Review: Mountain Dew Throwback
Apr 21st, 2009 by Steve
Update 01/06/10: Read our updated Pepsi Throwback review and updated Mountain Dew Throwback review, both featuring new designs, available for 8 weeks starting December 28, 2009.
Listen to our NPR interview about Mountain Dew Throwback.
Over the years, soda enthusiasts have found ways to experience sugar-sweetened Pepsi in a high fructose corn syrup era. Whether this be through Kosher Pepsi, Mexican Pepsi, Pepsi Natural, or even the new Pepsi Throwback, if you had a will, there was a way to find that familiar cola flavor with sugar. The same has not been true for the citrus-flavored delights of Mountain Dew… until now. Yes, ladies and gentlemen who desire the yellow & green elixir with sugar sweetness, your time has come. It's time to grab hold of Mountain Dew Throwback!
Mountain Dew Throwback
Like its sibling, Pepsi Throwback, Mountain Dew Throwback is a natural sugar version of Dew sweetened with a combination of cane/beet sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Possessing an official release date of April 20, this limited edition soft drink will be available for only 8 weeks.
Back in February, we started talking about Mountain Dew Throwback when numerous trademark filings for the drink were discovered. Following that finding, prototype bottle designs were leaked, showcasing a very 1970s/80s Mountain Dew design that caught a lot of positive attention.
Small logo on can
The folks at Pepsi eventually got in touch with us to answer our questions about the new drink, including confirming the final artwork design (different from the prototypes), sugar composition ("natural sugar" = cane + beet sugar), and release window (8 weeks starting April 20).
Note the font of the "Throwback" name
Like the anticipation for Pepsi Throwback, one of the big appeals of Mountain Dew Throwback is the dropping of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Granted, the purpose of the Throwback line isn't marketed that way. The press release notes the following: "'As we revamp our brand with our 'refresh everything' campaign, we want to give a nod to the fun things of the past… For some, it will be a trip down memory lane but for others, it will be a chance to experience a new twist on their favorite brands'." Publicly, Pepsi does not acknowledge the debate over HFCS. When asked via e-mail, the folks at Pepsi noted that "these products were not created because of any health concerns. There is a lot of misinformation circulating about HFCS, but the truth is that it's made from corn and contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives. HFCS is essentially the same as table sugar and is metabolized the same." Interpret that however you'd like.
Natural Sugar = Cane + Beet Sugar
Maybe that's why the tagline is "Made with natural sugar" — seriously, what is "natural sugar"? Officially, Pepsi says its a combination of both cane sugar and beet sugar. Cane sugar — which is sourced from sugarcane that is grown above the ground — and beet sugar — which is pulled from beets grown underground. Some prefer one type or the other, but from a marketing perspective, you'll often see cane sugar as being sold as the "higher quality" sweetener (see Jones Soda and Boylan, to name a few). Apparently, "Made with natural sugar" is a lot more catchy than "Made with sugar, unlike that HFCS stuff that may potentially kill you." 
(Source: Beverage-Digest.com)
Mountain Dew is currently the #4 best selling brand, according to Beverage Digest's "Top 10 CSD Results for 2008" report (PDF) released back in March. And you have to admit, Pepsi has owned this category for a long time with Mountain Dew's citrus dominance. Diet Mountain Dew grew in volume by 4%, which is really good considering that the carbonated soft drink market has been shrinking over the past 4 years. Coke has tried to confront Dew over the years with Mello Yello, Surge, and probably most successfully with Vault.
As Dew fans long know, the popular drink has been leveraged quite a bit lately with numerous flavor extensions, including, but not limited to:
- Mountain Dew Code Red
- Mountain Dew LiveWire
- Mountain Dew Baja Blast
- Mountain Dew Pitch Black
- Mountain Dew Pitch Black II
- Mountain Dew MDX
- Mountain Dew Game Fuel
- Mountain Dew Supernova
- Mountain Dew Revolution
- Mountain Dew Voltage
Even with all these flavors, this is probably the first time that we've seen the actual flagship formula get altered as a different beverage.
Unlike Pepsi Throwback, we don't have a lot of sugar versions to compare when it comes to Dew… like Mexican, Kosher, etc. So, for the sake of this review, we'll be comparing the standard high fructose corn syrup-sweetened version — which we'll call HFCS Mountain Dew — against Mountain Dew Throwback.
Hey look, SUGAR!
Let's start by comparing the ingredients in both entries:
HFCS Mountain Dew
Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, sodium citrate, erythorbic acid (preserves freshness), gum arabic, calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor), brominated vegetable oil, Yellow 5
Mountain Dew Throwback
Carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, gum arabic, brominated vegetable oil, Yellow 5
As you compare the lists of both of these Dew versions, you'll note that there are quite a few differences (far more than between HFCS and Pepsi Throwback). For example, the most notable is the removal of concentrated orange juice from Mountain Dew Throwback. Other chemical elements are also switched out, leading one to believe that these two drinks probably don't taste very similar.
Original Mtn Dew Logo
(Source: uspto.gov)
The bottle and can designs are quite different as well. As you will recall, PepsiCo went through massive logo redesigns across their brands recently, including changing the official spelling of Mountain Dew to simply Mtn Dew (which I still think is rather goofy). Even that original "Mtn Dew" spelling changed logo designs before finally appearing in a more conservative rendition. Thankfully, that renaming didn't carry over to the retro-themed Mountain Dew Throwback packaging.
Revised Mtn Dew Logo
(Source: uspto.gov)
On both the 20 oz. bottle and 12 oz cans, we're presented with the Mountain Dew 'box' logo used throughout the 1970s/80s, oriented vertically, so you have to view it sideways. (So turn your head already… it's not that hard!) This logo sits on a darker green background, with the phrase "Throwback" written below it in a light green color. Like the Pepsi Throwback, the font used to spell "Throwback" appears to be the same as the one used in the Pepsi logo redesign. In smaller, white type, the phrase "made with natural sugar" sits below the "Throwback" callout. The bottle is the standard green Dew bottle with the vertical 'swirl' pattern in the plastic. The can design pretty much mimics the bottle design exactly… but it's on a can. Get it?
Of the two designs — Pepsi Throwback vs. Mountain Dew Throwback — I like the graphic interpretation a bit better on the Dew version. Maybe it's just the use of the logo I remember so fondly… or the fact that I really don't like the way Pepsi Throwback looks. My biggest concern, just like with the Pepsi version, is that the Throwback branding is so small and minimal, not really denoting that it's a different drink. This can create quite a bit of confusion in the marketplace, in my opinion.
Prototype Mountain Dew Throwback Design
(Source: Pepsi Bottling Group)
I'm personally still a fan of the prototype bottle design for Dew, as it did a far better drop showcasing the "Throwback" branding on the product. It's also interesting as you look at that version that the phrase "Made with real sugar" is used, yet what we ended up with was "Made with natural sugar". Curious, huh? Perhaps PepsiCo wanted to avoid the question, "if this is made with REAL sugar, then what is normal Dew made with?" By using the phrase "natural" instead of "real", you can play to the organic/healthy crowd and avoid that situation altogether… because after all, just what is "natural" sugar?
One thing I have noticed over the years is how the bubbles of HFCS and sugar-sweetened drinks are different when poured into a glass. We've definitely seen this with Kosher Pepsi, Pepsi Natural, and Pepsi Throwback. HFCS-sweetened drinks tend to have large, irregularly-shaped bubbles, while sugar-sweetened beverages have nice, tight bubbles. I wondered if the same would be true of HFCS Mountain Dew vs. Mountain Dew Throwback.
It turns out that there isn't much of a difference in the bubble nature of the two drinks. Take a look:
HFCS Mountain Dew: Large & Small Bubbles
Mountain Dew Throwback: Looks pretty much the same
Which leads us to actually drinking these beverages, which is probably the reason you are reading this review in the first place. I'll say from the onset that the differences between the HFCS and Throwback versions of Mountain Dew are probably more substantial than those presented with HFCS vs. Pepsi Throwback.
Yup, it's a trademark!
When you open the bottle or can, you are greeted with the expected Mountain Dew 'smell', which is a good thing, providing a fresh, citrus-y scent. The color of Mountain Dew Throwback is exactly the same as HFCS Dew. The differences appear when you take that first sip. You'll note from the get-go that Throwback is a bit less carbonated/bubbly, along with having a less acidic bite, more along the lines of Coke's Vault. I've seen others mention that they feel that Throwback is 'flatter' when compared to HFCS Dew, but I don't believe that is accurate. I think what is really present here is that you actually have the flavor of Mountain Dew being present during the entire drink experience, rather than having it buried by excessive carbonation, acid, and syrup. Compared to HFCS Mountain Dew, Throwback seems to have a more authentic citrus flavor. I used this term when describing Pepsi Throwback and I think it's appropriate here… Mountain Dew Throwback is "full bodied".
The Throwback branding is rather lost in the design
That said, there is quite a flavor difference between the two drinks. One wonders if the lack of concentrated orange juice effects that, or if we're just reading too much into it. Even though I'm old enough to have experienced Mountain Dew with sugar, I wasn't exactly running a beverage review website at the time, so I really can't accurately remember the flavor experience. One notable element of Mountain Dew Throwback is the aftertaste, which has a certain element of crispness, but at the same time, harkens back to perhaps Diet Mountain Dew with a lingering, non-attractive flavor similar to an artificial sweetener. I wonder if this is how Dew originally tasted and that any negativity aimed at the Throwback flavor is simply today's generation reacting to something that doesn't taste like the HFCS Mountain Dew they are so familiar with.
Overall, I have to say that I really wanted to love Mountain Dew Throwback. But some of the flavors with the drink threw me off. Of the two Throwback drinks, I prefer Pepsi Throwback. That's not to say that Mountain Dew Throwback is bad or horrible. It's not. It's actually very good. If you were tasting it within a vacuum without having HFCS Dew to put it into context, then I think the discussion would be null and void. But because Dew has such a strong influence on folks, I can understand some of the criticisms that it doesn't taste as good as the HFCS version. For the sake of innovation, however, I want to see Mountain Dew Throwback succeed, and will be enjoying it while it's available for a limited time.
For the record, Mountain Dew Throwback contains 4.5 mg/oz. of caffeine, which is in the same ballpark as HFCS Mountain Dew. Drinking an entire 20 oz. bottle will cost you 280 calories, actually 10 less than HFCS Mountain Dew. It also contains 85 mg of sodium (vs. 100 mg in HFCS Dew) and 73 g of sugars (vs. 77 mg in HFCS Dew).
Mountain Dew Throwback produces a very flavorful citrus experience with a clean, fresh taste. That taste may be different from what you are used to with high fructose corn syrup-sweetened Dew, but it's still a solid eye-opener. It's not often you can find a sugar-sweetened citrus soft drink, so savor this Throwback entry while it's available for a limited time. If you don't, you'll regret it!
[...] Update: Read our Pepsi Throwback review and Mountain Dew Throwback review [...]
[...] Update: Read our Pepsi Throwback review and Mountain Dew Throwback review. [...]
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Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback…
Over the weekend, found a case of Mountain Dew Throwback cans. I still have not had success finding bottles, however.
http://www.bevreview.com/wp-content/image_mountaindewthrowback01.jpg
Compar……
[...] BevReview gets all up in the bizness of both the Mountain Dew Throwback and Pepsi [...]
Finally found the Mountain Dew Throwback here in Bay Area - not surprised that its a big letdown taste wise and have a feeling stores will be swimming in it within a few days so be patient. I used to love the drink as a kid and while it has the same scent just really doubt its the original formula still tastes too similar to the HFCS version. Overall think its nothing more than a marketing ploy to boost sales in a slow market.
[...] don't know about you, but it seems there's a lot of buzz now that Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback have been released. These drinks came out on April 20 and are only available for 8 weeks, thus [...]
That’s cool. I always had thought that the taste of MD had changed due to the change from glass to plastic. One taste of throwback has proven me wrong. This stuff takes me back to being 4 years old at my grandmother’s summer cottage back in 81′ This Is one of those early childhood smells/tastes you don't forget. I soooo miss this. This is the Mountain Dew I fell in love with as a kid! And here I thought my senses dulled over time… This is how it used to be…I wish this wasn’t limited =( . It’s my childhood in a bottle.
I didn't think the Mt dew Throwback had any taste. It seemed very watery. I prefer the original Mt. Dew……..
When I was growing up back in the 60's, our next door neighbor was the president of the Pepsi Bottling Company (and his brother was regional director for Pepsi). He kept a large Pepsi vending machine (the low square one where you slid the bottles and pulled, only his had the guts removed) in his garage with a standing invitation to all the kids in the neighborhood to take what they wanted, when they wanted.
One day, he gathered a bunch of us up and took us to the plant where he said he wanted us to "try something". He had us sample several pre-production samples of something new called "Mountain Dew" and wanted us to tell him which one we liked better. I've been hooked on the Dew ever since.
I haven't tried MD Throwback yet, but I'm going out tomorrow and find some. I know exactly what it used to taste like back then, and if it's the same, I'm buying about 10 cases so I'll have it for awhile.
And yes, the original Dew was a bit flatter and richer than the stuff they have now. We'll see if my taste buds get a flash from the past.
[...] Mountain Dew Throwback Review by BevReview [...]
Mountain Dew Throwback is AWESOME!!! Like a previous poster stated, I too thought that the taste changed due to plastic bottles or cans instead of the glass bottles. As soon as I saw this at the grocery store I had to have it! I took that first drink and found that great Mountain Dew taste that I loved in high school. My husband and I couldn't get enough of it, we polished off a 12 pack in 1 day. We normally don't drink that much pop inone day, but it was just sooo good. I would love it if Pepsi kept in on the shelves permanetly. I guess I'll have to stock up in it.
After drinking Dr. Pepper made with real cane sugar in Austin, Texas a couple years ago, and noting how much better it tasted, I was excited to try this product.
Picked up a case tonite. On first taste, it tasted just like it did when I bought it after riding my BMX bike down to the corner store in 1982. The taste of Mountain Dew has changed alot since then. The middle taste is less syrupy with Throwback. The aftertaste is completely different. Throwback seems less carbonated, mellower. If you liked Mountain Dew before it switched to corn syrup by the mid-80s, you'll like this.
I finally found some Throwback today after hitting more than a dozen convenience and grocery stores. I'm glad to say that both versions are great! It's not quite what I remember it being back in the 60's, but it's closer than the stuff they sell nowadays. I really hope they keep making both the Pepsi and MD Throwbacks.
I prefer the taste of orignall mountain dew over the throwback version.I hope this is not a replacement for the orignall.
[...] Review of Mountain Dew Throwback [...]
[...] here to stay long-term — something I'd personally love to see happen to Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback, but what do I know… I just review [...]
[...] Review of Mountain Dew Throwback [...]
I would have to think that, judging by the responses to the new throwbacks, pepsi co. would possibly make it a new brand to be released while the originals are still in play. That way the current mountain dew lovers, and the ones who like all the older and different versions, can all be satisfied.
I use to love Mountain Dew a lot. Then all of the sudden one day, I couldn't drink it anymore. Today (4/30/09) I was at the grocery store with my husband, and saw the 12 pack of Mountain Dew sitting there, an I thought, how cool is that box? He then told me that it was like the old Dew. SO, I paid way to much for 12 cans of pop, just so I could taste it once again.
I really wish they would keep it longer then 8 weeks. I am now a Coca Cola drinker, BUT, I love my dew. The old dew that is. =) I would go back to drinking this if it stays, but if it doesn't, well..guess Coke will be taking my money…sorry Pepsi!
Why the omission of orange juice though? Seems to me this could be them in some sneaky way trying to prove to everyone that HFCS is "better". People drink this with real/natural sugar in it, lacking a full ingredients list and go "oh this sucks, thusly killing off any desire for further drinking of a real sugar based version.
Correct me if I'm wrong but in foreign markets where cane sugar is the primary ingredient there is still orange juice in Mountain Dew right?
why does it have to be limited ?? I like this taste of the older mountain dew and pepsi's of the 70's and 80's why cant they keep a good soda on the market ? mountain dew with the frustucose corn syrup along with the pepsi
isnt bad…….. but I like the pepsi throwback and mountain dew throwback alot better than the karo syrupy pepsi that feels like when you drink it your drinking a gallon of syrup which is nasty i think and when you spit it looks liek you have drunk a quart of mrs butterworths … and the syrupy mountain dew that parches your taste buds with syrup sugar and a acidic after bite that sometimes stings your senses…. these 2 new recreations of the old flavors actually have some flavor to them and im not a pepsi man but this pepsi I can drink!!! because it tastes like the pepsi i can remember back in the 80's Besides who likes this nasty disgrace of a drink called mountain dew black ?? thats the nastiest thing since carbonated grape wine and this livewire isnt worth anything plus the code red and baja flavors are sickening and they arent good at all Im sure their not good sellers Nobody in their right mind desires the taste of something nasty and bitter … the pepsi company should take a hint when these nasty exotic flavors dont sell ..along with their hyped up Nasty sour bitter tasting energy drinks filled with taurine and ginseng. dont cut the mustard. its time for them to get smart and sell something that most people like for a change.
P.S STAY WITH THE PEPSI FLAVOR FOR SURE! even in the late 80's and early 90's pepsi didnt taste like crap like it does now and wasnt near as syrupy
I love Dew, and also wanted to love this new sugar version, but after tasting it, I immediately re-read the ingredient list thinking i tasted artificial sweetner. It has a distinct aftertaste, remeniscent of splenda. It's rather disappointing. I also find it not as sweet. I would be perfectly happy with the sugar version having more calories and the oj put back in. I noticed they kept the calorie count the same and wonder if the omission of oj was for that reason?
Being a devoted Dew fan my entire life, I can tell you that I drink very little of the stuff these days. Way too syrupy and it actually tends to hurt my stomach. In fact, when I do drink it, I tend to "cut" it with Sierra Mist.
So, needless to say, I was very pleased at the hope that TB Dew presented. And for my money, it absolutely delivered. I love the stuff! It delivers a crispness in taste that the HFCS version just doesn't.
I'm actually a little perplexed by all the negativity towards it, though. It is so much closer to the version I remember and I get no aftertaste whatsoever. Not sure if that could be the bottler (I'm in Indy)? In any event, I plan on buying a bomb shelter's worth!
I have been a hard core Moutain Dew drinker for 15 yrs. Last night I decided to try Mountaind Dew throwback ….It was AWFUL and made me so sick to my stomach.. Pepsi I love ya guys but please TAKE THROWBACK OFF THE SHELVES !!!! You guys know YOU CAN'T MESS WITH PERFECTION !! With that said PEPSI COLA MOST CERTAINLY KICKS THE CRAP OUT COCA COLA .
I LOVE Dew Throwback. Very crisp and clean. I do think there is a little less sweetness because there isn't the OJ. I think the "aftertaste" that everyone is talking about is really just the acidity as the finishing taste is more lemon-lime than the normal full bodied citrus that the HFCS version presents.
Still way better than the HFCS version. I would buy the throwback version any day over the HFCS. Ideal world would be the throwback with some OJ added in. Can't stand the HFCS, its like drinking a thick syrup.
I strongly agree with post "26DewDrinker"
There is a strong after taste in Mountain Dew Throwback. The original Mountain Dew never had this. I just finished my first 20 oz bottle of Mountain Dew Throwback, and probably will not want to buy another one. Anyone who likes this new drink is probably someone who likes diet sodas. It definitely has that diet soda after taste.
I would prefer the sucrose (natural sugar) of the original formula, but the fructose (regular Mtn Dew) is OK. I have not tried any of the specialty Dews and want to drink only the Original Dew or the fructose Dew, not the "Throwback Dew".
+++++++++++++++++++
post "26DewDrinker"
I love Dew, and also wanted to love this new sugar version, but after tasting it, I immediately re-read the ingredient list thinking i tasted artificial sweetner. It has a distinct aftertaste, remeniscent of splenda. It's rather disappointing. I also find it not as sweet. I would be perfectly happy with the sugar version having more calories and the oj put back in. I noticed they kept the calorie count the same and wonder if the omission of oj was for that reason?
I read your review to see if there was some sort of hidden artificial sweetener in the Mt. Dew throwback. After years of trying to find sugar (rather than corn syrup) sweetened soda, I was excited to see this brand. I tried both it and Pepsi throwback and while I greatly enjoyed the latter, I am hard pressed to believe that there isn't Splenda in the Mt. Dew throwback. Could it be that because that artificial sweetener has so convinced the American public that it's *basically* sugar (no way!) that it would not have to be reported in the list of ingredients? I've never gotten such a strong taste of faux-sweetener in a naturally sweetened drink.
I remain unconvinced that it is naturally sweetened.
And a little disgusted by it.
I just had my 1st throwbak Dew and it is not even close to what I was drinking. I drink Mountain Dew from the time I get up till bed and if this is all i am going to get then I will no longer drink it. I pressed mtn dew on the pop machine at work and this crap is what I got. It almost taste like diet Dew, Get rid of this garbage PLEASE!
I tried both Throwback Pepsi and Dew and I am quite satisfied. The Throwback Dew tastes pretty close to the Dew with HFCS and goes down a lot easier. It also doesn't leave my stomach aching like the HFCS version. I know many dew drinkers of the past couple decades find it to be bland compared to the HFCS versions. I think that is because they are so used to the HFCS versions, anything that is different will be noticed rather quickly. Some will like it and some will not. But that is the way it goes with soda. I bet when the HFCS took over the natural sugar ingredient in the sodas, they were upset about it. Just like those who are used to the HFCS Dew are upset over the change to sugar instead of HFCS. Whenever a change occurs you have people who like it and people who don't. Some people may not care one way or the other.
As far as the Throwback Pepsi, I was satisfied with it. I will admit it does have more of a Coke taste, but it is still Pepsi. I have always had the HFCS versions of Pepsi and Dew, so I didn't know any differently about the difference in taste. Now that I have tasted the sugar versions, I almost prefer them. I actually still prefer the HFCS version of the current Pepsi, but I don't mind the throwback version either. As far as the Throwback Dew, I say it tastes about the same as the current HFCS version so I wouldn't mind switching over to the throwback sugar version. The HFCS Mountain Dew sometimes gives me a stomach ache where as so far, the Throwback Dew has not.
I hope they keep the Throwback versions along with the current HFSC versions so people can have a choice.
There is an after taste that is different in the Throwback Dew, but I wouldn't say it is a diet soda after taste. The after taste is just different because I am not used to it. When sodas began using the High Fructose Corn Syrup to replace the sugar, I am sure people complained about the after taste from it. And now people complain about the after taste in the Throwback Sugar version. In my opinion, it's simply a matter of them not being used to it. I am not quite used to the after taste of this sugar Dew, but I am sure I wll get used to it after a while. I like the taste of the Throwback Dew!
What's with all the negativity? Has everyone become so addicted to HFCS in soda? Natural sugar is better for you and that's why throwback tastes lighter. It tastes nothing like diet dew. After one sip of this I realized how thick HFCS soda is and it's gross. If I wanted that in a drink, I'd drink a bottle of Aunt Jemima. I hope they keep it around - I like the smooth feel of it.
[...] Review: Mountain Dew Throwback [...]
Interesting to see the comments stating that the HFCS Dew is the original. Not so my friends. The original is the Throwback. I hope Pepsi is reading these posts and decides to keep it on the store shelves.
I actually don't drink much pop anymore, but a buddy of mine told me about this and I was curious so I ran out to find it. I actually really love the flavor, it's soo much crisper and lighter it's amazing. I haven't had regular MTN Dew (that spelling is stupid) in awhile, but the throwback tastes like, well it taste like mountain dew, but only better than I remember it. I think I'm going to stock up before they stop making this stuff
Will there be Throwback Coke and Mello Yello?
Does anybody know what year "natural" sugar was replaced with HFCS?
Thanks.
I just popped open my first HFC Mt Dew since drinking Mt Dew throw back and it has made me realize I am going to have to buy a few cases of throwback before it goes off sale. I haven't found it in cans yet but the search is on now. Ever since they stopped putting Mt Dew in 16oz bottles it just hasn't been the same. I drink it in cans normally and only in plastic when I have to. To me the stuff that comes in plastic bottles is a poor imitation that seems to coat the tongue and sits with you for a very long time. It just isn't the crisp refreshing taste of old.
This is great, I love the fact it has sugar!! So much better than the regular one. Too bad its only available for 8 weeks=( I would actually start buying soda again if they made them this way.
Mountain Dew throwback is much closer to the Mountain Dew that I drank as a kid when the bottles were glass(ya-hoo) . For those who've only known the HFCS or diet version, this is more like what MT. Dew should be. I could taste the citrus altho they should have left the OJ in there, & there wasn't that sticky slimy aftertaste that HFCS Mt Dew has now. Bravo, just wish I could find this in caffeine free in PA.
I love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would love it if all soda companies started using sugar again in their drinks. I have not for many years been able to enjoy the taste of Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Mt. Dew, et al that I savored in my younger days, and the reason was that they were simply no longer available.
Troy Rognrud, I believe it was 1985 when soda makers began using high fructose corn syrup. Some independant soda companies use natural sugar but most do not. Most still use the syrup.
My husband loves Mountain Dew and even has me drinking it over Pepsi, but I still love both. We have a diffrent problem and that is my husband is allergic to corn in recent years so the hunt has been on for soda's he likes without HFCS. We often end up buying Jones soda a product of Mexico with real sugar. He was so exicted the other day when he found this sugar Mountain Dew here in NM. I tasted it and instantly loved it and would pay to have it all the time. So please Mountain Dew consider keeping it fulltime because my hubby can't have HFCS, and I'm sure there are many out there who prefer real sugar. He is a true Dew freak and would buy it with sugar regularly, we drink soda daily.
Well, I just tried this yesterday, and if this is the true mountain dew taste, then "Mtn dew" is nothing but sludge.I have never tasted anything as wonderful as this by Pepsi. I hope they make this permanent in their product list
I thought I loved Mountain Dew, but I love the Mountain Dew Throwback even more. They should should make the throwback permanent, or switch to only using natural sugar to make Dew.
i really, really like this. i had both regular mtn dew (first time in years) and throwback today, and i can't believe people like the regular stuff at all.
also, if you are having trouble finding it in your stores, chances are they're hiding them in the back and not stocking them. i work at a grocery store and they've been sitting in the back for weeks now, never once up front. ask a manager or take a look if you can.
The throwback version used to be the regular kind. But sugar began to cost too much so they switched to high fructose corn syrup. I hope Pepsi will keep making the throwback versions of Pepsi and Mountain Dew. Perhaps they could make some of their other flavors without the corn syrup and use sugar instead. It is probably unlikely Pepsi would switch to sugar but perhaps they could offer both versions so we can choose.
NO NO NO ….it does not taste the same
I needed to stop drinking this high caloric beverage
and you just help me by changing the formula.
Thanks!!
I don't understand some of the comments. Some say it tastes like it did before HFCS was used and some say it doesn't. I am sure neither opinion is a lie, so why do we have some saying it tastes the same as it was back in the day and some that say it doesn't?
I experienced the same 'artificial sweetener'-type aftertaste when I had a 20 oz bottle of Dew Throwback. It's pretty strange considering how great Pepsi Throwback is. I really wanted to have a HFCS Pepsi to Pepsi Throwback improvement in Dew Throwback, but that aftertaste ruins it for me. I'll be sticking to Pepsi Throwback and hoping they keep it permanently.
Basically, I liked it–and I definitely prefer the sugar sweetness. I got a hint of that "is this a diet cola?" aftertaste, but it was subtle at best and really didn't bother me. I think it's better straight (no ice) out of a chilled can than from a plastic bottle, but I'd say that about HFCS dew as well. Overall, the flavor could be improved upon, but I still have to say:
Throwback > HFCS
I don't really notice an aftertaste in the Throwback Dew. Allthough I prefer the Throwback Pepsi more.
For those of us old enough to remember, this is the best taste we've had in a long while. The only thing missing is the returnable glass bottle. Come on, Pepsi, keep Mountain Dew and Pepsi Throwback around and consider going green - bring back returnables! There was nothing better than a nice cold Mountain Dew or Pepsi in a glass bottle. You make it, we'll buy it.
[...] a lunchbox, CD player, lava lamp, trucker hat, and of course, cans of new Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback. Pepsi Throwback [...]
When I was a kid, I loved Mountain Dew and was like a little crackhead. Since my childhood I had noticed that Mountain Dew didn't taste as good as it did when I was a kid, but since I hated Dr. Pepper and now can't live without it, I thought it was changing taste buds. Then I had a can of Mountain Dew Throwback and I took a trip back in time to when I was young and huddle at the television knocking out some Mario on the NES….
I was one of those "kids" who never tried the original, my first dew was in 1999 when I was a freshman in high school. I was hooked on the stuff since and have been a dew fan for 10 years. Over the years I've gone from hating the flagship (normal) dew, after drinking a gallon a day for a week, to missing it so much after not having it for a month.
I've tried the off brands, and nothing is as good as the original. The "flavors" of mountain dew have varied from delicious to horrible, being code red and voltage respectively.
I was at the store today and saw the old style, one which never gets old but was replaced by a horrid looking MTN dew logo, and thought "this could be good". when I got it home, I noticed the "made with natural sugar" and was curious. the last drink I had made with natural/real sugar was a dr. pepper at the great divide point in Arizona, lets just say no Dr. Pepper has ever matched that one bottle. So on first sip of the Throwback, I was slightly disappointed as it didn't have the crisp taste as that Dr. Pepper, but I guess that is the difference between a glass bottle and an aluminum can. as I kept drinking though, I realized the lack of over carbonation which was harsh and overbearing on the normal HFCS dew. when I finished the first can, I was left with an almost non-existent after taste which was refreshing for dew, the only other one to offer that was code red.
reading all the responses, it seems that this is a very sought after soda and hopefully the sales and responses are enough to persuade pepsi to make it a staple. it feels to me like this is mountain dew's "coke classic" phase and hopefully they take a page from their book and bring this back as the flagship.
You can also get Mt. Dew with sugar from the West Jefferson NC bottling plant. It's always used sugar, they never converted to HFCS, so their formula may be closer to regular Mt. Dew. Here's the address:
2614 NC Highway 163, West Jefferson, NC 28694
They have a website, but can't remember it.
I like Throwback Better.
The throwback tastes very different than the normal dews of the current times. I don't know what the older dew tastes like, but this throwback stuff tastes like its a diet product. Logos cool, ideas cool, but for the same relative calories, id rather have the hfcs.
Tastes like diet? Are you kidding me? I hate diet pop…I would never drink diet. Mountain Dew Throwback does not taste like diet. It's as close to the Mountain Dew from my childhood as I can remember. I love it. I'd like to know the ages of those who hate it… anyway, it doesn't matter. The corn syrupy MTN DEW will still be around. However, I won't be drinking it.
Back to Coke!
I did a small blind taste test with the Mt. Dew Throwback and Regular Mt. Dew. Both of the sodas were from aluminum cans and were poured into plastic cups. Ages of the subjects ranged from 8 - 38. All of the testers picked the Throwback Mt. Dew version over the regular Mt. Dew 100% of the time. I think the Pepsi Cola company has a major hit on their hands.
Nice post JR - Virginia, but you forgot one thing. Mountain Dew Throwback is the original (regular) Mountain Dew.
I've tried 11 different stores recommended by the "Store Locator" section of the Pepsi website to find Mountain Dew Throwback in the Citrus Heights, CA (Sacramento) area to no avail. Pepsi Throwback is all over the place…and I love it.
I can't wait to see it on the shelfs for good. I am a huge fan of the throwback. I would like to see all sodas go to natural sugar. A number of other countries have it figured out. It would be great to see glass bottles come back. Why did we ever leave something that was successful???
Just had my first bottle of the Mountain Dew Throwback. Yummm…to me it tasted just like the drink did pre-HFCS changeover. I didn't get any diet aftertaste, but I do know someone who did, so I guess that's an individual thing. I never drink HFCS-sweetened soda, as I'm lucky enough to live where Mexican Coke and Jarritos (a Mexican brand with different flavors) are widely available. A 12-ounce Mexican Coke in a glass bottle only costs ten cents more than the nasty HFCS version in a 12-ounce can, so that's no big deal. I'd love to see Pepsico keep making these throwback versions.
[...] how these kinds of flavors come to market in Japan. Oh well, I guess we'll have to settle for some Mountain Dew Throwback while it lasts! Follow BevReview on Twitter - Be a BevReview Fan on Facebook - Digg this [...]
Good Stuff!! Keep it coming, and the fact that it dose not have HFCS is a HUGE bonus.
Regardless of how so many in the food industry are coming out in support of HFCS and its harmlessness, I'm with so many hear that hate the heaviness of it. We find it hidden in so many of our foods and drinks, soft drinks being the leader but by no means the only culprits. From bread to frozen dinners, you can find it lurking all over.
My salute to Pepsi-Co for producing these, even on a limited basis. I'm hoping that they're using it as a market study, and will find that there's a market for it. I'm a Dew drinker more than colas, and I have loved the throwback version of both.
The aftertaste mentioned by others is actually, I think, a LACK of aftertaste. Or the aftertaste of the actual flavors rather than the syrupy sweetness of the HFCS. The younger people who don't have the experience of the original to draw on don't realize how much their taste abilities may have been influenced by HFCS. Foods just tend to taste more as they should in the first place.
Here's hoping that Pepsi-Co will take the lead in this. The one poster who mentioned cutting the HFCS version of Dew with Mountain Mist especially hit me. Personally, I buy Faygo lemon line soda water, unsweetened, and prefer to drink that straight rather than the overly-sweet HFCS Dew. And when I want a soda, like with pizza or popcorn, I will mix it, about 1/3 Dew to 2/3 Faygo.
Come on, Pepsi-Co! Do the right thing! Be an industry leader, while you've got the momentum going!
I was told about the new Mountain Dew Throwback, from one of my close Dew Buddies, today (6/8/09) and immediately ran around town to find it. Successful in my search i instantly fell in love with it. The only sad note is that it wont be on the shelf for much longer. Pepsi really needs stop teasing us serious soda drinkers and make a home for it on the grocery store shelves, PERMANATELY. I like the taste and love the old school, roots inspired design. I hope that Mountain Dew Throwback will "tickle my innards" for years to come.
Thanks for the Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback review. I agree with your review except I really liked Mountain Dew (MD) Throwback. I'm 30, so I think was alive when Mtn Dew was made with sugar instead of HFCS. I think the MD Throwback tastes better because it doesn't taste like liquid syrup like current MD. I hope they decide to prolong the throwback series or bring it back in the near future. Also, I'd like to see the return of the Pepsi Cool Cans!
-Kurt
[...] dependent on local supplies (much like we've seen with the inventories of Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback fading away, much to our dismay). For those wondering, the original Mountain Dew Game Fuel had a 12 [...]
Anyone know where to find this stuff in the Dallas/Fort Worth area? After searching just after the introduction date, I found some at Wally World. I got a 12 pack of each and loved it. I've been searching for it everywhere, including several WalMarts and Super Targets, and I can't find any more. WTF?
[...] Mountain Dew Throwback (Summer 2009) [...]
Reminds me too much of Diet Dew to enjoy it. I will stick to normal Dew and CodeRed.
Had the diet aftertaste to me. I've been a dew drinker since the mid-80's probably just after the switch to HFCS.
My ratings (1-10, 10 being best)
Mountain Dew Code Red - 8
Mountain Dew LiveWire - 6
Mountain Dew Baja Blast - 9
Mountain Dew Pitch Black - 5
Mountain Dew Pitch Black II - 10
Mountain Dew MDX - 8
Mountain Dew Game Fuel - 3
Mountain Dew Supernova - 5
Mountain Dew Revolution - 5
Mountain Dew Voltage - 9
HFCS Mountain Dew - 10
Throwback Mountain Dew - 4
I stocked up on throwback with about 40 12 packs, but that won't last…Too bad it was only temporary because I've decided I no longer care for dew without real sugar…
I agree with ChiefSlapaho.
I didn't get to stock up though… I no longer care for regular dew. It tastes artificial to me, where throwback is full and clean taste. I got over the sugarfree taste it had at first.
PLEASE….. keep producing Mountain Dew Throwback.
I have been drinking Mountain Dew every day for over 30 years and when this Throwback came out I was a little skeptical, but wanted to give it a try. Now I just love it and even more than I ever loved the Mt. Dew with HFCS. We bought 42 (12-packs) (from 7 different grocery stores) just to get us through the expiration dates on the cans (which is November,09).
Last night we had Pizza for dinner and I realized I didn't have any cold Mt. Dew Throwback, so I grabbed a regular Mt. Dew (with HFCS) and I did not enjoy it. It tasted like pure carbonation and it made me feel really bloated. I'm afraid of what will happen when we run out of the Throwback. My husband and I don't think we'll go back to regular Mt. Dew. We will probably start drinking Rootbeer or maybe Dr. Pepper…. but we would much rather have the Mt. Dew Throwback.
Before the Mt. Dew Throwback was released, my family was already in the process of eliminating HFCS out of our diets and therefore I was limiting myself to only 1/2 can of Mt. Dew per day. But since the Throwback has been out, I've been drinking 2-3 cans per day and I believe my husband's been drinking about the same. I just can't get enough of this stuff. It doesn't make me feel bloated and doesn't burn in my throat like the regular Mt. Dew (with HFCS) does.
As someone mentioned earlier…. I will pay extra as well!!! Just please bring it back
Rob and Bob - I had the diet after-taste at first too. Especially when I drank Regular Mt. Dew with the Throwback. But after you start drinking the Throwback, you don't notice that Diet taste any longer. Trust me…. I absolutely hate Diet soda. I've tried Diet Mt. Dew and Diet Pepsi, and yuck!!
The new throwback/ old mountain dew was the best. I forgot how they slowly tricked us into drinking the current mountain dew!lol
As for the new logo it just plan sucks! Who in the heck thought MTN was cool was a goof. I think it makes the product look generic. They really need to bring back the name, and yes the name is "Mountain Dew" and then go back to the original formula…
Hey "NicoleC " I had the same problem when having pizza. I am going crazy now. I only have 4 cans left and thought i better pull one of the MTN's out and yuck! it tasted like water and just didnt have any taste. I have now caught myself looking at drinking crush again until i find more throwback! lol
Or really lets just call it Mountain Dew! and MTN should be "More Taste Needed"
I just want know if Mountain Dew and or Pepsi throwback will be sold in the stores again. My husband and I love it, and would love to see it again in the stores shelves again. One thing I can say about the soda with HFCS is plain bad for you. It makes you eat and crave for MORE FOOD even though your body don't need it. I know because that's what I feel when I drink soda with HFCS, it's like you never get satisfied. Besides, the taste of the Mountain Dew with sugar is soooooooooo good and smooth….mmmmmmh…aahhhh! I do hope these products will be sold in the stores again in the near future.
Would like to see pepsi keep the throwback's-they are much more appealing to me and love the old flavor I grew up drinking….PEPSI–wake-up and look at the sales money!!!!!!!
Personally, I liked Mountain Dew Throwback much better than the HFCS kind, and I'm sad that it's already out of stores. I can't even drink the HFCS stuff (it's way too syrupy), but I loved the Throwback. It actually reminds me a *lot* of the flavor of Mello Yello, which is great with me because I've always liked Mello Yello better than Mountain Dew, but it's getting to be impossible to find.
It's about time the ORIGINAL flavor that most will remember (in my age group that is )came back. It took me a few years to get used to the change back in the (late) 80's. I to thought the taste change was because they stopped with the Glass bottling and went with Plastic.
I have been drinking Mountain Dew for right around 32 years now (The only pop I drink). It's funny to think my grown children and my grandchildren have never seen me without a Mountain Dew within arms reach their entire lives. Other than the occasional glass of milk or water , I will always and forever be a Dew-A-Holic !!
Thank You Pepsico for the Throwback days & tastes!
So sad that this stuff is off the market now, I'm down to my last 12 pack and I absolutely LOVE the taste of it, infinitely more than "regular" Dew. Honestly I don't even like the HFCS stuff after the throwback, I may not even drink it anymore. I'm actually looking for soda alternatives that taste similar to throwback. Any suggestions?
hope it comes back out soon i am down to my last one and i started with at 12 pack and the experrating date is november and i still have not drank i am good
Throwback forever! When I first tasted it, I was unimpressed, but I wanted to give it a fair try. After about a 12 pack, I totally fell in love with it. Of course, I horded up what I could, but my stash is out now. And the sad thing is that, I no longer like regular Mt. Dew! I used to drink it all the time, but HCFS just can't compare to good old sugar, and now regular Dew just tastes kind of yucky.
Your ingredients of Mountain Dew Throwback are a bit different than mine. I picked one up today (12/29/2009) at Wal-Mart. It's a white label with the funny looking guy on the front with a cap shooting through his hat. Also, it doesn't say anything about "natural sugar" it says "made with REAL sugar".
Now these are the ingredients listed on my bottle:
Carbonated water, sugar, orange juice concentrate, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, sodium citrate, gum arabic, erythorbic acid (preserves freshness), calcium disodium edta (to protect flavor), brominated vegetable oil, yellow 5.
As you can see, the Mountain Dew Throwback in my hand does in fact have orange juice concentrate in it.
I did notice, like in your review, that it's not as carbonated as HFCS Dew and also has that funny after-taste, almost as if it were sweetened with splenda or something.
Anyway, I like it, it's not bad, but I don't see it very often, glad I picked it up!
Just picked up some of the December Mountain Dew Throwback. I like the flavor, but I must be used to the HFCS version because I miss the extra carbonation "bite". Other than that this is great, and I'm gonna check out the Pepsi and Dr. Pepper versions as well…
The best sugared sodas I've had so far have been Mexican Coke and Orange Creme Soda, both in glass bottles and highly carbonated.
I just picked up some of the new can designs.
It uses the same styling of Mountain Dew was the ad above. the throwback is on an older looking font with the word "Ya-hooo!" in red above the oun. The character makes an appearence pretty much from the jug up..except Mountain Dew is not printed on the jug.
The list of ingredients also matches the HFCS version, with the exception of saying Sugar rather than HFCS and Gum Arabic and Erythorbic Acid swap spots.
Great stuff though.
I like the taste of the Pepsi throwback better this time around. However, I believe they tinkered with the Mountain Dew formula as it tastes MORE "diety" than the April version which, while more real than anything else, was awesome.
I have been hooked on Mt. Dew since the start of my college days (1979) where an open can was a constant companion during long hours of studying.
But I must confess that although I am a devoted Mt. Dew fan, I was really disappointed with the taste of the first release of the Mt. Dew Throwback. It made me actually read the label….
Turns out I really missed the taste of the Concentrated Orange juice part vs. that Citris flavor they used. So I almost didn't buy any of the new release (with the retro art can) Throwback. Well, I was pleasantly surprised! I think the new release Mt. Dew Throwback is exceptional and I wish they could continue to produce it!!!!
Picked up a 12 pack at Target tonight. Love the current Mountain Dew Throwback. I have been drinking Bubble Up to get my citrus soda flavored with sugar, but I think I like the Mountain Dew Throwback better.
I have some of the original bottles from the late 70s. Why didnt you put the words " it ll tickle yore inards " on the new lables.
I have a friend that says he remembers a kicking mule on a mountain dew bottle. Does anyone else remember that ?
I love the design!
I don't drink carbonated drinks often, but when I do I prefer Mountain Dew. I noticed a different label at the store today so I bought one. I like it better than the HFCS version. I wouldn't say it was flat, but I did notice it to be not as carbonated which really is to my liking better anyway. I always open a Dew, take a swig and put the cap on and give a little shake to help flatten it some. I'll be buying more, and for what it's worth, I would like it if the throw back made a come back to stay for good.
I was at local Toledo Costco last week… Saw a stack of Mt. Dew Throwback. Never had it before, so I grabbed a case. Figured, I like Dew, this will be good too. My Logic? I had Mexican Coke and I can't tell the difference between it (Sugars, non HFCS) and standard Coke (HFCS) Soooo, I thought it would be the same for the Mt. Dew.. WRONG.
Yes, less bubbly, Flat "feeling" not neccisarily flat tasting. I agree there is a bit of an aftertaste because the taste hasn't been bubbled away. The can is predominatly white with green letters, RED "Limited Time Only" bar around the can at the top. It has my self-portrate, the "hill-billy" guy on it.
Do I like it? only enough to get done with this case. I'm on can #4 and already looking forward to normal dew again. Maybe it will change near can #8, but not as far as I can tell. Part of the less bubbly problem is the "aaah… Thats what I needed…" effect when I pop a dew and first start to chug it. Maybe it is from the HFCS? I deffinatly have an addiction to the normal Mt. Dew, but the throwback does not seem to satisfy it. Maybe there is something to the HFCS thing? I'm not advicating for or against HFCS, just what I've experienced.
Personally, I don't see this as lasting long, and for good reason. BTW, Experation on Can is "Jun 21, 10" Just more proof that the taste was not "old and flat" but as it was planned…
As a longtime Mountain Dew fan, I really did not like the taste of Mountain Dew Throwback. Rather than "real sugar" it tasted more like artificial sweetener to me. Really bad aftertaste, like Asplenda, aspartame, etc.
Part of this might also be my waning taste for plain Mountain Dew. As a matter of fact I have pretty much switched my drinking habits over to Livewire, Voltage, and Game Fuel.
I love the dew throwback I have drank mt dew since i was a child and it took me back to the great taste The only thing i miss is the glass bottles pop in a plastic bottle or even a can Will never compare to glass bottle Mt dew should keep the throwback and bring back the glass bottles
As one who was drinking Mt. Dew when it first came out, the throwback is no where near close. Sorry guys but for those of you that think you are drinking a throwback of Mt. Dew you simply are not. This drink is NOTHING close to what it orginally tasted and still has way too much carbonation.
JR
I don't like the throwback. It tastes like Diet Mt. Dew with Splenda or something. Really weird tasting. I wish I didn't get a 12 pack. I was fast shopping and just thought they had changed the design up for marketing purposes.
I like Dew Throwback a lot better then HFCS Dew. The only problem with all Dew over the last several years is that is it flat! What happened to the carbonation?
As proof I can take a can out of the fridge and shake it up hard. Then pop the top and it barely fizzles. Don' t try that with a Pepsi!
Without the carbonation it is like downing some sort of a non-cabonated "drink". Both Throwback and HFCS Dew are flat.