Mountain Dew, that iconic citrus-flavored soda, has seen countless variations since its inception in the 1940s. From the original formula crafted by Barney and Ally Hartman to the present-day options, the brand has continuously evolved to cater to changing consumer preferences. This article delves into the world of Mountain Dew, specifically addressing the question of whether Diet Mountain Dew has been discontinued, while also exploring the broader landscape of Mountain Dew flavors and their availability.
A Brief History of Mountain Dew
The journey of Mountain Dew began in the 1940s, thanks to Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman. Bill Bridgforth later revised the formula in 1959. The 1990s marked a significant shift as high-fructose corn syrup replaced sugar, although a cane sugar variant, Mountain Dew Real Sugar, exists today. In 2020, the brand introduced a zero-sugar version, catering to health-conscious consumers.
The Evolution of Diet Mountain Dew
Diet Mountain Dew entered the scene as a lower-sugar alternative, aiming to deliver the same citrusy taste and vibrant yellow-green color as the original. In 2006, PepsiCo reformulated Diet Mountain Dew, introducing a "Tuned Up Taste" that utilized a blend of sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium as sweeteners.
Zero Sugar vs. Diet: A Shifting Landscape
The arrival of Mountain Dew Zero Sugar in January 2020 sparked speculation about the future of Diet Mountain Dew. While some believed Zero Sugar would replace its diet counterpart, a PepsiCo employee clarified that there were no immediate plans for such a move. However, the situation evolved differently in some markets.
Global Availability and Discontinuation
Diet Mountain Dew's journey has varied across different regions:
Read also: The story of Diet Pepsi
- Canada: Diet Mountain Dew was available in Canada during the 1990s but was later discontinued. It made a comeback in 2012 as Diet Mountain Dew Citrus Charge, aligning with the Citrus Charge branding. However, following the U.S. launch of Mountain Dew Zero Sugar in early 2020, Canada opted to replace Diet Mountain Dew with Zero Sugar.
- United Kingdom: In 2011, the UK saw the re-release of a sugar-free version, branded as Sugar-Free Mountain Dew - Get Energized, sold exclusively in 440ml cans at UK Newsagents.
- Other Regions: Diet versions have appeared under different names in various countries, including Free Mountain Dew (Denmark and Finland), Mountain Dew No Sugar/All Dew - No Sugar (New Zealand), Mountain Dew Sans Sucres (France), and All Dew - No Calorie (Malaysia). In some regions like Poland, Russia, Romania, Netherlands and Spain, the diet variety is sold as standard Mountain Dew nowadays.
Recent Discontinuations: A Broader Perspective
PepsiCo has confirmed that it is discontinuing several Pepsi and Mountain Dew flavors to reflect shifting consumer tastes and seasonal trends. Among the Mountain Dew flavors facing discontinuation are:
- Mountain Dew Major Melon
- Mountain Dew Zero Sugar Major Melon
- Mountain Dew Spark
- Mountain Dew Spark Zero Sugar
- Mountain Dew Purple Thunder Zero Sugar
- Mountain Dew Caffeine Free
- Mountain Dew White Out
- Mountain Dew Kickstart Mango Lime
- Mountain Dew Kickstart Original Dew
- Mountain Dew Kickstart Blueberry Pomegranate
Additionally, Mountain Dew Baja Blast Cabo Citrus and Mountain Dew Baja Blast Cabo Citrus Zero Sugar are marked as limited-time offerings.
The Broader World of Mountain Dew Flavors
Mountain Dew's flavor portfolio is vast and diverse, encompassing a wide range of tastes and preferences. Some notable examples include:
- Baja Blast: A tropical lime variant initially introduced as a Taco Bell exclusive, later gaining widespread popularity and seasonal releases. In January 2024, it was announced that Baja Blast would be available year-round.
- Game Fuel: A citrus-cherry variant often associated with video game promotions, featuring special packaging designs.
- Kickstart: A line of energy drinks with various flavors, such as Mango Lime and Blueberry Pomegranate.
- Limited-Time Offerings: Mountain Dew frequently introduces limited-edition flavors, such as Summer Freeze (inspired by bomb pops) and holiday-themed flavors like Fruitcake.
Read also: Diet Pepsi: A Deep Dive
Read also: Gluten-Free Diet Pepsi Guide
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