Is Sour the New Sweet?

Consumers are gobbling up sour foods and beverages.

April 13, 2018

SEATTLE – Sour is soaring to new heights or popularity, as consumers show a willingness to pucker up to consume sour drinks and foods, USA Today reports. From the new Sour Patch Kids Flavored Ice Pops to Starbucks’ limited-time Unicorn Frappuccino, sour flavors are hot.

“What makes this product shine is the sour swirl we infused into a sweet, frozen base, giving Sour Patch Kids candy fans the perfect ‘sour then sweet’ flavor profile,” said Jerry Law, J&J Snack Foods’ senior vice president. J&J teamed up with Mondelez International, which makes Sour Patch Kids, for the new popsicle.

This summer, PepsiCo is reaching into the past to bring back Mountain Dew Baja Blast, which is currently only available at Taco Bell on fountain. Baja Blast has been billed as a limier-tangier version of Mountain Dew. “We posted a question across social media saying (what fans would do) what would they do to bring Baja Blast back,” said Chauncey Hamlett, senior director of marketing. In just over 72 hours, 17,000 fans responded with offers to cut or die their hair.

Meanwhile, Sonic Drive-In will have the ultimate sour experience in its Pickle Juice Slush, coming to stores in May. The slush drink had a taste test at the chain’s headquarters, with tasters calling it “sweet and tangy” and the “only gripe is that the slush is a bit too sweet, as if overcorrecting for the acidity, but maybe this is what has to happen for America to acclimate to—and embrace—pickle-flavored soft drink.”

Last year, Starbucks offered the Unicorn Frappuccino that had a “sweet and fruity” taste. “But give it a stir and its color changes to pink, and the flavor evolves to tangy and tart,” the company boasted.

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