Coca-Cola Switches to Yellow Caps for Kosher Certification During Passover
Coca-Cola bottles are undergoing a temporary packaging change in the U.S., as the beverage giant rolls out yellow caps on select products in observance of Passover. The seasonal cap color signals that the soda has been made with a special formula to meet Jewish dietary laws during the holiday.
Traditionally, Coca-Cola uses high-fructose corn syrup in its U.S. formulations. However, during Passover, some Jewish consumers avoid corn-based ingredients. To meet kosher-for-Passover standards, Coca-Cola substitutes sucrose (pure cane sugar) for corn syrup in its limited-edition holiday batches. The yellow cap labels include certification from the Orthodox Union, denoted by “O-U-P”—indicating the beverage is kosher for Passover.
This annual change reflects not just a religious accommodation, but a strategic move that resonates deeply with a niche yet loyal consumer segment. The yellow-capped Coca-Cola has become a sought-after item both within Jewish communities and among flavor enthusiasts who prefer the cane sugar version, which many say tastes closer to the original recipe.
Participating products include classic Coca-Cola as well as Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar in select regions, with the special editions typically released several weeks ahead of the Passover holiday. Retailers near Jewish population centers, particularly in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, usually see strong seasonal demand for these variants.
FMCG professionals should note how Coca-Cola’s seasonal SKU strategy taps into cultural relevance while maintaining brand consistency. Limited-edition formulations like this highlight the value of agile production and responsive packaging, enabling brands to both honor consumer values and unlock incremental sales opportunities.
With Passover beginning this year on the evening of April 22, yellow-capped Coca-Cola bottles are now appearing in major retailers and grocery chains across the U.S. The move underscores how packaging adaptations and ingredient transparency can play an influential role in expanding consumer reach without overhauling core brand identity.