Gardenia Cola vending machine

Gardenia Cola seems to be the leading coke (the drink) manufacturer in Sabah. This is interesting coz the other states seem to be dominated by the #1 cola based drink producer - Coca Cola. Gardenia Cola dominates the carbonated drinks shelves of hypermarkets and convenience stores like 7-11.

I even saw several vending machines dispending Gardenia Cola and other Gardenia flavored canned beverages. Gardenia is best known for its bakery products and is a major producer of bread related goods in Peninsula Malaysia. Gardenia Cola is made by Gardenia Beverages in Kota Kinabalu, Sahab. Coca-cola (coke) is still the major brand of cola drinks in Malaysia though, except in Sabah.

I could not resist addressing this cultural glitch and inserted RM 1.30 in coins into the Gardenia vending machine and purchased a Gardenia Cola drink. The distinctive red can of Gardenia cola dropped down into the holding cell of the vending machine, still cold from the internal cooling system.

Here's a closer look at the Gardenia Coke can - it has the Gardenia logo on it and "Cola carbonated drink by Gardenia" printed on top of the 325 ml can.

It tastes remarkably like a cross between Coke C2 and Coke Light (Diet Coke for non-Malaysians). The cola drink is not excessively carbonated or sweet and leaves a nice, but unusual aftertaste on the tongue.