Introduction of Mountain Dew
If you happened to be born in the 1980s or early 1990s, the phrase “Do the Dew” likely brings back memories of chugging the uniquely green, soda-like drink called Mountain Dew (now widely marketed at Mtn Dew) and taking off on some extreme adventure.
Mountain Dew became synonymous with extreme sports and rose to prominence as the only citrus-flavored option for punk rock fans and teenagers in the 1990s. This popularity is largely due to aggressive marketing aimed at this age-group.
Millennials may be surprised to know that Mountain Dew was created well before they, and possibly their parents, were born. The drink was born out of a type of necessity as the Hartmans were looking for a suitable, procurable mixer for their Tennessee whiskey.
While the name Mountain Dew is associated with the modern version of the citrus soda, the term is a regional phrase referring to Scotch whiskey made in the Highlands. The term was carried over to the Appalachian region of America referring to local whiskey or moonshine.
The brand underwent massive changes both from ownership and recipe perspectives. Those who know the original Mountain Dew describe it as more like 7Up than the almost viscous elixir offered today. The Dew was purchased by another entrepreneur and eventually by PepsiCo in 1964.
Mountain Dew stands out as the leader amongst lemon-lime and citrus-flavored sodas like Mellow Yellow and Surge, must to the dismay of the Coca Cola company. A story circulates suggesting that the Hartman brothers took their early Mountain Dew product to Coca Cola for feedback and were resoundingly rejected. PepsiCo continues to reap the benefits of that seemingly poor decision to this day.
Mountain Dew Prices
As Mountain Dew is now owned by PepsiCo, the cost comparison is much like that of other sodas produced by the beverage giant. The cost of soft drinks from major suppliers (PepsiCo, Coca Cola, and Keurig Dr Pepper) are often reliant on market volatility and sale prices.
As you can see in the table below there are now quite a few Mountain Dew flavors and craft offerings. This leads to a bit of variety in pricing, as the Kickstart and Black Label lines are very different from the traditional recipe.
Mountain Dew vs 7Up
The tastes of the current Mountain Dew and 7Up are so wildly different that it can be hard to imagine that they were once quite similar. Now, Mountain Dew features a unique citrus taste while 7Up has a distinctly lemon-lime flavor.
Since they were once a similar product and were created around the same time frame (with 7Up being about a decade older), it might be beneficial to compare them from a cost perspective today.
As mentioned earlier, standard sodas falling under the umbrellas of the big three beverage companies typically cost about the same (they even seem to be on sale at the same time in grocery stores). Thus, Mountain Dew and 7Up are priced similarly in most cases.
Mountain Dew Kickstart vs Monster Energy Drink
Kickstart by Mountain Dew is similar to Monster in both presentation (often 16-ounce cans) and purpose. Monster leans heavily on naturally derived energy-enhancing ingredients while the kick provided by Kickstart comes primarily from caffeine and sugar.
Mountain Dew attempts to avoid comparison by labeling their Kickstart line an “enhanced soft drink.” However, the typical consumers are the same for both beverages and their makeup is eerily similar.
So, how about the price? A four-pack of 16-ounce Monster Energy will run almost the exact same price as a four-pack of Mountain Dew Kickstart. The decision likely comes down to the fruit-forward flavor of Kickstart versus the unique flavors of Monster. Brand loyalty also has a massive influence on this type of products.
Mountain Dew Black, Green, and White Label
Local soda crafters have started pushing their way onto shelves in grocery and convenience stores. The Mountain Dew Label line was introduced as a response to the surge in interest for handcrafted products.
Each color label represents a different flavor with Black being berry, Green being green apple and kiwi, and White being Tropical Citrus. While The Dew advertises these products as being a classier, more refined option, the ingredient list is not terribly different from other Mountain Dew products aside from some measure of fruit juice.
The Label line comes in around the same cost as another Mountain Dew alternative product - Kickstart.
The Other Flavors
Mountain Dew offers a surprising lineup of different flavors. Many have come and gone as promotional offerings or as flavors that simply did not do well on the mass market. While these flavors are unique, the pricing is generally the same as a standard bottle or can of Mountain Dew.
A list of some popular alternate flavors (not available in all markets):
Mountain Dew also offers another unique product that goes by the name of Mountain Dew Ice. This line is a seeming shot at the 7Up brand as it is a “clear, lemon-lime” drink with a splash of fruit juice. Ice also runs about the same price as the original Mountain Dew soda product.
Common Mountain Dew Prices List
Type | Size | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|
Mountain Dew Kickstart | 4 x 16 oz | $5.96 |
12 x 16 oz Cans | $15.00 | |
Diet Mountain Dew | 18 x 12 oz Cans | $10.99 |
Mountain Dew ICE Soda | 2L Bottle | $1.25 |
Mountain Dew Black Label | 12 x 16 oz Cans | $17.10 |
Mountain Dew Bottle | 8 x 12 oz | $4.99 |
Mountain Dew Ingredients
As we have seen, there is an array of products currently offered by the Mountain Dew brand. Let’s look at the original product versus the “craft” Label line for a quick comparison.
Mountain Dew:
Mountain Dew Black Label:
As you can see, the list of ingredients is quite similar between the two. Many consumers identify the tastes as being similar with a hint of added flavor (berry, in the case of Black Label).
Mountain Dew has had a long tenure as one of the world’s most popular and recognizable soda brands. With a vast variety of flavors and a seemingly endless supply of new ones, Mountain Dew fans will likely be satiated for many years to come.