Discontinued Pepsi Max flavour makes surprise comeback after 30 years
Pepsi Max fans have called a returning hero a ‘must try’ after noticing British grocery stores stocking it again for the first time in more than three decades.
PepsiCo, the American food and beverage corporation, has never been afraid to get funky with its fizzy drink flavours.
Over the past year, we’ve been introduced to cream soda and gingerbread Pepsi, as well as strawberries and cream, and lime and mango variants.
Now the soda brand is relaunching a flavour that was previously sold in the UK almost 32 years ago.
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According to David Laidler, brand director of carbonates at Pepsi Max supplier Carlsberg Britvic, the can reflects the company’s ‘commitment to staying ahead of changing shopper expectations’.
The expanded portfolio includes the launch of Pepsi Max Tropical, which blends together the flavours of pineapple, mango and peach.
The tropical variant is set to launch in 500ml and 2l bottles, as well as in 330ml cans which can be purchased separately or in multipacks of 8, 18, and 24.
The drinks launch will be supported by a campaign featuring billboards, social media, experiential and digital media across April and May.
Pepsi Tropical was previously sold across the UK in late 1994 as Pepsi Tropical Chill, according to The Sun.
It had hints of pineapple and sweet orange and was available alongside the cult favourites, Pepsi Strawberry Burst and Raging Razzberry, before all three were discontinued.
The new can launch comes amid a major Pepsi Max rebrand.
Laidler said the refreshed look for its flavours range has been ‘intentionally crafted to catch the shopper’s eye in a busy retail environment, while distinguishing the range from our core Pepsi Max offering’.
He explained: “The bolder colour blocking and introduction of vibrant fruit icons creates instant recognition from a glance, with the refined layout bringing a cleaner, more modern feel. Our aim is to increase basket spend, elevate Pepsi Max’s shelf presence and add value to retailers’ flavoured cola ranges.”
The fresh Pepsi look and the new tropical flavour will be available to purchase from this month - and it seems some Home Bargains shoppers have already got their mitts on the latter.
"NEW PEPSI MAX TROPICAL NOW IN @homebargains,” wrote Instagram user NewFoodsSpotterUK.
One commenter who is seemingly excited to try Pepsi Tropical commented: “A New Flavour And I Love Pepsi Max!!”
Over on Reddit, a drinker said they were happy with the bottle as long as it didn’t replace Pepsi Mango.
“Need raspberry back instead of this,” replied someone else.
An X user typed: “New Tropical PEPSI a must try. I will say it's different.”
Keep your eyes peeled for Pepsi Tropical in a store near you!
Ella Scott