People are only just learning what it means when Coca-Cola bottles have a yellow cap

Coca-Cola is famous worldwide for its red-and-white branding, yet some bottles of its classic drink feature a small but meaningful difference in their packaging.

This variation is not related to products like Diet Coke or Coke Zero. Instead, it applies to standard Coca-Cola bottles that are topped with a yellow cap rather than the usual red one.

Since its creation in 1886 in Atlanta, Coca-Cola’s bottle design has evolved, but the distinctive logo and script have remained instantly recognizable. The red color has become deeply tied to the brand’s identity.

That red branding even influenced the modern image of Santa Claus, helping shape the familiar red-and-white outfit associated with him today. Originally, the color also helped tax officials distinguish Coca-Cola from taxed alcoholic beverages.

The yellow bottle caps, however, serve a completely different purpose. They are not a branding experiment, but a sign linked to religious observance.

Bottles with yellow caps indicate that the drink is kosher and suitable for Jewish consumers during Passover, also known as Pesach. During this period, certain ingredients, including corn, are restricted.

Because standard Coca-Cola contains corn syrup, special versions are produced without it for Passover. The yellow cap signals this adjustment, a fact that surprised many social media users who only recently discovered the meaning behind the distinctive packaging.