For the first time in the company’s history, Coca-Cola is addressing the fact that some of their products might not be that good for you. The new ad “Coming Together” promotes all the low-calorie options made by Coca-Cola, and points out the average calories reduced per serving over time, which is about 22 percent. It celebrates their smaller serving packaging and the fact that with a variety of low-cal options the amount of calories served has been reduced in schools. Coke points to their work with scientists to find zero-calorie sweeteners, miracle berries, etc, etc. 

Coca-Cola’s attempt to promote a more socially conscious image comes in the wake of a high-profile ban on large sodas in New York City, a move that generated a lot of discussion about the link between sugary drinks and obesity, diabetes and other health concerns. Some critics say the ads don’t go far enough. The New York Times reports that Michele Simon, a public health lawyer of Appetite for Profit, wrote that Coca-Cola is “downplaying the serious health effects of drinking too much soda and making it sound like balancing soda consumption with exercise is the only issue, when there are plenty of other reasons not to consume too much of these kinds of products.”

Does the ad make you want to give up soda forever? Or are you thinking of having a Coke with lunch now?