PURCHASE, N.Y. (AP) -- Pepsi Throwback is back, and the all-sugar version of the cola could stick around for awhile because shoppers want it.
Consumer demand has brought back Pepsi Throwback and a similar remake of Mountain Dew to store shelves several times since they was introduced in 2009 as a limited-time item. PepsiCo Inc. gave the remakes packaging similar to ones used in the 1970s. That was a time when those drinks were sweetened with sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup.
People are concerned that high fructose corn syrup is more harmful or more likely to cause obesity than sugar, perceptions for which there is little scientific evidence. So they're switching to juices and teas. Meanwhile, soft drink makers are experimenting with using sugar in their beverages to keep people buying them. Dr Pepper has a similar, limited-time sugar version of its drink, too.
As for Throwback, shoppers kept asking for it, so this summer the company took the hint. It brought the sodas back again and is now evaluating their potential beyond being just limited-time items, Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said Thursday.
"We've put it back in the market and we'll see where it goes," Johnson told reporters on a conference call to discuss the company's third-quarter results.
Last month the company, based in Purchase, N.Y., announced it was remaking lemon-lime soda Sierra Mist by switching to sugar, removing preservatives and adding "Natural" to the name. On Saturday, the company will give out more than 10 million cans for people to sample at Walmart supercenters, spending at least $3 million on the giveaway alone.
Consumer demand has brought back Pepsi Throwback and a similar remake of Mountain Dew to store shelves several times since they was introduced in 2009 as a limited-time item. PepsiCo Inc. gave the remakes packaging similar to ones used in the 1970s. That was a time when those drinks were sweetened with sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup.
People are concerned that high fructose corn syrup is more harmful or more likely to cause obesity than sugar, perceptions for which there is little scientific evidence. So they're switching to juices and teas. Meanwhile, soft drink makers are experimenting with using sugar in their beverages to keep people buying them. Dr Pepper has a similar, limited-time sugar version of its drink, too.
As for Throwback, shoppers kept asking for it, so this summer the company took the hint. It brought the sodas back again and is now evaluating their potential beyond being just limited-time items, Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston said Thursday.
"We've put it back in the market and we'll see where it goes," Johnson told reporters on a conference call to discuss the company's third-quarter results.
Last month the company, based in Purchase, N.Y., announced it was remaking lemon-lime soda Sierra Mist by switching to sugar, removing preservatives and adding "Natural" to the name. On Saturday, the company will give out more than 10 million cans for people to sample at Walmart supercenters, spending at least $3 million on the giveaway alone.
