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The untold truth about Nesquik
Depending on your generation and background, you probably grew up drinking either Nestlé Quik or Nesquik, made from either chocolate powder or chocolate syrup. Or maybe you just grabbed a bottle in its pre-chilled, ready-to-drink incarnation. Made by Nestlé, the world’s largest food company, Nesquik is one of those ubiquitous and transcendent products that seems to have been comfortably present on supermarket shelves around the world forever (actually, it’s only been 72 years). But like so many other familiar faces, how much do you actually know about the prized “billionaire” brand?
Nesquik cans from 1969 are worth over $150
When Nestlé first introduced its powdered chocolate flavored mix to the U.S. in 1948, it was called Nestlé Quik. Soon after, the product was introduced in Europe under the name Nesquik. The two names co-existed for decades until 1999, when Nesquik triumphed and became the universal brand name.
This micro-history lesson explains why, in 1969, Nesquik was sold in America in two-pound (32-ounce) cans called “Nestlé Quik.” But it doesn’t explain why these cans are now coveted by collectors who will pay up to $200 to find one in mint condition.
In 1969, the New York Mets were baseball’s uber-underdogs, infamous for setting “enduring records for incompetence. But in October, the team defied expectations by coming from behind the Baltimore Orioles to win the World Series. The unexpected champions were dubbed the “Miracle Mets. The team’s popularity was such that Nestlé jumped on the Mets bandwagon by creating a commemorative series of collector cans. The front of the cans proclaimed “Amazin’ Met Moments” in bold, blue capital letters. The back featured painted portraits of six Mets heroes along with summaries of their “Amazin'” on-field exploits for each of the five World Series games.
According to auction experts, the rarity of these commemorative cans, combined with their appeal to collectors of vintage food containers and baseball memorabilia, has made them a sought-after item.
Many Nesquik flavors have bombed
Although Nesquik and chocolate are as inseparable as Trump and Twitter, the brand has tried many other flavors over the years. Some – notably strawberry and banana (not to mention strawberry banana) – have been perennial hits. But a surprisingly long list of others haven’t fared so well, to the point of being discontinued.
Nesquik’s flavor rejects include some relatively innocuous options that still seem like good ideas, such as Nesquik Honey Powder, Caramel Powder, and Vanilla Powder (which managed to survive in ready-to-drink form). Nesquik Cream Powder may have been too tame and/or redundant (mixing cream with milk?). Although more intriguing and ambitious, Nesquik Cream Soda Powder and Cookies and Cream Powder may have suffered from the same redundancy.
At the bolder end of the flavor spectrum, Nesquik Triple Chocolate Powder may have gone too far (that said, Nesquik Double Chocolate Lowfat Milk is alive and well). And who knows why Nesquik Grape Powder, Cherry Powder, and Mango Powder got the boot? While they sound promising, could it be that these slightly tart, fruity flavors didn’t translate well into milk mixes? Even toning down the “zing” of orange with tried-and-true chocolate wasn’t enough to save Nesquik Jungle Jaffa Powder from extinction.
All in all, chocolate has proven to be Nesquik’s safest bet. Perhaps that explains why, in early 2020, the newest addition to Nesquik’s flavor team was Hot Fudge Sundae Powder.
Nesquik once fake-hyped a new broccoli-flavored drink.
Just because Nestlé is the world’s largest food company, with sales of $304.1 billion, doesn’t mean the mega-multinational doesn’t have a sense of humor. In 2013, Nesquik took to Facebook to announce the launch of a new Nesquik flavor: Broccoli Milk, whose label featured the familiar Nesquik Bunny mascot holding a giant glass overflowing with liquid green. Despite the disclaimer and the date – April 1 – followers (especially those who had no idea they were being pranked) were not impressed. Comments ranged from “disgusting…poor kids” to “im sure its a joke but still not funny thatsnice. i dont think i would try it” to “the world is ending.” It’s safe to say that the idea of broccoli-flavored milk didn’t sit well with the Nesquik fanbase.
While the fake-hyped broccoli flavor didn’t become a reality, it’s interesting to see how far Nesquik was willing to go for a playful marketing stunt. It shows that even a billion-dollar brand like Nesquik is not afraid to have a little fun and engage with its audience in unexpected ways.
Overall, The Untold Truth of Nesquik reveals a fascinating story of the brand’s evolution, from its humble beginnings as Nestlé Quik to its status as a beloved and iconic product on supermarket shelves worldwide. The value of vintage Nesquik cans, the variety of flavors that have come and gone, and even the fake-hyped broccoli flavor all add to the colorful history of this chocolatey drink. Whether you enjoy it as a childhood favorite or an adult guilty pleasure, Nesquik continues to capture the hearts and taste buds of many.
Sources:
https://www.mashed.com/242285/the-untold-truth-of-nesquik/
FAQS
How long has Nesquik been around?
Nesquik has been around for 72 years since its launch in 1948.
What are some valuable Nesquik collectibles?
A valuable Nesquik collectible is the 1969 two-pound tin cans, especially those labeled “Nestlé Quik”. These can fetch up to $200 in mint condition. Another sought-after item is the commemorative series of collector canisters released in honor of the New York Mets’ 1969 World Series win.
Which Nesquik flavors have been discontinued?
Nesquik has experimented with different flavors over the years and some have been discontinued. Examples include Nesquik Honey Powder, Caramel Powder, Vanilla Powder (except in ready-to-drink form), Nesquik Cream Powder, Nesquik Cream Soda Powder, Cookies and Cream Powder, Nesquik Grape Powder, Cherry Powder, Mango Powder, and Nesquik Jungle Jaffa Powder.
Did Nesquik really think about making a broccoli-flavored drink?
In 2013, Nesquik played a playful marketing prank by announcing a new flavor called Broccoli Milk. However, it was an April Fool’s joke and the flavor never became a reality.
What is Nesquik’s most popular flavor?
Chocolate remains Nesquik’s most popular and enduring flavor. It has been a staple in the Nesquik lineup and continues to be a consumer favorite.
How does Nesquik connect with its audience?
Nesquik has shown a willingness to engage with its audience in playful ways, such as the fake-hyped broccoli-flavored drink announcement on social media. This demonstrates the brand’s sense of humor and desire to connect with consumers through unexpected marketing stunts.