Retro: Throwback Sodas
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Made with real sugar, not that fake stuff
Sometime in 2009, Pepsi decided to go retro. They took out the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in their regular versions of Pepsi and Mountain Dew and used real sugar. And called them Throwback. But only for a limited time.
And they did this “Limited Time Only” a few times since then. Well, they are back for a 4th Throwback in 2011. This post is based on their 2010 releases.
Pepsi
Pepsi Throwback 12 pack
I’ve never been much of a Pepsi drinker [Coke mostly… sniffff], but since Coke hasn’t done a sugar version of their trademark soda, I wanted to see what Pepsi was like – without the HFCS. It was actually really good. Less of an aftertaste. It reminded me of the Pepsi that I had when I was a kid in the 60’s and 70’s. Smoother than normal and less of that bite and more of the flavor.
Mountain Dew Throwback 12 pack
I’m even less of a fan of Mountain Dew, but since it was available in the sugar version, I wanted to try it. I liked it, but to be fair, I consulted my co-worker, who is a big Mtn Dew fan and he says it’s a lot better than the HFCS version of the Dew.
The 2010 version on the left and the 2009 version on the right.
The can styles changed from their 2009 version [I never tried the Pepsi Throwback from 2009] and so did the ingredients. The newer Mtn Dew Throwbacks use orange juice to supplement some sweetness. Not sure why, but I couldn’t taste any OJ in this soda mix.
Summary
I wish they would just drop the HFCS and use sugar in the Pepsi and Mountain Dew sodas that are sold everywhere. But until then, if you can get your hands on one of these and are a soda fan like I am, try them and see what you think.
Next Up: Dr Pepper with real sugar
Last year, I was able to obtain some Heritage Dr Pepper, which uses real sugar. For that review, I will actually do a video taste test, along side a normal Dr Pepper. Stay tuned.
I am such a sucker for retro shit….LOVED this entry!
Thanks, Robin. I’m a sucker for retro, too. Pop Rocks coming soon.
I’ve been diabetic since January 2005. Since then I found out I’m alergic to sugar, may not be diabetic, may have to live like one. The allergist told me that my best bet is currently stevia, but you know what else she said?
She said “no sugar” is best for me, “real sugar” is second best, and “faux sugar” if not stevia, forget it. Apparently the body tastes this corn stuff or these other faux sugars and it says “hey I have a ton of sugar coming.” Then it preps for sugar that isn’t coming, which tells the body to do things that make the blood sugar go up or down depending on your weakness.
Real sugar is the best, because your body preps for it and when it gets what it’s prepared for it responds properly. Real sugar in reasonable escrow, better than faux sugar. Best if no sugar……
Your right about soft drinks, the real stuff or nothing, moderation is the best policy.
You are exactly right about real sugar being able to be better absorbed by the body. And moderation is where it’s at.
Jones Soda is made with real sugar, and some of the flavors are quite good. Unfortunately, none of them taste like Coke, so the majority of my soda is still laced with deadly HFCS.
😛
I’ve had Jones Soda before, including a flavor called Depeach Mode. And since I’m mostly a Coke fan, I have to suffer through the deadly intake of HFCS.
Coke made with cane sugar is available…in certain areas.
It’s made in Mexico and it is in throwback bottles. I’ve found it up here in NY, so if you ask your local beverage distributor about it they may be able to get it for you.
I for one taste a real difference. The Mexican Coke is much better than the HFCS stuff they make here in the States. See if you can get your hands on some. I have two bottles left from a case that I got about 4 months ago. My preciousssssss….
I think we may have talked about Mexican Coke before as I’ve seen it in the stores, but have never tried it. Sounds like I need to go grab a few bottles of it. Most of the grocery stores around here keep a regular stock.
I love Mt. Dew in all its HFCS goodness, and tried the throwback – didn’t like it. It was… flat-ish, or something.
Oh, so you are the one reason why they don’t get rid of the HFCS version. 😉 It must be a taste that needed to be acquired early on in childhood.
I’m a coke man myself, and a diet coke man at that so I don’t think I’m ever going to try a throwback Pepsi. Still, good for them that they got rid of the HFCS.
Yeah, with Diet Coke, none of this sugar talk applies. But it’s not gone for good, at least not yet. Maybe with the omission of “Limited Time Only” label from this new round of Throwback, there may be hope for us non-diet fans.