Coke Will Drop 'Classic' Tag from Labels

If you’re still haunted by New Coke, fear no more: Coca-Cola plans to drop the “Classic” tag from its branding, ensuring that the original formula faces no more threats from upstart incarnations, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The “Classic” label, which was introduced in 1985, is “a relic of the past and doesn’t sound very modern,” a source explained.

“How many people are going around saying, ‘May I please have a Coke Classic?’” he added. Coke insists that although “Classic” will only appear in small letters on labels, the flavor won’t change. “We’ve taken very deliberate steps to ensure that people know the Coke Classic they know and love remains the same,” said a spokesman. (More Coca-Cola stories.)