ATLANTA — After 35 years, zero-calorie beverage brand Diet Coke is entering a new era.

With an updated look, sleek new packaging, the debut of four bold, new flavors and a new campaign, The Coca-Cola Co. is re-energizing and modernizing Diet Coke for a new generation of drinkers, as well as offering a new look and more flavors, the company stated.

“Diet Coke is one of the most iconic brands loved by millions of fans in North America,” said Rafael Acevedo, Coca-Cola North America’s group director for Diet Coke. “Throughout this relaunch journey, we wanted to be bold, think differently and be innovative in our approach. And most importantly, we wanted to stay true to the essence of Diet Coke while recasting the brand for a new generation.

“We know Diet Coke has all kinds of fans — from people who have loved its great taste since it launched in 1982 to millennial men and women who are always looking to try new things. We’re modernizing what has made Diet Coke so special for a new generation. The same unapologetic confidence still comes through and the same great Diet Coke taste people love is here to stay, but we’re making the brand more relatable and more authentic,” he added.

The two-year innovation process was driven by consumer research pointing to younger Americans’ affinity for big, refreshing and great-tasting flavors in their favorite food and beverages.

“Millennials are now thirstier than ever for adventures and new experiences, and we want to be right by their side,” Acevedo expressed. “We’re contemporizing the Diet Coke brand and portfolio with sleek packaging and new flavors that are appealing to new audiences.”

The company spoke to more than 10,000 people from across the country to get their ideas and inputs on potential flavor extensions, packaging updates and more. From these insights, Coca-Cola’s R&D team developed and tested more than 30 Diet Coke flavor combinations, featuring tropical, citrus and even botanical notes.

Ultimately, Diet Coke landed on four flavors that received the most positive consumer responses: Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange and Twisted Mango.

According to Acevedo, Diet Coke and its new flavors complement the brand’s Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. “Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar are two delicious, no-calorie sparkling choices — it’s just a matter of personal preference. For people looking for an option that tastes like a Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar is a great choice. Diet Coke and its expanded flavor portfolio provide a crisper taste and bolder flavors,” he explained.

Diet Coke and the new flavors will be packaged in sleek 12-ounce cans and sold as on-the-go singles and in 8-packs. Diet Coke also will continue to be offered in all existing package sizes, such as standard 12-ounce cans, mini cans, glass bottles and more. All new packaging and flavors hit store shelves this month.