Mello Yello and Mountain Dew are two of the most popular citrus-flavored sodas in the United States. While they share some similarities, there are also some distinct differences that set them apart. This article will delve into the histories, ingredients, flavors, branding, marketing, and popularity of both Mello Yello and Mountain Dew to help you make an informed decision on which one to choose.

History

Mello Yello was first introduced by Coca-Cola in 1979 as a competitor to Mountain Dew, which had been introduced by PepsiCo in 1940. While Mountain Dew was initially marketed as a whiskey mixer, Mello Yello was marketed as a sports drink to appeal to the younger generation. Over the years, both brands have undergone numerous changes and variations, including flavor and marketing campaigns.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Mello Yello contains carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavors, caffeine, sodium benzoate, and EDTA. Mountain Dew contains carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium benzoate, caffeine, sodium citrate, and erythorbic acid.

While both sodas share similar ingredients, Mountain Dew contains additional additives such as sodium citrate and erythorbic acid.

According to their respective websites, a 12-ounce can of Mello Yello contains 53 milligrams of caffeine and 170 calories, while a 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew contains 54 milligrams of caffeine and 170 calories. Both sodas contain high amounts of sugar and are not recommended for regular consumption.

Flavors and Varieties

Mello Yello is available in two flavors: original and zero sugar. Mountain Dew, on the other hand, has a wide range of flavors and limited editions, including original, diet, code red, live wire, pitch black, and voltage, among others. Mountain Dew has also released various limited edition flavors over the years, including Baja Blast, Liberty Brew, and Maui Burst.

Branding and Marketing

Mello Yello has a simple and minimalist branding, with a bright yellow color and a simple logo that features the soda’s name. Mountain Dew, on the other hand, has a more complex branding with a green color scheme and a distinctive logo featuring a stylized hillbilly character known as “Willy the Hillbilly.”

The branding of both sodas reflects their target audiences, with Mello Yello aimed at a younger, more active demographic, while Mountain Dew is marketed towards a more extreme and adventurous audience.

Both Mello Yello and Mountain Dew have had successful marketing campaigns over the years. Mello Yello’s “Catch the Wave” campaign in the 1980s featured surfing and skateboarding, while Mountain Dew’s “Do the Dew” campaign in the 1990s focused on extreme sports and adrenaline-fueled activities. Both campaigns have helped to solidify the brands’ identities and appeal to their respective target audiences.

Popularity and Sales

Mountain Dew is the more popular of the two sodas, with a higher market share and wider distribution. According to Beverage Digest, Mountain Dew was the fourth most popular carbonated soft drink in the United States in 2020, while Mello Yello did not rank in the top ten.

Mountain Dew has also had higher sales and revenue than Mello Yello, despite both brands being owned by major beverage companies.

FAQs

Which is better: Mello Yello or Mountain Dew?

This is subjective and depends on personal preference. Both sodas have similar ingredients and nutritional values, so it ultimately comes down to taste and branding.

Is Mello Yello a citrus soda?

Yes, Mello Yello is a citrus-flavored soda that contains concentrated orange juice.

What is the most popular flavor of Mountain Dew?

Original Mountain Dew is the most popular flavor, but other flavors such as Code Red and Voltage have also gained a significant following.

Is Mountain Dew really bad for you?

Mountain Dew, like most sodas, contains high amounts of sugar and caffeine, which can be harmful if consumed in excess. It is recommended to drink soda in moderation and opt for healthier alternatives.

Which soda has more caffeine: Mello Yello or Mountain Dew?

Both sodas contain a similar amount of caffeine, with Mello Yello having 53 milligrams per 12-ounce can and Mountain Dew has 54 milligrams per 12-ounce can.

Can you mix Mello Yello and Mountain Dew?

Yes, you can mix Mello Yello and Mountain Dew to create a unique flavor combination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mello Yello and Mountain Dew are two popular citrus-flavored sodas with their own unique histories, ingredients, flavors, branding, marketing, and popularity. While Mountain Dew is the more popular of the two, both sodas have their own loyal fan bases and offer a distinct taste experience.

It ultimately comes down to personal preference and taste, so try both and see which one you prefer. And remember, drink soda in moderation and opt for healthier alternatives whenever possible.