Coke has always been brown. Caramel was originally used for coloring, and though the (secret) formula has changed over the years, caramel, which imparts the brown color we know, is still used to give the cola its appearance.

There is currently an urban legend stating Coca-Cola’s color was originally green, and this is incorrect. The company at one time used green bottles, and thus the idea was started. The product has always had its standard brown color.

Was Coca‑Cola liquid originally green?

No. Coca‑Cola has always been the same color since its invention in 1886.

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history of The Coca-Cola Company

1880s

“Delicious & Refreshing”

Like many people who change history, John Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, was inspired by simple curiosity. One afternoon, he stirred up a fragrant, caramel-coloured liquid and, when it was done, he carried it a few doors down to Jacobs’ Pharmacy.
Here the mixture was combined with carbonated water and sampled by customers who all agreed this new drink was something special. So Jacobs’ Pharmacy put it on sale for five cents (about €0.04) a glass.

1890s

“A Delightful Summer or Winter Beverage”

The Coca‑Cola Spencerian script trademark is registered with the U.S. Patent office.

The first building is erected for the sole purpose of housing The Coca‑Cola Company.  It is quickly outgrown as the Company moves to larger quarters five times in the next 12 years.

1900s

“The Most Refreshing Drink in the World”

United States to bottle Coca‑Cola.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n”,”unit”:”px”,”marginMobile”:”none”,”paddingMobile”:”none”,”marginDesktop”:”none”,”bgcolorimageDesktopImage”:{},”bgcolorimageMobileImage”:{}}” data-component-name=”text” data-design-package=”default” data-allow-nesting=”false” data-instance-id=”9933fd7f-b47f-29ae-ebac-6151f322da20″>

The second bottling plant to begin production under the 1899 contract opens in Atlanta.
The first advertising for Coca‑Cola appears in national magazines.

Bottling operations begin in Canada, Cuba and Panama, becoming the first three countries outside the United States to bottle Coca‑Cola.

what was the original color of coca-cola?
what was the original color of coca-cola?

1910s

“Enjoy a Glass of Liquid Laughter”

Answering the call of The Coca‑Cola Company, the contour bottle prototype is designed by Alexander Samuelson and patented by the Root Glass Company. It is approved by the Bottlers’ Association and becomes the standard bottle.

The first bottling plants are opened in Europe in Paris and Bordeaux.

1920s

“Thirst Knows No Time Nor Season”

The introduction of the first six-bottle carton is a significant innovation for the beverage industry. The carton is patented the following year.

Two significant innovations debut: the bell-shaped Coca‑Cola fountain glass and the first standardized open-top cooler.

1930s

“The Best Friend Thirst Ever Had”

Santa Claus pausing for a Coke. For the next three decades, from 1931 to 1964, Sundblom paints images of Santa that help to create the modern interpretation of St. Nick.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n”,”unit”:”px”,”marginMobile”:”none”,”paddingMobile”:”none”,”marginDesktop”:”none”,”bgcolorimageDesktopImage”:{},”bgcolorimageMobileImage”:{}}” data-component-name=”text” data-design-package=”default” data-allow-nesting=”false” data-instance-id=”6356684f-68e0-58f0-b498-ca624ed4cc77″>

Seeking to create an advertising program that links Coca‑Cola with Christmas, artist Haddon Sundbloom creates his first illustration showin Santa Claus pausing for a Coke. For the next three decades, from 1931 to 1964, Sundblom paints images of Santa that help to create the modern interpretation of St. Nick.

1940s

“The Only Thing Like Coca‑Cola Is Coca‑Cola Itself”

The Sprite Boy character is introduced in advertising to convey the message that “Coca‑Cola” and “Coke” are two terms that reference the same product.

“Coke” becomes a registered trademark of The Coca‑Cola Company.

1950s

“What You Want Is a Coke”

United States.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp style\u003d\”text-align: right;\”\u003eFanta Orange is introduced in Naples, Italy, the first new product to be distributed by the Company. The Fanta line of flavored beverages comes to the United States in 1960.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n”,”unit”:”px”,”marginMobile”:”none”,”paddingMobile”:”none”,”marginDesktop”:”none”,”bgcolorimageDesktopImage”:{},”bgcolorimageMobileImage”:{}}” data-component-name=”text” data-design-package=”default” data-allow-nesting=”false” data-instance-id=”0db9e4d1-3750-eb0d-02ba-3dc07639aeaa”>

Coca‑Cola becomes the first product to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
The first king-size bottles make their appearance in the United States.

Fanta Orange is introduced in Naples, Italy, the first new product to be distributed by the Company. The Fanta line of flavored beverages comes to the United States in 1960.

1960s

“It’s the Real Thing”

Sprite, a lemon-lime beverage, is introduced on February 1 1963

TaB, the first diet drink produced by the company, is launched. Its name is selected from a computer-generated search that yields more than + 300,000 options.

A new graphic look for the Coca‑Cola system is introduced, featuring a red-and-white color scheme and logo.

1970s

“Have a Coke and a Smile”

The 2-liter polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle is introduced, beginning the Company’s use of PET packaging.
The North Avenue Tower headquarters building is first occupied.
Coca‑Cola begins worldwide sponsorship of Special Olympics.

what was the original color of coca-cola?
what was the original color of coca-cola?

1980s

“You Can’t Beat the Feeling”

A Coca‑Cola contour bottle becomes the central focus of the movie “The Gods Must Be Crazy.”

Bottling operations begin in Russia.

Coca‑Cola becomes the first soft drink consumed in space when the astronauts aboard the space shuttle Challenger tested the space can on a mission.

1990s

“Always Coca‑Cola”

world.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n”,”unit”:”px”,”marginMobile”:”none”,”paddingMobile”:”none”,”marginDesktop”:”none”,”bgcolorimageDesktopImage”:{},”bgcolorimageMobileImage”:{}}” data-component-name=”text” data-design-package=”default” data-allow-nesting=”false” data-instance-id=”21749702-d50d-65a9-56d7-fd0c5b1a7d93″>

As the Berlin Wall comes down, Coca‑Cola is sold in East Germany for the first time.

The Centennial Olympic Games are held in Atlanta. The Coca‑Cola Company creates Coca‑Cola Olympic.

The Coca‑Cola Company acquires Schweppes beverages in many markets around the world.

2000s

“Open Happiness”

The Coca‑Cola Company sponsors the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Simply Orange, a not-from-concentrate orange juice, is introduced.

Coca‑Cola Zero, a zero-calorie cola, makes its debut.

2010s

“125 years and we are just getting started.”

The Coca‑Cola Company celebrates 125 years of brand Coca‑Cola.

A Coca‑Cola Facebook page is established by two fans. The site has over 22 million fans worldwide as of January 2011 and continues to grow.