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Mello Yello
Mello Yello
from Wikipedia
Mello Yello
2015–2023 logo
TypeCitrus soda
ManufacturerThe Coca-Cola Company
IntroducedMarch 12, 1979; 46 years ago (1979-03-12)[1]
ColorYellow
FlavorCitrus
Variants
  • Mello Yello
  • Mello Yello Zero
  • Mello Yello Cherry
Related productsVault
Mountain Dew
Surge
Sun Drop
Websitewww.melloyello.com

Mello Yello is a highly caffeinated, citrus-flavored soft drink produced, distributed and created by the Coca-Cola Company that was introduced on March 12, 1979,[1] to compete with PepsiCo's Mountain Dew.[2]

According to Donovan, songwriter and performer of the hit 1960s song, "Mellow Yellow", the Coca-Cola Company contacted him to discuss directly basing the soda's name on his song, which itself was named after a dildo called the "Mellow Yellow." This makes Mello Yello the only mass-produced soda whose name is known to derive from a dildo.[3][4]

Mello Yello was withdrawn from Australia in the early 1990s, being replaced with the similar but uncaffeinated Lift.[5]

In South Africa in the 1980s, Mello Yello became associated with Apartheid South African Police and their notorious canary-colored vehicles.[6]

There have been three flavored variants of Mello Yello in North America. Mello Yello Cherry was released in response to Mountain Dew Code Red.[citation needed] The other two variants were Mello Yello Afterglow (peach-flavored) and Mello Yello Melon. All three were only available for a limited time. Mello Yello Cherry is available at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and is still available in limited markets.

The caffeine content is 49.5 mg per 12 US fl oz (355 mL) serving (139 mg/L).[7]

Marketing

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Mello Yello was featured in the 1990 NASCAR-based movie Days of Thunder, in which Tom Cruise's character, Cole Trickle, drove a Mello Yello–sponsored car to victory in the Daytona 500, although the product name itself is never verbally mentioned in the movie. That livery went on to become a real NASCAR paint scheme the following year, when driver Kyle Petty drove with Mello Yello sponsorship in the Winston Cup Series. He ran four seasons (1991–1994) with the sponsor before switching over to Coors Light in 1995. Mello Yello was seen as a sponsor on die-cast toy and collectible cars for both the Days of Thunder #51 Chevrolet Lumina and Kyle Petty's #42 Pontiac Grand Prix. Mello Yello also sponsored the fall Winston Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway through 1994.

Mello Yello was also advertised in the Nashville-based Ernest commercials in which he coined the beverage's official slogan "Make The Mello Yello Move", followed by his trademark phrase, "Knowhutimean?"

In 1982, arcade manufacturer Gottlieb created but never released an edition of their successful arcade game Q*Bert with Mello Yello livery in-play as well as proposed cabinet artwork. The game has been preserved and is playable on the MAME arcade emulator.[8]

In 2011, Mello Yello relaunched its ad campaign. The commercial featured cartoon adults who boarded a boat and made a band, singing "Mellow Yellow".

In 2013, Mello Yello became the title sponsor of the NHRA's professional drag racing circuit—the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, as part of an extension of the Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship. Fellow Coca-Cola brands Powerade and Full Throttle had previously served as title sponsors.[9]

In December 2015, Mello Yello unveiled a new logo and packaging design, featuring a new stylized "MY" emblem in black on yellow.[10] This logo was only used for the regular variant and the Mello Yello Zero. Mello Yello Cherry and Peach continued to use the previous logo until 2017.

International relaunches

[edit]
Limited Edition 1.5 litre bottle

In October 2006, Mello Yello was relaunched in New Zealand as a 'limited edition' product after an absence of at least 15 years from the local market. The relaunched New Zealand version contained the original 1980s logo, and as when it was available in the 1980s included the words A Product of the Coca-Cola Company on the bottle top. This 'limited edition' release was available in 600 ml and 1.5 litre plastic bottles and contained the words Limited Edition. Only 200,000 cases of the promo product were produced in 2006 according to Coca-Cola. Mello Yello was once again relaunched to the New Zealand market in October 2007 and was available until the end of 2007. It has now been relaunched in New Zealand again as 'limited edition' for the summer months.

In late June 2011, Mello Yello was relaunched in Japan. Packaging in Japan carries a 'Smooth Taste Smooth Times' slogan and a 'Since 1983' badge on the side of cans and bottles.

In Australia, the Mello Yello brand has returned during the 2012–2013 summer, with a 1980s era logo being used. This Mello Yello is not caffeinated. It is notable that Mountain Dew in Australia had not been caffeinated until about six months prior to this release.

In 1994, it was launched in Colombia by the Coca-Cola Company under the name of Quatro.

Flavor variants

[edit]
Flavor name Dates of production Notes
Mello Yello 1979–present The original flavor of Mello Yello. A yellow-green-colored, citrus-flavored soda that was developed and introduced in 1979.
Mello Yello Zero 2010–present The zero-calorie variant of Mello Yello that was introduced during its 2010 rebranding.
Mello Redd 1980s A red, mixed fruit flavored variant of Mello Yello. This was the first flavor variant of Mello Yello, but it was only available for a limited time in Japan.
Mello Yello Cherry 2003, 2015–present (bottles)
2011–present (Coca-Cola Freestyle)
A Cherry flavored variant that was released in 2002 alongside Mello Yello Melon in response to Mountain Dew Code Red. Unlike its competitor, it had a stronger cherry flavor. Like Mello Yello Melon, it was discontinued shortly after its introduction. However, it was brought back in 2015 and has been available in Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines since 2009.
Mello Yello Melon 2003 A green, melon-flavored variant of Mello Yello released in 2002 alongside Mello Yello Cherry. Like Mello Yello Cherry, it was discontinued shortly after its introduction.
Mello Yello Peach/Mello Yello Afterglow 2004, 2015, 2018 (bottles)
2011–present (Coca-Cola Freestyle)
An orange, peach-flavored variant of Mello Yello. It was released in three limited edition runs, in 2004 under the name "Mello Yello Afterglow", and in 2015 and 2018 under the name "Mello Yello Peach." It is currently available in the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain.
Mello Yello Orange 2011–present An orange, orange-flavored variant of Mello Yello. It is currently available in the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain.
Mello Yello Grape 2011–17 A purple, grape-flavored variant of Mello Yello. It was available in the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain until 2017.
Mello Yello Limeade 2017–present A green, lime-flavored variant of Mello Yello. It is currently available in the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia

Mello Yello is a caffeinated, citrus-flavored soft drink produced and distributed by . Introduced in 1979, it features a blend of , lime, and orange flavors designed to provide a refreshing and energizing beverage experience. The brand was developed as a direct competitor to PepsiCo's , targeting consumers seeking a bold, citrus-based alternative in the caffeinated soda category. Over the decades, Mello Yello has maintained a niche presence with variants including Mello Yello Zero for sugar-free options, and it has sponsored events such as NHRA series, reinforcing its association with high-energy activities. Despite periodic rumors of discontinuation, the product remains available through Coca-Cola's distribution network.

History

Origins and Launch

Mello Yello, a caffeinated citrus-flavored , was developed by in the late 1970s as a direct competitor to PepsiCo's , which had gained significant market share in the high-caffeine, lemon-lime soda segment. The product was formulated to offer a similar bold, citrus taste with higher content than typical colas, targeting consumers seeking an energizing alternative to traditional soft drinks. The drink was introduced nationally in the United States on March 1, 1979, marking Coca-Cola's entry into the "sports soda" category dominated by . Initial distribution focused on key markets in the Southeast and Midwest, where sodas had established demand, with the brand positioned as the "World's Fastest " to evoke speed and excitement. Launch marketing emphasized ties to motorsports through sponsorships with the (NHRA), aligning the product's high-energy profile with racing culture. Early advertising highlighted its mellow yet potent blend of and lime flavors, distinguishing it from sharper competitors.

Subsequent Developments and Relaunches

In 2010, relaunched Mello Yello nationally in the United States with a retro-inspired that evoked the brand's 1979 debut, incorporating green and orange color schemes to appeal to nostalgia while expanding distribution beyond its core Southern markets to include regions such as and . This reintroduction also featured a update in April of that year, reverting the "L" letters to elongated lines reminiscent of the original 1979 styling to refresh the visual identity without altering the core citrus formulation. By 2013, escalated marketing investments in the brand as part of a broader comeback , focusing on increased and shelf space to compete in the citrus soda category amid competition from brands like . A further packaging overhaul occurred in January 2016, introducing a bolder "MY" in black against vibrant yellow cans for the standard variant and silver on black for Mello Yello Zero, designed to project a more energetic and modern aesthetic while maintaining the product's high-caffeine, lemon-lime flavor profile. Mello Yello has never been fully discontinued by , though it has experienced regional supply fluctuations due to bottler preferences rather than corporate decisions, with ongoing production and availability confirmed as of 2025 primarily in the and select other markets.

Product Description

Ingredients and Formulation

Mello Yello is a carbonated soft drink formulated primarily with as the base, sweetened with , and flavored using concentrated (less than 1% by volume) and natural flavors to achieve a profile blending , lime, and orange notes. The formulation includes for tartness and preservation, and calcium disodium EDTA to protect taste and prevent spoilage, for stimulation (approximately 51 mg per 12 fluid ounce serving), and stabilizers such as or carob bean gum. Some variants may incorporate food colorings like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 to enhance visual appeal. The exact composition of the proprietary natural flavors remains undisclosed by , but the drink's design positions it as a caffeinated alternative to non-citrus colas, with acidity levels contributing to its effervescent . Nutritional analyses confirm high sugar content (around 40 grams per 12 fluid ounces) from the , alongside minimal beyond energy from carbohydrates. No significant reformulations altering core ingredients have been publicly documented since its 1979 launch, though like many U.S. sodas, it transitioned to as the primary sweetener in the 1980s amid industry-wide shifts from cane sugar. A diet version, Mello Yello Zero, substitutes artificial sweeteners like and for , reducing calorie content to near zero while retaining (about 86 mg per 20 fluid ounces). This variant maintains the essence through similar acids and flavors but omits sugars and colors present in the original.

Flavor Profile and Packaging

Mello Yello features a smooth citrus flavor profile dominated by notes of lemon, lime, and orange, delivering a refreshing and caffeinated taste designed to energize consumers. The beverage's formulation emphasizes a balanced blend of these citrus elements, providing a tangy yet mellow sweetness without overpowering acidity, distinguishing it from sharper competitors in the citrus soda category. This flavor has remained consistent since its introduction, prioritizing a "delicious citrus taste" that appeals to those seeking an invigorating alternative to traditional colas. Packaging for Mello Yello underwent a significant redesign in January 2016, introducing a bold background with floating bubble graphics and stylized imagery to evoke its flavor essence. The updated design incorporates a stylized "MY" in black lettering, replacing prior iterations while maintaining the brand's signature vibrant hue for high shelf visibility. Standard formats include 12-ounce cans, 20-ounce bottles, 2-liter bottles, and fountain syrup for dispensing, with occasional limited-edition wraps like Realtree for seasons launched in August 2016. These elements reinforce the product's adventurous, outdoorsy positioning without altering the core flavor.

Marketing and Advertising

Key Campaigns

In the 1980s, Mello Yello featured a series of television commercials starring comedian as the character , known for humorous scenarios emphasizing the drink's citrus refreshment and energy boost, such as the 1985 "What Goes Up" ad where Ernest interacts with his neighbor Vern to promote its taste. In 1999, amid efforts to counter the declining Surge brand and compete in the caffeinated citrus segment, introduced the "Mello Yello: It's Smooth" campaign, backed by a substantial budget and targeted at consumers to highlight the product's smoother profile relative to rivals. The 2013 marketing push centered on Mello Yello assuming title sponsorship of the NHRA Series, replacing , with integrated promotions including NHRA logos on bottles and $8 ticket discounts to NHRA events, aiming to expand visibility and sales among motorsports fans through the most extensive national activation for the brand at the time. In 2016, rolled out the "This is MY World" campaign coinciding with a bold redesign featuring vertical "MY" lettering and rugged imagery, incorporating out-of-home billboards, radio advertisements, in-store point-of-sale materials in select U.S. markets, and collaborations like Realtree to target adventure-oriented consumers and underscore themes of personal boldness and outdoor passion.

Sponsorships and Cultural References

Mello Yello has maintained a prominent presence in motorsports sponsorships, particularly in and . From 2013 to 2020, it served as the title sponsor for the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) premier professional series, rebranded as the NHRA Mello Yello Series, following Coca-Cola's initial involvement with NHRA dating back to 2002. The sponsorship covered major divisions including , , , and Pro Stock Motorcycle, contributing to increased brand visibility in the sport. In , Mello Yello sponsored driver Kyle Petty's No. 42 Pontiac in the Winston Cup Series during the early 1990s, including the Mello Yello 500 race at , before the partnership ended after the 1994 season. Additionally, in 2015, Mello Yello partnered with Realtree, an outdoor camouflage brand, to release limited-edition packaging featuring Realtree's signature patterns targeted at hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. The brand has appeared in several pop culture contexts, often tied to its motorsports associations and citrus-flavored identity. It gained early cinematic exposure in the 1990 film , where protagonist Cole Trickle, played by , raced in a No. 51 sponsored by Mello Yello, influencing real-world sponsorships shortly thereafter. The product's name derives from Donovan's 1966 hit song "Mellow Yellow," which inspired its branding as a vibrant, energetic citrus soda upon launch in 1979. In television, Mello Yello featured in the 1996 episode "," where characters Kramer and Newman collect empty bottles, including Mello Yello, to redeem deposits, reinforcing Newman's affinity for the drink in fan discussions. These references have helped cement Mello Yello's niche as a cult favorite among motorsports fans and nostalgic consumers.

Variants

Core Variants

The primary core variant of Mello Yello is the original full-sugar citrus-flavored soda, introduced in 1979 as a blend of lemon, lime, and orange flavors designed to compete with PepsiCo's Mountain Dew. This version contains high fructose corn syrup as the primary sweetener and approximately 52 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce serving, maintaining a bold, tangy profile with a yellow-green hue. It is widely available in 12-ounce cans, 20-ounce bottles, 2-liter bottles, and fountain formats across the United States. Complementing the original is Mello Yello Zero Sugar, a low-calorie alternative introduced as a and reformulation of earlier diet versions to eliminate and calories while preserving the taste through artificial sweeteners like and . This variant offers zero grams of and fewer than 5 calories per serving, with a similar caffeine content to the original, and is positioned for consumers seeking reduced- options without compromising flavor intensity. Like the standard version, it is distributed in cans, bottles, and select fountain dispensers, though availability can vary regionally. These two variants form the foundational lineup, emphasizing consistent -forward formulation without the fruit-specific infusions found in limited releases, and are supported by Coca-Cola's ongoing production as of 2025. No other sugar-free or full-sugar variants are maintained as permanent staples in the core portfolio.

Limited-Edition Flavors

Mello Yello Cherry, a cherry-flavored variant with a coloration, was introduced in 2002 as a competitive response to PepsiCo's . This limited-edition release combined the brand's core notes with cherry for a distinct profile, available primarily in bottles and cans for a few years before discontinuation around 2005. Mello Yello Afterglow, launched in 2004, featured a peach flavor with an orange appearance, blending stone fruit sweetness with lemon, lime, and orange elements. Marketed as a limited-time offering, it was later reintroduced in select runs under the name Mello Yello Peach, with reports of availability in regions like Georgia as late as 2019, though bottle production ceased by 2015. Mello Yello Melon, a -infused limited edition, debuted alongside other variants in the early but achieved limited commercial success and was discontinued within approximately one year. These flavors represented Coca-Cola's attempts to expand the Mello Yello lineup amid competition from flavored sodas, though none transitioned to permanent status due to insufficient sustained demand.

Availability

United States Distribution

Mello Yello, introduced by on March 12, 1979, has been distributed through the company's extensive bottling and vending network across the , though its availability has historically been more concentrated in the Midwest and Southeast regions. By , while already widely available in those areas, distribution expanded to additional markets to broaden its reach beyond traditional strongholds. As of , Mello Yello remains available nationwide but operates as a regional product in practice, with inconsistent stocking in some locales such as the Northeast, where it may not flow through standard distribution channels. It is sold in various formats, including 12-ounce cans in 12-packs, 20-ounce bottles, and 2-liter bottles, primarily through major retailers like , , , , , , and . Online and delivery options further support accessibility, with products offered via platforms such as , , and Amazon, often in multi-packs for bulk purchase. The diet and zero-sugar variants face occasional local disruptions, as seen in mid-2025 reports of temporary halts in areas like , followed by restarts in nearby markets such as . Despite these fluctuations, the core original formula continues production and distribution without plans for nationwide discontinuation.

International Markets

Mello Yello maintains a limited presence in international markets, with consistent distribution primarily in , where it is offered through major retailers and fountain services. In , the beverage is available in 355 ml cans and larger formats at stores such as those stocking via and independent distributors, reflecting Coca-Cola's regional bottling operations. Japan represents another sporadic market for Mello Yello, with reintroductions tied to limited-time offerings under localized branding. In June 2024, Japan relaunched it as "Coca-Cola Fanta Citrus Mello Yello," priced at 162 yen and exclusively available at Lawson convenience stores, marking a return after intermittent availability since its initial entry in the . This variant builds on 's citrus lineup rather than standalone Mello Yello, indicating to local preferences for less caffeinated profiles. In contrast, Mello Yello was discontinued in markets like in the early , where it was replaced by the uncaffeinated Lift as 's citrus alternative, and has not returned officially. Similarly, in the and other European countries, it is not distributed by but appears via imports through specialty online retailers, underscoring its niche status outside . Overall, international expansion has been constrained, prioritizing core U.S. and Canadian demand over broader global rollout.

Market Reception

Sales Performance

Mello Yello has maintained a niche position within the caffeinated category since its launch in 1979, with sales volumes significantly trailing competitors like . In 2009, sold approximately 27 million cases of Mello Yello in the United States, compared to 630 million cases for , highlighting its limited market penetration in a segment where PepsiCo's product held over 85% share. Efforts to revitalize sales in the , including packaging redesigns in and 2016, expanded distribution, and marketing campaigns tied to NHRA sponsorships, yielded limited growth. A push targeted broader demographics beyond teens, but industry commentary indicates these initiatives underperformed, with no substantial increase in volume reported. By 2025, Mello Yello ranked among lower-tier sodas in U.S. sales hierarchies within Coca-Cola's portfolio, trailing major brands like Sprite and Barq's, though exact recent case volumes remain undisclosed in public filings. Its persistence reflects steady but modest demand in select regional markets, without achieving breakout success.

Consumer Feedback and Competition

Consumers frequently describe Mello Yello as having a crisp, tangy citrus flavor with balanced carbonation that distinguishes it from sweeter alternatives, earning high satisfaction ratings across retail platforms. On Walmart's product page for the 2-liter bottle, reviewers highlight its refreshing taste when thirsty, noting the carbonation is not overpowering. Similarly, Best Buy customers rate it 4.8 out of 5 from 65 reviews, praising its fizz and cold refreshment after shopping. At Randalls, 86% of reviews award it 5 stars, reflecting strong approval for its flavor profile. Dollar General users give it 4.0 out of 5, calling it a go-to soda despite health concerns over its sugar content. Enthusiast opinions often favor Mello Yello over competitors like , citing a less syrupy, more "crispy" tanginess. A reviewer explicitly prefers it to modern formulations, which they find overly viscous. Online discussions echo this, with some declaring Mello Yello superior in blind taste preferences for its smoother notes. However, availability limitations temper broader appeal, as it is less ubiquitous than , leading to occasional complaints about in certain regions. In the citrus-flavored soda market, directly competes with PepsiCo's , which was the category leader prompting its 1979 launch by as a caffeinated alternative. Despite variant introductions like Mello Yello Cherry to counter , it has maintained a niche position with lower overall . Blind taste tests and consumer comparisons frequently pit the two, with benefiting from heavier marketing and wider distribution, though retains loyalists valuing its milder profile. 's prior attempt with Surge in the 1990s to challenge 's dominance failed commercially, underscoring persistent competitive challenges in this segment.

Health and Nutrition

Nutritional Composition

The ingredients of Mello Yello, a citrus-flavored , include as the base, as the primary sweetener, and concentrated (constituting less than 1% of the product by volume). Additional components comprise for acidity, natural flavors, and calcium disodium EDTA as preservatives to maintain , citrate as a buffering agent, Yellow 5 () as a , and carob bean gum as a stabilizer. Nutritional analysis of a standard 12 (355 mL) serving reveals 170 calories, sourced exclusively from carbohydrates with no contribution from fats or proteins. The beverage contains no saturated or trans fats, 50 mg of sodium (2% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet), 47 g of total carbohydrates (17% DV), of which 46 g are sugars (including those from and minimal natural juice), and zero .
NutrientAmount per 12 fl oz Serving% Daily Value*
Calories170-
Total 0 g0%
Sodium50 mg2%
Total Carbohydrates47 g17%
Total Sugars46 g-
0 g-
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. The sugar-free variant, Mello Yello Zero, substitutes high fructose corn syrup with artificial sweeteners including aspartame and acesulfame potassium, yielding 0 calories, negligible carbohydrates (typically under 1 g), and 0 g sugars per equivalent serving, while retaining comparable sodium and zero fat or protein content.

Caffeine Content and Effects

Mello Yello contains 51 milligrams of per 12 (355 ml) serving, equivalent to approximately 4.25 mg per . Larger servings scale proportionally, such as 72 mg in a 16.9 or 85 mg in a 20 . This amount is derived from added during manufacturing, as confirmed by product labeling from . At this concentration, the in Mello Yello functions as a mild , primarily by blocking receptors in the , which reduces perceived and enhances . Consumption of a single 12-ounce serving typically induces subtle effects such as improved focus and mild elevation in and within 15–45 minutes, peaking around one hour post-ingestion, with a of 3–7 hours depending on individual factors like liver activity and . For most healthy adults, the 51 mg dose poses low of adverse effects when consumed occasionally, representing about 13% of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 400 mg daily limit for intake. However, sensitive populations, including children, pregnant individuals, or those with cardiovascular conditions, may experience jitteriness, , or gastrointestinal discomfort even at this level, particularly if combined with the beverage's high content (49 grams per 12 ounces), which can exacerbate blood sugar fluctuations. Excessive intake beyond 2–3 servings daily increases risks of dependency, due to 's properties, and tolerance buildup requiring higher doses for similar effects.

References

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