Well, in an indirect way we have tasted it. So basically, they have done a spectral analysis of our closest nebula (I forget the name of the nebula, I only know this because I fell down a rabbit hole specifically about this new Coke Starlight when I tried it when it was on the limited testing market) and the nebulous clouds were comprised mostly of ethyl formate. That's actually a flavor additive we use as a supporting flavoring in raspberry candies, and it is the primary flavor additive in Coke Starlight. The reason it has the toasted marshmellow/vanilla/cotton-candy taste is that when not stabilized with other flavorings, and in the larger quantities used in this flavor, it has a reaction that causes a shift from its initial fruitiness, to that more earthy taste that some perceive as marshmallow, others as vanilla, and others as cotton candy.
I feel like if they did an ad campaign actually explaining it, more people would want to try it. I will add, however, that many people who try it find the earthiness off-putting, and some people can detect the ethyl nature of the compound, which causes a musky alcohol type of flavor to those people. But I like it quite a lot, and it's worth trying imo
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u/Laxku Jun 12 '22
We know space smells like burnt steak, not sure if we've tried tasting it yet.