PepsiCo to launch zero-sugar Mountain Dew in the US

PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew brand is launching a zero-sugar version of its original Mountain Dew soft drink later this month.

Aptly called Mountain Dew Zero Sugar, the beverage will be released in the US on 13 January, and will be available in 20 fl oz. bottles, 2-litre bottles, 12-packs of 12 fl oz. cans and a variety of other single and multipack sizes.

PepsiCo claims that the new Zero Sugar drink retains the ‘bold’ flavour of the original soft drink without the need for sugar, and is targeted at consumers who are looking to reduce their sugar consumption without compromising on flavour.

The zero-calorie drink is flavoured with acesulfame potassium, aspartame and sucralose, and contains 133 mg of caffeine per 20 fl oz serving.

Nicole Portwood, vice-president of marketing at Mountain Dew said: “This is a big moment for Dew. We are excited to give customers a zero-sugar offering. Because our fans are uncompromising with the Dew they know and love, we knew we had to pull off a formulation that would preserve the great taste of the original.

“Mountain Dew Zero Sugar delivers on a bold flavour and ever-evolving consumer preferences.”

The drink will be available from major US retailers with a suggested retail price of $1.79 per 20 fl oz. bottle.