Mountain Dew Blue Voltage: Flavor Explorations

Introduction

Mountain Dew Blue Voltage is a popular carbonated soft drink with a unique raspberry/citrus flavor and a hint of ginseng. It was introduced in 2008 as part of the DEWmocracy campaign by Mountain Dew. The DEWmocracy campaign was a marketing strategy to involve customers in deciding on new flavors to be added to the brand’s line.

In this blog, we will explore Mountain Dew’s history and flavors and discover what exactly Mountain Dew Voltage is.

What Is Mountain Dew Blue Voltage?

Mountain Dew Blue Voltage is a variant of Mountain Dew with unique flavors. It has a bold taste that features raspberry and citrus notes. The beverage has a signature blue-hued look that adds to its appeal. The blue color is achieved through the addition of synthetic food coloring.

The drink is also fortified with a touch of ginseng, which is a well-known adaptogenic herb that is known to improve cognitive function and reduce stress and anxiety. Combining these ingredients creates a stimulating beverage with a distinct taste and energy boost.

History And Flavors Of Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew was created in 1940 by the Tennessee beverage bottling company, which later became PepsiCo. Initially, the beverage was produced to be used as a mixer for whiskey. However, it later gained popularity as a standalone beverage due to its unique citrus flavor.

Over the years, Mountain Dew has introduced several flavors, such as Code Red, LiveWire, Baja Blast, Game Fuel, and Kickstart, to name a few. Each variant has its distinct taste and color that caters to different preferences.

In conclusion, Mountain Dew Blue Voltage is a unique carbonated soft drink that combines raspberry, citrus, and ginseng flavors. Its signature blue hue adds to its visual appeal, making it a favorite among many. However, like all carbonated beverages, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Mountain Dew Blue Voltage Flavor Profile

Mountain Dew Blue Voltage has a unique flavor profile characterized by its bold taste, featuring raspberry and citrus notes. The drink has a distinct blue hue, which is achieved through the addition of synthetic food coloring. Moreover, Mountain Dew Voltage is fortified with ginseng, an adaptogenic herb known for its cognitive benefits.

Tasting Notes

Mountain Dew Voltage has a sweet and tangy taste that is energizing and refreshing. The initial flavor is citrusy and slightly tart, followed by sweet raspberry notes. The beverage has a bold flavor that stands out from other carbonated drinks.

Primary Flavors And Ingredients

The primary flavors in Mountain Dew Blue Voltage are raspberry and citrus, with a touch of ginseng. The unique combination of these flavors creates a bold and refreshing beverage. Ginseng, an adaptogenic herb, improves cognitive function and reduces stress and anxiety.

In conclusion, Mountain Dew Voltage is a unique carbonated soft drink that has gained popularity due to its distinct combination of flavors. Its signature blue hue adds to its visual appeal, making it a favorite among many. The beverage is fortified with ginseng, which adds to its energy-boosting benefits. However, like all carbonated beverages, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Ginseng In Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew Blue Voltage is a popular carbonated soft drink with a unique combination of flavors and an energizing boost from ginseng. Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve overall health and well-being. This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of consuming ginseng and how it relates to Mountain Dew Voltage. 

What Is Ginseng?

Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant native to Asia and North America. The plant has fleshy roots that are traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, which is believed to help the body cope with physical and emotional stress. It can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, teas, and energy drinks like Mountain Dew Voltage. 

Benefits And Drawbacks Of Consuming Ginseng

Consuming ginseng may have several health benefits, including improving cognitive function, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting the immune system, and enhancing physical endurance. However, it may also have some drawbacks, such as interactions with medications, potential allergic reactions, and side effects like headaches or gastrointestinal discomfort. 

Mountain Dew Voltage’s ginseng content may offer some energy-boosting benefits, but it is important to consume the beverage in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Like all carbonated beverages, it should not be used as a substitute for water or other essential fluids. While the unique combination of raspberry, citrus, and ginseng flavors in Mountain Dew Voltage may appeal to some, it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of consuming ginseng before adding it to your diet.

Discontinuation Of Blue Voltage In Uganda

Announcement And Release Of Blue Voltage In Uganda

In 2014, Mountain Dew announced that a new blue flavor called Blue Voltage would be released in Uganda, following the success of Voltage in other countries. The official Ugandan Mountain Dew Facebook account announced this on August 20th, with the beverage hitting stores just one week later.

Mountain Dew Blue Voltage offered a unique blend of flavors, including raspberry, citrus, and ginseng. The introduction of this flavor was met with excitement among consumers who were already familiar with the other Mountain Dew flavors.

Reasons For Low Sales And Discontinuation

However, Mountain Dew Blue Voltage did not perform well in sales despite initial excitement. The beverage was discontinued in 2016 due to low demand, which was likely caused by a multitude of factors, including:

• Lack of availability: The popularity of Blue Voltage was hampered by limited distribution in Uganda, which made it hard for customers to find and purchase the drink.
• Taste preferences: Despite its unique flavor combination, Blue Voltage may not have suited the local taste preferences in Uganda.
• Competition: Blue Voltage faced stiff competition from other well-established soft drinks with strong brand loyalty among Ugandan consumers.

Overall, while the concept of a blue-colored Mountain Dew may have been interesting to consumers in Uganda, the taste and availability issues prevented it from sustaining long-term success in the market.

Impact On Mountain Dew Line-up

Comparison To Other Mountain Dew Flavors

Blue Voltage was one of the several variations the Mountain Dew brand offered worldwide. The drink’s raspberry, citrus, and ginseng combination differentiated it from other flavors, making it an acquired taste for some consumers. Blue Voltage was relatively less popular among Mountain Dew enthusiasts than other flavors like Baja Blast or Code Red.

Fan Reactions And Popularity

The announcement of Blue Voltage’s release in Uganda generated a fair amount of buzz on social media. Due to a global cult-like fan base, the Mountain Dew brand already had a built-in audience excited to try a new flavor. However, the novelty quickly subsided once people understood how it tasted.

Blue Voltage received mixed reviews from fans who tried it. Some appreciated the unique blend of raspberry, citrus, and ginseng, while others found the taste too artificial or overpowering. Due to its mixed reception and relatively low sales figures in Uganda, PepsiCo discontinued Blue Voltage as part of the Mountain Dew line-up.

Overall, Blue Voltage’s brief appearance among the line-up of Mountain Dew flavors was not impactful enough to leave a lasting impression on brand fans. Its failure in Uganda highlighted the importance of considering local taste preferences and availability when launching new products in international markets.

Alternatives To Blue Voltage

Other Raspberry-flavored Beverages On The Market

Plenty of other options are available on the market for those who enjoy the combination of raspberry and citrus flavors. Popular beverage brands such as Snapple and Arizona offer raspberry-flavored drinks that might be a suitable alternative to Blue Voltage. Additionally, brands like Welch’s and Ocean Spray also offer raspberry and citrus blends of juices that could be mixed with carbonated water or lemon-lime soda for a similar taste experience.

DIY Recipes For Raspberry Drinks

Plenty of recipes for those who prefer homemade beverages are available online for raspberry lemonades, raspberry iced teas, and other fruity concoctions. These recipes usually require simple ingredients, including fresh raspberries, citrus juices, sweeteners, and carbonated water. Experimenting with different combinations of flavors and ingredients could lead to a drink that is even more satisfying than Blue Voltage.

Although Mountain Dew Blue Voltage failed to leave a lasting impression on Mountain Dew fans worldwide, plenty of alternatives are available for those who enjoy the tastes it was trying to achieve. Whether you prefer premade beverages from established brands or homemade recipes made from scratch, there’s no shortage of options for raspberry and citrus flavor combinations. By exploring these alternatives, fans of Blue Voltage can find their new go-to drink and avoid disappointment in the future.

Nutritional Information

Calories And Sugar Content In Blue Voltage

One 20 oz bottle of Blue Voltage contains 290 calories and 76 g of carbohydrates. While the drink has no fat or protein, the high sugar content of 76 g is a cause for concern. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 36 g of added sugar and women consume 25 g daily.

How It Compares To Other Sodas

Blue Voltage has a higher sugar content than other popular sodas. For example, one can of Coca-Cola has 39 g of sugar, while a Pepsi has 41 g of sugar. However, other high-sugar sodas have even more sugar content than Blue Voltage. For instance, one 20 oz bottle of Pepsi Wild Cherry contains 90 g of sugar.

It’s important for consumers to read their favorite sodas’ nutrition labels and be aware of their daily recommended intake of added sugars. Making informed decisions and consuming sugary drinks in moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts On Mountain Dew Blue Voltage

While the idea of a blue raspberry soda may be unappealing to some, Mountain Dew Blue Voltage flavor offers a unique taste experience with the added benefit of ginseng. However, the high sugar content may not appeal to health-conscious individuals concerned with their daily intake of added sugars. 

Recommendations And Overall Rating

It is recommended that consumers read nutrition labels for all sodas and be mindful of their daily recommended intake of added sugars. While Mountain Dew’s Blue Voltage flavor may be enjoyable as a treat or occasional indulgence, consuming sugary drinks in moderation is important. Mountain Dew Blue Voltage receives a fair rating but may not be suitable for everyone due to its high sugar content.

FAQ: Mountain Dew Blue Voltage: Flavor Explorations

Q: What is Mountain Dew Blue Voltage?
A: Mountain Dew Blue Voltage is a carbonated soft drink that belongs to the Mountain Dew family. It is a blue-colored beverage with a raspberry citrus flavor.

Q: What does Mountain Dew Blue Voltage taste like?
A: Blue Voltage is primarily known for its raspberry citrus flavor but also contains a slight touch of ginseng. It is a sweet, refreshing drink perfect for those who love fruity flavors.

Q: When was Mountain Dew Blue Voltage released?
A: Mountain Dew Blue Voltage was first released as a limited edition flavor in 2011 as part of a promotion. It became so popular that it was eventually re-released as a permanent addition to the Mountain Dew flavor lineup on July 15th, 2013.

Q: Was Mountain Dew Voltage discontinued?
A: Blue Voltage was not discontinued in the United States but in Uganda in 2016 due to low sales.

Q: What other flavors of Mountain Dew were released in the same promotion as Mountain Dew Voltage?
A: Supernova, Code Red, and White Out were the other flavors released as part of the same promotion. Supernova and White Out were discontinued after the promotion, while Code Red remains a part of the Mountain Dew flavor lineup.

Q: Is Mountain Dew Blue Voltage still available?
A: Blue Voltage is still available in stores across the United States as part of the Mountain Dew flavor lineup.