7UP changes flavour to lime-lemon and people aren't happy
7Up is officially shifting flavour gears for the first time in almost two decades, announcing plans to break away from lemon to lean into a ‘lime-led reformulation’.
There’s no denying that the non-caffeinated soft drink, first released in 1928, has a loyal customer base, with around 36 percent of Americans consuming it regularly, as per research published earlier this year.
However, some long-time lovers have recently taken to social media to express their dismay upon learning that their favourite sparkling beverages are set to undergo a total flavour makeover.
As reported by People Magazine, the brand is set to shift away from its iconic ‘lemon-lime’ recipe to embrace ‘lime-lemon’ instead.
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Regular cans of 7UP, Zero Sugar and Cherry varieties will be impacted by the new recipe revision, which will be rolled out from August.
According to a press release, the new drinks have a ‘distinctive lime-forward taste’; the brand describes it as the ‘most significant evolution of the 7UP brand in more than 15 years’.
“This is a bold reinvention of one of America’s most iconic soda brands for a new generation of consumers - starting with the flavour itself,” a spokesperson for the brand said.
“7UP has an incredible legacy, but by giving lime the spotlight, we’re rewriting the rules of the lemon-lime category. We are transforming a beloved heritage brand into a modern disruptor.”
The reinvigorated taste profile comes amid a total brand refresh, including a vertical logo, the lime-lemon appellation, stand-out colours and a distinctive design that puts a ‘modern take on iconic elements from 7UP’s past’, the company stated.
What 7Up fans say about the flavour overhaul
7UP fans have come out in droves to debate the changes - many of which are seemingly unhappy that their favourite beverage has changed for good.
“I just opened up my first can, tastes different. It leads with lime flavor not lemon. As a long time 7up drinker I hope they bring it back to the OG Recipe,” said one disgrunted Instagram user.
A second took to X and typed: “I question the wisdom of completely abandoning the original recipe. If this new one fails, they have nothing to fall back on. They should have started with a limited release to test the market if it will do well. I say this knowing that I could be proven wrong after trying it.”
A third remarked: “Why change the taste that is already widely known. Why not make a new one and make it also legendary.”
Others appear more open to the change, with a fellow X user commenting: “Curious to see how the new flavor tastes!”
“Lemon-lime got an upgrade after 15 years? That’s wild. Guess even OG brands need a refresh to stay on top,” another quipped.
Someone else wrote: “Wait, does this mean we have to start calling it 8UP now? Jokes aside, changing a classic after 15 years is a bold move. Can't wait to see if this 'lime-forward' kick actually hits the spot!”
Expect to see the new lime-leading 7Up bottles and cans in grocery stores soon.
Ella Scott