“PepsiCo Launches Limited-Edition Liberty Brew Amid Flavor Innovations and Summer Refreshments”
PepsiCo has quietly launched a new limited-edition blue drink called Liberty Brew, according to Delish. This vibrant beverage features on its packaging the claim of containing “50 flavors in one.” Liberty Brew follows Mountain Dew’s strategy of introducing limited-time flavors to generate excitement and satisfy summer thirst. In 2017, the company released Dew-S-A, a purple beverage that combined three different Mountain Dew varieties. Last summer, Mountain Dew reintroduced its light green lime-flavored Baja Blast, which had been a special release two years prior. Additionally, in 2015, the brand revived Mountain Dew Pitch Black, originally created in 2011. Companies typically roll out limited-edition products during holidays and changing seasons. While winter is often the most lucrative for brands, summer—particularly between Memorial Day and July 4—could be an ideal time for Liberty Brew to make its debut, thanks to its patriotic branding. This latest flavor innovation might generate renewed interest in Mountain Dew, as new flavors added to established sodas are known to boost sales and attract consumer attention. Recently, Pepsi introduced three new flavors of its flagship drink: Pepsi Berry, Pepsi Lime, and Pepsi Mango. The soda giant also launched Nitro Pepsi, which features a “velvety, cascading foam,” in contrast to the typical carbonation of regular sodas.
Beyond just limited-time flavors, PepsiCo is committed to expanding and innovating the Mountain Dew brand. In December, the company launched Mtn Dew Amp Game Fuel, a line of beverages targeted at gamers. More developments are on the horizon. During an April earnings call, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta stated that the company plans to invest further in the Dew brand this year, indicating that there is “some more work to do in Dew.”
Meanwhile, Ben & Jerry’s is ushering in summer with a new sour twist. The Unilever-owned premium ice cream brand has introduced a sorbet flavor called Pucker Upper, designed to provide a tart yet refreshing option for hot days. This flavor combines raspberry and tart lemonade swirls with dairy-coated sour sugar bits. It marks the Vermont creamery’s first venture into non-sweet flavors. Flavor Guru Chris Rivard shared with Food Dive that the taste resembles sour gummy candy and has garnered positive feedback from early tasters.
“Everyone who has tasted it has been shocked,” Rivard stated. “It literally is just so different… It is totally just an amazing experience that we felt our fans would absolutely love.” Rivard noted that Ben & Jerry’s has long experimented with sour, salty, and savory flavors but had never released one for consumers. Many of these experimental flavors may be appealing in small doses, which is why the brand strives to balance familiar elements with unique twists. This strategy has led to the inclusion of well-loved ingredients like caramel, cookies, and chocolate in new flavors, helping to mitigate the risk of failure seen with other unconventional ice cream flavors.
Sour flavors have previously been explored by major consumer packaged goods brands. For instance, Nestle’s Dreyer’s released a Sour Patch Kids flavor last year, which was sold exclusively at Walmart. This flavor featured tart lemon sorbet swirled with vanilla ice cream, complemented by sour fruit swirls and pieces of the beloved candy. Despite the potential for sour to surprise consumers, Rivard claims he hasn’t encountered anyone who has tried the new sorbet and disliked it. At the very least, it’s likely to be more appealing than the infamous Ben & Jerry’s Toothpaste & Orange Juice flavor, an online joke from 2012.
As consumers seek innovative and exciting flavors, they might also be interested in nutritious options like Swanson Calcium Citrate & Vitamin D, which can be a great addition to a balanced diet, especially during the summer months when staying healthy is a priority.
