Throwback Pepsi and Mountain Dew with sugar have arrived in Dallas

by Teresa Gubbins

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Sugar versions of these popular sodas are in stores for a brief eight-week period.

DALLAS — Those who like real sugar in their sodas and not the dreaded HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) can celebrate the brief return of Pepsi's limited-edition Throwback, which was delivered to Dallas-area stores on Wednesday.

The Throwback comes in two versions: Throwback Pepsi and Throwback Mountain Dew. According to the Pepsi Bottling Group, they're available wherever regular Pepsi products are sold. You can definitely find them at Kroger and Albertsons stores, though they haven't turned up at Tom Thumb.

The Throwback saga began last spring, when Pepsi first released the cane-sugar versions of Pepsi and Mountain Dew in April on a limited-edition basis until mid-June.

Limited-edition items always generate a lot of interest amongst bloggers, and sodas made with real sugar have their own enthusiastic following. Fans find the taste of cane-sugar soda to be cleaner and crisper than the HFCS version.

Facing what Pepsi publicist Michelle Naughton calls "overwhelming positive consumer response," Pepsi decided to reissue both products for another eight-week run, officially beginning December 28.

What makes the Pepsi products especially appealing compared to other entries such as Boylan's or Jones Soda or those baby six-packs of cane-sugar Dr Pepper is the price. Most of those special sodas run from $5 to $6 for a 4- or 6-pack, while the Pepsi and Mountain Dew are regular price, with a 12-pack costing about $3.

But it isn't just price; the sodas have a unique flavor. Both have the sharp edge that sugar adds. The Pepsi has a subtle spiciness that makes it more interesting and complex. The Mountain Dew tastes less watered-down, less "bloaty" than the HFCS version, with the orange juice concentrate (which is the third ingredient) more prominent.

One change they've made with this reissue versus the April release: packaging. In April, they went with an elegant look that some found too similar to Pepsi's regular packaging. This time around, it's been given a decidedly retro design that makes it easier to identify. (Personally, I prefer the aesthetics of the April release, and also appreciate that its non-distinguishability might make it harder for people to find.)

December seems like an odd time to issue a limited-edition soda, especially after Christmas. But at least it's here in time for New Year's, and there is the distinct possibility that the timing is designed to monitor sales for another run down the road, perhaps permanent.

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