Coca-Cola Ultimate Review: A Critical Hit or a Miss for League of Legends Fans?

I like Coca-Cola, and I also like League of Legends. Recently, while browsing through the “Aisle of Shame” at my local ALDI, I stumbled upon Coca-Cola Ultimate. Naturally, I had to give it a try!

What do Coca-Cola Ultimate and League of Legends have in common, you ask? Well, it turns out they’ve teamed up for a new collaboration that features my favorite gaming pastime. In this post, I’ll give you all the info you need to know about the drink, as well as my final rating.

Ready to get caffeinated, homies?

Here’s what Coke has to say about the new flavor:

Coca-Cola® Ultimate

Experience Coca-Cola® Ultimate, the latest Coca-Cola® Creations sparkling beverage to matchmake with the shelves. Join as Coca-Cola® Creations and League of Legends come together to unlock Coca-Cola® Ultimate’s +XP flavor. The limited-edition flavor, made in co-creation with Riot Games, takes the recognizable Coca-Cola® taste and adds the electrifying taste of +XP. Whether gaming or watching, reach out for an ice-cold Coca-Cola® Ultimate to celebrate your fandom. Try the +XP, before the game is over.

And before we go any further, let’s take a look at what’s actually in this stuff:

Nutrition Facts

1 Serving Per Container
Serving Size: 1 Bottle

Note: Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Ingredients

CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CARAMEL COLOR, PHOSPHORIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS, CAFFEINE

Packaging and Design: A Visual Feast for Gamers

When it comes to packaging, Coca-Cola Ultimate doesn’t disappoint, especially if you’re a League of Legends fan. First off, you’ve got two options for your gaming sessions: a 20-ounce bottle for those marathon matches or a 7.5-ounce mini can if you’re just looking for a quick XP boost. But let’s talk about those mini cans, shall we?

The design is nothing short of eye-catching. Adorning the can is a League of Legends ranked icon border, framing the iconic Coca-Cola logo. Just below, you’ll find the League of Legends logo, making it clear that this is a beverage for the gaming elite. And if that’s not enough to grab your attention, the can boldly declares its “+XP Flavored” essence at the bottom.

The color scheme is a striking gradient of tan and black, offering a visual experience as dynamic as the game it represents. And let’s not forget the Coca-Cola name, presented in its classic font, seamlessly blending tradition with modern gaming culture.

In short, the packaging is a visual treat that promises an equally exciting taste experience. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making this more than just a drink; it’s a collector’s item for any League of Legends aficionado.

Nutritional Take: More Bang for Your Caloric Buck?

When it comes to calories, Coca-Cola Ultimate offers options to fit your gaming needs. A 20-ounce bottle packs 240 calories, while a 7.5-ounce mini can contains 90. At first glance, the bottle’s calorie count might seem high, but let’s put this into perspective. A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic has 150 calories. Scale that up to a 20-ounce bottle, and you’re looking at approximately 250 calories. So, in reality, both the bottle and the mini can are quite comparable to other popular sodas when adjusted for serving size.

Caloric Comparison Table

But what about sugar and sodium? With 65g of sugar and 55g of sodium in the bottle, and 24g of sugar and 20mg of sodium in the mini can, it’s clear that this isn’t a healthy drink. But then again, if you’re reaching for a soda, you’re probably not expecting a vitamin boost. Just keep in mind that moderation is key, especially during those long gaming sessions.

For a more detailed comparison, you can check out my source here.

Price and Availability: Is It Worth the Coins?

Ah, the Aisle of Shame at ALDI—where you find things you didn’t know you needed. That’s where I stumbled upon Coca-Cola Ultimate, priced at $2.96 for a 10-pack of 7.5-ounce mini cans. I grabbed two packs, thinking it was just regular Coke. Spoiler alert: It’s not (but more on the taste later).

Limited Availability, Unlimited Excitement

First things first, I found this gem at ALDI, which might hint at its limited availability. If you’re a collector or a League of Legends fan, you might want to snag this before it’s gone. I certainly did, with collector’s items in mind!

A Tale of Two Packs

Here’s a word to the wise: always read the label. I bought two packs thinking it was your run-of-the-mill Coke. It’s not. So if you’re planning a bulk purchase, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Value for Money?

At $2.96 for a 10-pack, it’s worth comparing this to the average price of a 10-pack of regular Coca-Cola mini cans. Is it a good deal? That’s for you to decide, but considering its limited edition status, it might just be worth every penny.

Seasonal or Promotional Item?

Given that Coca-Cola Ultimate is a collaboration with League of Legends, this could very well be a limited-time offer. If you’re a fan of the game or a collector, now’s the time to act.

Your Two Cents

Found Coca-Cola Ultimate at another retailer? Got a different price to report? Share it in the comments below. Your input could be the real-time update we all need.

The Gaming Angle: More Than Just a Pretty Can?

When I first heard about Coca-Cola Ultimate’s collaboration with League of Legends, my gamer senses tingled. I mean, come on, it’s Coke and League—two giants in their respective realms. But does this beverage level up your gaming experience, or is it just another collectible item? Let’s break it down.

Expectations vs. Reality

Let’s be real: When you hear “Coca-Cola” and “League of Legends” in the same sentence, you expect some epic loot, right? Free RP codes, exclusive skins, or even in-game items would have been a sweet deal. But alas, what we get is a collector’s can. Not that I’m complaining—I did buy it with collector’s items in mind—but a little in-game love would’ve been the cherry on top.

Packaging and Design: A Critical Hit

The packaging is a visual treat, especially if you’re a League fan. The ranked icon border, the +XP Flavored tag, and the classic Coke font—it’s all there. But while the design hits the mark, it leaves you wanting more. It’s like landing a critical hit but missing the finishing move.

Gameplay Experience: Just Another Mana Potion?

Does Coca-Cola Ultimate enhance your gameplay? Well, it’s a soda. It’s not going to turn you into Faker overnight. But it does offer a refreshing break during those intense gaming sessions. Just don’t expect it to be your secret weapon for climbing the ranks.

Missed Opportunities: The Loot We Deserved

This collaboration had the potential to be legendary. Imagine unlocking an exclusive Coca-Cola ward skin or even a mini-game within League. The possibilities were endless, but what we got was a collector’s can. Again, not knocking Coke or League here—just sharing my thoughts for transparency.

My Two Cents

Look, I love Coke, and I love League. This collaboration is a fun idea, but it could’ve been so much more. It’s like getting a pentakill but losing the match. It’s awesome, but you can’t shake the feeling that it could’ve been epic.

Taste Experience: A Flavor Quest or a Misfire?

Ah, the moment of truth—the taste test. I cracked open a fresh can of Coca-Cola Ultimate, took a sip, and here’s what went down.

First Impressions: A Sweet Surprise

The first thing that hits you is that classic Coca-Cola sweetness. It’s like meeting an old friend but realizing they’ve changed their hairstyle. After the initial sweetness, a fruity aftertaste kicks in. Imagine the flavor of banana Runts colliding with Coke. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, to be honest.

Aftertaste: The Banana Runt Effect

That fruity aftertaste? It lingers. It’s like the ghost of a banana Runt decided to haunt your taste buds. It’s not terrible, but it’s not something I’d write home about either.

Carbonation: A Fizzy Affair

Coca-Cola Ultimate doesn’t skimp on the fizz. The carbonation is top-notch, just like you’d expect from any Coke product. It dances on your tongue but doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Mouthfeel: A Sipper, Not a Gulper

This isn’t a soda you chug down to quench your thirst. It’s more of a sipper. The texture isn’t overly syrupy, but it’s not water-like either. It sits comfortably in the middle.

The Gaming Angle: No XP Gained

Look, I love gaming, and I love soda. But did Coca-Cola Ultimate turn me into a League of Legends superstar? Nope. In fact, I went on a 5-game losing streak after drinking it. Coincidence? Probably. But it’s worth mentioning for a chuckle.

Final Verdict: Coca-Cola Ultimate is a Middle-of-the-Road 3/5

After sipping, analyzing, and even gaming with Coca-Cola Ultimate, I’m giving it a solid 3 out of 5. It’s not a game-changer, but it’s not a flop either. The League of Legends collab earns it a bonus point, but let’s be real—it could’ve been so much more epic without costing Coke or Riot Games a single dime.

What’s Good:

• Awesome League of Legends collaboration
• Top-notch carbonation
• Unique, if somewhat odd, flavor profile

What’s Not:

• Missed opportunities for in-game rewards
• The banana Runt aftertaste might not be for everyone
• Not a thirst-quencher

Conclusion: Your Turn to Taste Test

So there you have it, folks—my honest take on Coca-Cola Ultimate. It’s a fun idea with some hits and misses. If you’re a League fan or a soda aficionado, give it a try and let me know what you think. Did you find it at a different retailer? Got a different opinion on the taste? Share it in the comments below. Your input could be the game-changer we all need.

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.