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Discontinued Mountain Dew Flavors You’ll Never Drink Again
Mountain Dew, with its loyal fan base and unique flavors, has become a popular soda brand over the years. While some flavors have stood the test of time and gained popularity, there are several discontinued Mountain Dew flavors that fans will likely never have the chance to taste again. In this article, we’ll explore some of these discontinued flavors and the stories behind them.
Caffeine-Free Mountain Dew
One of the discontinued Mountain Dew flavors that had fans yearning for its return was Caffeine-Free Mountain Dew. This drink was introduced in the mid-1970s as a caffeine-free alternative to the original Mountain Dew. The formula was almost identical to the regular version, but without the caffeine. Even the packaging was similar to the original Mountain Dew.
Unfortunately, Caffeine-Free Mountain Dew was quietly discontinued, with PepsiCo confirming on Twitter in January 2021 that it was no longer making the drink. While caffeine-free diet Mountain Dew is still available, some fans argue that it doesn’t quite capture the same flavor as the original Mountain Dew.
Mountain Dew Red
Introduced in 1988, Mountain Dew Red was a fruit-flavored twist on the classic soda. While the exact fruit flavor was never publicly announced, some speculated that it tasted similar to Code Red or Mountain Dew Citrus Cherry. A Diet Mountain Dew Red was also released at the same time.
Unfortunately, Mountain Dew Red didn’t last long and was discontinued the same year it was released. Despite its short-lived presence, Mountain Dew Red remains a nostalgic memory for those who had the chance to try it.
Mountain Dew Sport
Before the era of Mountain Dew’s extensive energy drink lineup, there was Mountain Dew Sport. Introduced in 1989, it was Mountain Dew’s first foray into the energy drink category. Mountain Dew Sport and its diet version tasted similar to the original Mountain Dew and contained additional ingredients marketed to help consumers stay energized during sports and activities.
Despite efforts to promote the drink, including hiring sports star Bo Jackson to endorse it, Mountain Dew Sport was discontinued in 1991. The brand would go on to introduce other energy drink options, but Mountain Dew Sport holds a special place in the memories of those who enjoyed its unique flavor.
Mountain Dew Pitch Black
Mountain Dew Pitch Black holds a special place in the hearts of Halloween soda lovers. Originally introduced in 2004 as a limited-time Halloween special, Pitch Black was a grape-flavored soda with a distinctive dark purple color. It quickly gained popularity and went through several iterations over the years.
In 2016, Mountain Dew held a fan-voted event called DEWcision 2016, where Pitch Black competed against Baja Blast for a permanent spot in the lineup. Pitch Black emerged as the winner and became Mountain Dew’s newest permanent flavor. However, in 2019, fans began to notice its disappearance from store shelves, and it was officially discontinued in June 2022.
There is a glimmer of hope for Pitch Black enthusiasts, however, as a trademark has been filed for the MTN DEW Pitch Black logo, hinting at a possible comeback in the future.
Mountain Dew Pitch Black II
After the success of the original Pitch Black, Mountain Dew released Pitch Black II in 2005. This Halloween-themed flavor had a black grape taste with a sour twist reminiscent of sour candy. Despite heavy promotion and the Halloween tie-in, Pitch Black II didn’t gain the same popularity as its predecessor and was discontinued at the end of the year.
While Pitch Black II hasn’t reappeared since its discontinuation, Mountain Dew has introduced other grape-flavored varieties, such as VooDEW, which tend to debut around Halloween.
Darth Dew
In an exciting collaboration, Mountain Dew partnered with 7-Eleven to launch Darth Dew in April 2005. This unique offering was not a regular soda, but a Slurpee flavor available exclusively at 7-Eleven stores. Inspired by the upcoming release of “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” the Darth Dew Slurpee was a jet-black beverage that delighted fans.
The release of Darth Dew coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Slurpee, and 7-Eleven stores even decorated their Slurpee machines with Star Wars advertisements. Fans could also purchase special edition Star Wars cups, complete with a 3D Darth Vader cup topper.
Mountain Dew MDX
Mountain Dew MDX was introduced in November 2005 as a new take on an energy drink. While it contained a moderate amount of caffeine, the energy boost came from additional ingredients such as ginseng, taurine, guarana and maltodextrin. Despite its enhanced formula, MDX maintained the familiar taste of the original Mountain Dew.
However, Mountain DewMDX was discontinued after a few years on the market. The exact reasons for the discontinuation are unclear, but it’s possible that the competitive energy drink market played a role. Mountain Dew later introduced other energy drink options, such as Game Fuel, to meet the growing demand for energy drinks.
Conclusion
Mountain Dew has a rich history of flavor experimentation, but not all flavors stand the test of time. The discontinued Mountain Dew flavors mentioned in this article, including Caffeine-Free Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Red, Mountain Dew Sport, Mountain Dew Pitch Black, Pitch Black II, Darth Dew, and Mountain Dew MDX, have left a void in the hearts of dedicated fans.
While some discontinued flavors may be missed more than others, Mountain Dew’s ever-evolving lineup ensures that there is always something new and exciting to try. Whether it’s a limited-time flavor or a permanent addition, Mountain Dew continues to captivate soda enthusiasts with its bold and innovative creations.
While these discontinued flavors may never grace store shelves again, their memory lives on in the nostalgic memories of those lucky enough to have tasted them. Mountain Dew’s legacy of experimentation and flavor variety remains strong, and fans eagerly await the next exciting addition to the lineup.
FAQS
Answer: Some of the discontinued Mountain Dew flavors include Caffeine-Free Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Red, Mountain Dew Sport, Mountain Dew Pitch Black, Pitch Black II, Darth Dew, and Mountain Dew MDX.
Why have these Mountain Dew flavors been discontinued?
Answer: The reasons for discontinuation vary, but factors such as low sales, limited-time promotions, changing consumer preferences and the competitive beverage market may contribute to the decision to discontinue a particular flavor.
Can I still find these discontinued Mountain Dew flavors?
Answer: Unfortunately, most of these discontinued Mountain Dew flavors are no longer available in stores. However, there may be rare cases where limited quantities or special editions of certain flavors can be found through independent sellers or online marketplaces.
Will Mountain Dew ever bring back these discontinued flavors?
Answer: While it’s difficult to predict Mountain Dew’s future plans, the brand has been known to bring back popular flavors or introduce limited-time revivals based on fan demand. However, for the majority of discontinued flavors, there has been no official announcement regarding their return.
Are there any similar flavors or alternatives to the discontinued Mountain Dew flavors?
Answer: Mountain Dew offers a wide variety of flavors that are currently available, including popular options such as Mountain Dew Baja Blast and Code Red. In addition, there are other grape-flavored or caffeine-free soft drinks on the market that may offer similar flavor profiles or alternatives for those seeking a replacement for the discontinued Mountain Dew flavors.
What is the most iconic Mountain Dew flavor that is still available?
Answer: The original Mountain Dew flavor remains one of the most iconic and enduring choices in the Mountain Dew lineup. Its distinct citrus flavor and vibrant green color have made it a favorite among soda lovers for decades.