New Coke Bottle Made Partly of Molasses and Sugar Cane

Coca-Cola is releasing a new recyclable plastic bottle made partly of plant materials, including molasses and sugar cane.

The bottle will be made of up to 30 percent plant materials, as well as petroleum-based materials, so don't get any ideas about nibbling on the bottle after you quench your thirst.

The new bottles will be piloted in North America with Dasani water "and sparkling brands" in select markets later this year, and with Coca-Cola's vitaminwater brand in 2010, according to a Coca-Cola press release posted to BusinessWire.

Coca-Cola got into a little hot water with the Food and Drug Administration last year over health claims on Diet Coke Plus. And the Center for Science in the Public Interest sued Coca-Cola earlier this year over "deceptive" health claims in vitaminwater. Coca-Cola released a statement calling the lawsuit "ridiculous and ludicrous."

In other health-related soda news, some researchers have said that the acid in sodas can erode the enamel from your teeth, but a beverage industry representative disagreed.