Coca Cola fans are only just seeing subconscious message in logo

Coca Cola is one of the most famous brands in the world and its logo is instantly recognisable - but it also has a hidden message in it that you might not have noticed

Coca Cola, the globally acclaimed brand, is instantly recognised by its iconic red packaging and distinctive white script. As the company has introduced various versions of its classic beverage - including Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and a range of limited editions and new flavours - the famous logo has been tweaked to suit each new variant while maintaining Coca Cola's unique branding.

Brands across the globe strive for this level of recognition, with much of their success hinging on the impact and recognisability of their logos. "Businesses cannot overlook the value a great logo holds; they are the connection between a company and potential customers, and what customers will remember most," says Richard Lau, president of LOGO.com and an expert in logo design and marketing strategy.

The Coca Cola logo may seem like just a stylish version of the company name, but the extended tail of the 'C' is thought to represent a smile, mirroring the brand's emphasis on happiness and joy. Richard adds: "This subtle message may go unnoticed, but it subconsciously creates a positive association with the brand in the minds of consumers."

Coca Cola openly shares its origin story and the development of its logo, offering insights into how it has evolved over time on its official website.

The renowned drink's formula was finalised by Dr John S Pemberton in May 1886, a pharmacist from Atlanta, Georgia, who concocted the syrup that became the cornerstone of the beloved beverage, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The creation of Coca Cola was a result of combining carbonated water with a specially crafted syrup, leading to it being described as "delicious and refreshing". The Coca Cola website shares the story of Dr Pemberton taking a jug of the new concoction to Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, where it was tasted, declared 'excellent', and began selling as a soda fountain drink for five cents per glass.

It was Frank M Robinson, Dr Pemberton's bookkeeper, who suggested the name "Coca Cola" and "crafted the flowing script that is renowned today". Robinson's inspiration for the memorable brand name stemmed from his belief that "the two Cs would look well in advertising", a concept which also worked wonders for Coco Chanel when she established her iconic fashion house in 1910.

Robinson also toyed with various versions of the company's logo in Spencerian script, a popular writing style at the time, resulting in numerous iterations of logo designs and shapes until the late 1960s. In 1969, the Arden Square logo was unveiled - "displayed in a red box, with [Robinson's] Coca Cola script underscored with a white 'wave', or 'Dynamic Ribbon Device'."

This is the symbol still recognised and utilised worldwide today. Following this revelation, discussions have been sparked on Reddit. Recently, one individual expressed admiration for Coca Cola's enduring design.

Another person noted: "Also cool to see how it translates across different languages." Another viewer commented: "Ever since someone told me about the faces in the logo I can't unsee it whenever I look at it."

A third enthused: "Perfect logo." Followed by another participant who added: "Coca Cola is a cool logo that's why they didn't change it."