What is a kola nut?
Kola nut is the seed of trees in the Cola genus, native to tropical West Africa. It naturally contains caffeine. Kola has been chewed, shared ceremonially, traded and used in drinks for generations.
Flavor guide
What does kola nut taste like?
Kola nut tastes bitter, earthy and a little astringent, with a dry, woody finish. It is the naturally caffeinated seed of the kola tree, native to West Africa, and the nut that gave cola its name.
Taste kola sparkling
Obi - Kola, Bitters & Blood Orange West African Craft Soda, Non-Alcoholic, 12 Pack
What does kola nut taste like?
Chewed fresh, kola is bitter and earthy, with an astringent bite that dries your mouth a little. That bitterness is the point: it's an acquired, grown-up flavor, closer to strong coffee or dark chocolate than to anything sweet.
In a drink, kola reads as a dry, earthy backbone. That's why a kola drink sits closer to an amaro or a bitter aperitif than to a sugary cola.
Is kola the same as cola?
No. Kola nut is a botanical seed. Cola is a soft drink category that borrowed its name from kola, and early colas used kola for flavor and caffeine. Most modern colas don't rely on kola nut as their defining ingredient, so a kola drink tastes earthier and more bitter than the cola you know.
Why is kola culturally important?
Across many West African cultures, kola is connected with welcome, respect and hospitality. It is offered to guests and shared at important gatherings, though traditions differ from community to community. That meaning is why kola deserves more than being reduced to a generic cola flavor.
Kola in a can: meet Obì
ZZAI Obì is a West African craft soda with kola, bitters and blood orange. Bright blood orange opens the sip, followed by earthy kola and a layered botanical bite of bitters: a soda with aperitif-like complexity. Kola brings natural caffeine, so it's great for daytime or early-evening pours. Real cane sugar. No artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives.
Does kola nut have caffeine?
Yes. Kola nut naturally contains caffeine, which is part of why it has been chewed and shared for generations.
Does ZZAI Obì contain caffeine?
Yes. ZZAI Obì contains natural caffeine from kola. Our other three flavors, Zobo, Chapman and TamTam, are caffeine-free.
What does ZZAI Obì taste like?
Bright blood orange first, then earthy kola and a layered botanical bite of bitters. Not sweet like a cola: it drinks more like a bitter aperitif.
Where can I buy a kola drink?
Order ZZAI Obì online for US delivery in 12-can trays, or try it alongside the other three flavors in the Variety Pack.
