Coca-Cola working on thick, dessert beverage made with rice

ATLANTA It seems Coca-Cola is looking for revenue-raising opportunities outside of the soft drink category. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the beverage giant has filed a patent for a rich, dessert-type product, thickened with rice.

The product’s added rice extracts or derivatives would provide it with a cream- or custard-like texture, and the company’s application explains that textures with varying degrees of thickness could be developed. A “dairy-free, low caloric, low fat beverage” was described, sounding strangely similar to Pepsi Bottling Group’s Muscle Milk, a relatively new product that has thrived in the nutrition beverage category.

Coke’s mystery creation may also include starch, protein, fiber, fat, fruit flavors and sweet flavors frequently associated with ice cream, pie, cake or pudding.