producer for all sorts of hygiene related things: shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions etc etc. These are more expensive than the widely known counterparts, but the package design is laid back and not littered with all sorts of embellishments. And people still buy them. So, if you have a good product, you don't need to make it shiny.
(NOT dest-water, don't even try :D )Pop science and marketing might mix very well. I've thought about this a bit and came to the conclusion that scientists are often too modest (and this is preferable) for marketing, whereas in marketing things need to be embellished, which again isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the two don't mix that well imho.
So, if you put zero cals on your soda can, that will, by default, contribute to more sales of the (god-awful digusting stomach-turning) product.
As far as embellishments go, the less there are, the better, in my experience. For example, there's a native producer for all sorts of hygiene related things: shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotions etc etc. These are more expensive than the widely known counterparts, but the package design is laid back and not littered with all sorts of embellishments. And people still buy them. So, if you have a good product, you don't need to make it shiny.
- #16
Keith_McClary
- 752
- 1,506
You can pay fancy prices for pristine water that has been frozen in ice fields for thousands of years. You can also pay fancy prices for sea salt, which does not come from pristine ancient deposits where cheap "table salt" comes from. Modern sea salt production is almost entirely found in Mediterranean and other warm, dry climates.