The Atlanta-based company says it will test a "Sprite Select" and "Fanta Select" this summer that will have about half the calories of regular. The drinks will be made with a blend of sugar and other sweeteners, including Truvia and erythritol. The tests will take place in a limited number of stores in Atlanta, Detroit, Louisville, Ky., and Memphis, Tenn.
Scott Williamson, a spokesman for Coca-Cola, noted that there are no plans for a national rollout yet.
The new formulas will both have 70 calories per a 12oz. can. A can of regular Sprite by contrast has 140 calories and a can of regular Fanta has 160 calories.
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have tried mid-calorie drinks in the past. In 2001, Coke rolled out "C2" and Pepsi in 2004 introduced its "Pepsi Edge." Both were taken off the market because of poor sales.
From the May 15, 2012, Prepared Foods’ Daily News