As many of us do when we shop, we check into auto pilot--a bsentmindedly picking up the

thing we need based on visual cues of the products and name brands we trust. 

So, I was shocked to find a can of regular Coke in my hand as I was checking out at my local convenience store when it was my sole intention to enjoy a Diet Coke. 

In fact, I was so distraught over the mix-up, based on personal dietary needs; I took to my Twitter account to document the incident. On Nov. 23, I sent out the following tweet:

I’m confused by the winter white Coca-Cola can mixing w/ my diet coke.  Marketing mishap? @SarahLedesma

To my surprise @DietCokeUs direct messaged me with the following:

We have some more info on Arctic Home & the distinct visual elements of our Coke & Diet Coke cans. See Here. 

As it turns out, I am not alone in my criticism of the classic can's redesign.  As consumer Gail O’Donnell of Danvers, Mass., told ABC News via e-mail, “I drank one and wondered why it tasted so good.  I didn’t look at the can. …I am diabetic and can only drink diet sodas. …They need to make it so it is not confused.”

All confusions aside, it turns out the Coke can redesign is for a note worthy cause.  The companies iconic polar bear is in danger of losing its natural habitat due to global warming and temperatures rising in the Arctic.  The Coca-Cola company combined efforts with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initially contributing $3 million dollars to the fund and encouraging its loyal customers to follow suit. 

It appears Coca-Cola was quite strategic in its “Arctic Home” can campaign, taking a page right out of the P.T. Barnum, "no-publicity-is-bad-publicity," play book.  The controversy itself has drawn quite a buzz among traditional news media sources (Wall Street Journal, ABC) and the company's various social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter).

Traditional news outlets are reporting the can is being replaced by the traditional red can with

polar bears due to consumer confusion.  However, looking closely at the company’s holiday can fact sheet the strategy was to intentionally pull the white “Arctic Home” cans on Dec. 2.  Initiating phase two, the company planned to issue the traditional red cans with polar bears from Dec. 2 throughout the month of February 2012. 

Consumers can rest assured that the confusion ends today-red cans will be back on the shelves.  Coca-Cola collectors may be scrambling to collect an unopened white “Arctic Home” can for the family enthusiast as a great gift for the holidays for a great cause. Enjoy! 

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Reach reporter Sarah Ledesma here.  Follow reporter Sarah Ledesma on Twitter.