Kola nut is a botanical seed from trees in the Cola genus. Cola is a broad soft-drink category and flavor style. The words are historically connected, but they do not mean the same thing.
What is kola nut?
Kola is native to tropical West Africa. It has an earthy, bitter, astringent taste and naturally contains caffeine. Across several West African cultures, kola is also connected with hospitality, respect, ceremony, and important gatherings.
What is cola?
Modern cola flavor usually combines citrus oils, warm spices, caramel notes, sweetener, acidity, and caffeine. Formulas vary, and many contemporary colas do not depend on kola nut as their defining ingredient.
ZZAI Obi uses kola extract with African bitters and blood orange. Learn more in the kola nut guide.
