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Mountain Dew Code Red
Mountain Dew Code Red
from Wikipedia
Mountain Dew Code Red
TypeCherry soft drink
ManufacturerPepsiCo
OriginUnited States
Introduced2001; 25 years ago (2001)
ColorRed
VariantsMountain Dew Code Red Zero
Related productsMountain Dew

Mountain Dew Code Red is a cherry-flavored carbonated soft drink that was introduced in 2001 as a flavor extension of the original Mountain Dew. This addition marked the first time that the brand had ventured beyond its flagship flavor on a large scale. In 1988 Mountain Dew Red was sold in some areas of Alabama, but later discontinued that same year. These two soft drinks did not share the same formula or taste. Despite the saturated market of soft drink flavors, Code Red saw great success and is considered a major player in the cherry-flavored beverage market.

History

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Bottle of Mountain Dew Code Red

In March 2001, the Mountain Dew website hosted an online racing game. The top-scoring winners received a box containing a "you won" letter, six pack of bottles and a Code Red shirt, before this version was officially released.[1]

PepsiCo considered calling the variant Wild Cherry Mountain Dew, but branded it as Code Red as urban and ethnic focus groups preferred. In May 2001, Mountain Dew Code Red was released to stores in the United States.[2] In its first year of production, Code Red increased overall sales of Mountain Dew by 6%.[3]

Diet Mountain Dew Code Red was introduced in 2002.[4] It was replaced by Mountain Dew Code Red Zero in 2022.[5]

The Mountain Dew flavor DEW-S-A, released for a limited time in 2017 and 2021, was a combination of red, white and blue Mountain Dew flavors, with Code Red serving as the red flavor in the mix.[6]

An energy drink version of Code Red was released in 2022.[7]

[edit]

During an overnight work session, researchers named the computer worm Code Red after the Mountain Dew variant they were drinking at the time.

Mountain Dew Code Red was promoted in December 2010 with a television advertisement featuring rapper Jay Electronica performing his song "The Announcement". The campaign proved to be a successful marketing strategy, contributing to the product's widespread popularity amongst consumers.[8]

German rapper Sierra Kidd released a song in 2015 titled “Mountain Dew Code Red” in reference to the drink. The lyrics to the song only contain one line that mentions the drink: “Mountain Dew Code Red 808’s ey”.

The Joe Iconis musical Be More Chill uses Mountain Dew Code Red as a plot device.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mountain Dew Code Red is a cherry-flavored and a permanent variant of the brand, manufactured by under its beverage division. It blends the signature bold, citrusy profile of original with a prominent cherry kick, delivering a vibrant red color and caffeinated refreshment in various formats including 12-ounce cans, 20-ounce bottles, and 2-liter sizes. Launched nationwide in the United States in 2001, Code Red marked the first flavor extension to achieve permanent status in the Mountain Dew lineup, quickly gaining traction for its innovative taste and contributing to the brand's overall growth amid a competitive market. Since its debut, Mountain Dew Code Red has become one of the most enduring and widely recognized extensions in the Mountain Dew portfolio, appealing to a broad demographic with its intense flavor and association with high-energy lifestyles. The product's success helped propel Mountain Dew's , with innovations like Code Red credited for contributing to PepsiCo's 1.3% volume increase and gain from 30.9% to 31.1% in 2001, despite an industry-wide soft drink sales rise of only 0.5%. Over the years, it has inspired limited-edition variants, including an alcoholic iteration under the Hard MTN DEW line, while maintaining its core appeal through consistent marketing tied to gaming, sports, and . Available year-round in stores and online, Code Red continues to embody the brand's ethos of exhilaration and bold taste.

Product Overview

Description

Mountain Dew Code Red is a flavor extension of the original , blending the base formula's undertones with a dominant cherry taste for a bold, refreshing profile often described as delivering a rush of cherry flavor with other natural flavors. This combination creates an exhilarating carbonated that balances sweet cherry notes with the zesty, citrusy kick characteristic of the lineup. Visually, Code Red stands out as a vibrant red-colored beverage, setting it apart from the lime-green hue of the original and emphasizing its cherry-inspired identity through its striking appearance. The red tint not only enhances its sensory appeal but also aligns with the product's thematic "code red" branding, evoking energy and intensity in every pour. Packaging for Code Red initially included 20-ounce bottles and 12-ounce cans, formats that became staples for on-the-go consumption. Over the years, the has evolved to reflect broader brand updates, with the 2025 redesign featuring a refreshed logo with the full "" name, softened angles, heritage-inspired elements like a citrus leaf icon, and a flavor description of "Cherry Flavor with Other Natural Flavors." Today, it remains available in various standard serving sizes, including 12-ounce cans, 20-ounce bottles, 2-liter bottles, and fountain dispensers for versatile enjoyment.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Mountain Dew Code Red is formulated with as the base, sweetened primarily by , and includes concentrated for a undertone akin to the original . Key additives encompass for tartness, natural and artificial flavors to impart the cherry profile, as a , for stimulation, Red 40 and Yellow 5 for color. The nutritional profile per 12 (355 ml) serving reflects its high-sugar content, delivering substantial energy from carbohydrates with no or protein contribution. The table below summarizes the key facts:
Amount per 12 fl oz Serving
Calories170
Total Sugars46 g (all added)
Sodium105 mg
54 mg
Total 0 g
Protein0 g
These values position it as a calorie-dense, caffeinated without significant micronutrients. The caffeine content of 54 mg per serving enhances the drink's role as an energizing beverage, providing a mild effect comparable to about half a cup of coffee and aligning with the brand's adventurous positioning. Over its history, the formula has seen refinements, including the 2020 removal of amid health concerns and petitions, replaced by alternatives like esters of in some variants. Recent updates have also incorporated natural and artificial flavors to meet evolving consumer preferences for balanced labeling.

History

Development and Launch

In the late 1980s, PepsiCo conducted test marketing for a fruit punch-flavored variant called Mountain Dew Red in select regions of , including a trial of a diet version, though it was discontinued after one year without advancing to wider distribution. PepsiCo filed for the trademark "Mountain Dew Code Red" on September 21, 2000, marking a key step in formalizing the product's branding ahead of its commercial rollout. The product launched nationwide in the United States in May as a cherry-flavored extension of the Mountain Dew line, designed to appeal to urban and ethnic demographics through a bolder, more intense taste; it was the first such extension to achieve permanent status shortly thereafter. Originally positioned as a limited-time offering to gauge consumer interest, strong initial demand prompted to transition it to permanent status within the core lineup later in .

Sales and Reception

Upon its launch, Code Red drove a 6% increase in overall brand sales for the 2001-2002 period, marking a significant boost amid stagnant industry growth. The flavor's strong initial performance led to a rapid shift from limited-time availability to permanent status within the Mountain Dew portfolio, reflecting its immediate consumer appeal. Consumer reception highlighted praise for Code Red's bold cherry flavor profile, which delivered a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic base, though some found its sweetness overpowering and syrupy. This mixed feedback nonetheless underscored its polarizing yet influential role, spurring to expand the Mountain Dew lineup with subsequent fruit-inspired variants like Live Wire and Voltage. Long-term sales trends for Code Red have remained robust, with consistent availability as a core flavor across U.S. markets through 2025, supported by ongoing production and periodic extensions such as zero-sugar and versions. In 2018, approximately 4% of U.S. adults reported consuming Code Red in the prior four weeks, indicating sustained demand among younger demographics.

Marketing

Advertising Campaigns

Upon its 2001 launch, Code Red's advertising campaigns prominently featured sports-themed television spots to convey themes of energy and excitement. A key commercial, directed in a candid, street-basketball style, starred NBA players and infiltrating a on New York's West 4th Street court, surprising players with their skills before revealing the product's cherry "rush." This understated approach, praised for its authenticity, aimed to capture the beverage's invigorating appeal without overt celebrity promotion. The ad aired nationally, emphasizing the soda's role in fueling spontaneous athletic moments. Early campaigns revolved around the tagline "DEW with a Rush of Cherry Flavor with Other Natural Flavors," which highlighted the product's bold cherry infusion as an extension of the original Mountain Dew's base. This phrasing evolved slightly over time but remained central to messaging through the mid-2000s, positioning Code Red as a flavorful, energizing alternative for active consumers. From 2001 onward, supplementary digital and print advertisements targeted youth and urban demographics, shifting from Mountain Dew's traditional extreme-sports focus to appeal to ethnically diverse city dwellers. These efforts included online banners and magazine spreads in urban publications, featuring vibrant imagery of the red-hued drink amid street scenes to build among younger, multicultural audiences. In 2025, as part of Mountain Dew's broader brand rebrand launching in May, Code Red's packaging and campaigns updated to spotlight "Cherry Flavor with Other Flavors," underscoring cleaner ingredient profiles amid consumer demand for natural options. The refreshed visuals, including a return to a classic style, integrated into a "Gimme a " promotional push with nationwide to engage fans through and retail displays.

Promotions and Tie-Ins

To build pre-launch hype for Mountain Dew Code Red, hosted an online car-racing game on the brand's website in April 2001, where approximately 1,500 top-scoring participants received samples of the new cherry-flavored variant. This interactive promotion targeted young, tech-savvy consumers and marked an early digital effort to engage the product's core demographic of urban teens and extreme sports enthusiasts. Code Red featured tie-ins with major sports events to align with its high-energy branding. In February 2001, samples were distributed at the , appealing to extreme-sports fans and generating buzz ahead of the May launch. The flavor also integrated with NBA promotions, including limited-edition cans in 2015 featuring designs inspired by NBA star , which highlighted his signature red glasses and supported the league's season kickoff. Fountain drink formats expanded Code Red's accessibility through convenience store partnerships, including as a frozen option at locations in the early 2000s. These experiential offerings emphasized the flavor's bold cherry taste in on-the-go settings, complementing broader urban music and youth-focused activations like radio spots with artists such as . Collaborative limited editions have sustained Code Red's relevance into recent years. In 2024, it participated in a with , where purchases earned points redeemable for in-game rewards in titles like , targeting gaming communities. By 2025, event tie-ins continued to leverage the flavor's enduring appeal.

Variants

Diet and Zero Sugar Versions

The diet variant of Mountain Dew Code Red, known as Diet Code Red, was launched in May 2002 as a zero-calorie alternative sweetened primarily with aspartame. This formulation maintained the cherry flavor profile of the original while eliminating sugar to appeal to consumers seeking lower-calorie options. Diet Code Red was discontinued in January 2022 following a period of reduced national availability since 2019. It was promptly replaced by Code Red Zero Sugar, which debuted in the same month but initially limited to regional markets where the diet version had been sold. Unlike its predecessor, Code Red Zero Sugar uses a blend of , , and as artificial sweeteners to achieve zero calories. Nutritionally, Code Red Zero Sugar provides zero calories per 12-ounce serving, compared to the original's 170 calories, and features reduced sodium at 40 milligrams versus 105 milligrams in the regular version. Both low-calorie variants share the core cherry flavor base with the original Code Red. In January 2025, a syrup version of Code Red Zero Sugar was released, allowing consumers to create the zero-calorie cherry-flavored beverage at home using a carbonation system. This home-format option expanded accessibility for the variant amid its regional retail limitations.

Energy and Alcoholic Variants

In 2022, introduced Energy Code Red as a limited-edition extension of the original cherry-flavored soda, transforming it into a zero-sugar targeted at consumers seeking a with the familiar Code Red taste. This variant builds on the core cherry profile by incorporating 180 mg of per 16-ounce can, along with for cognitive support, , vitamins A and C, and antioxidants to enhance and wellness benefits, while maintaining zero and 5% content. The formulation adjustment emphasizes higher levels compared to the standard 54 mg in a 12-ounce can of regular Code Red, positioning it as a seasonal pick-me-up without the caloric load of the original. Released nationwide in select retailers during September and October 2022, Energy Code Red was packaged in vibrant red 16-ounce slim cans featuring the iconic Code Red branding with added energy drink motifs, such as lightning bolts and bold typography to highlight its invigorating formula. Availability was limited to this fall promotional window, after which it was discontinued, reflecting PepsiCo's strategy for testing flavored energy extensions in the competitive market. Shifting to the alcoholic category, Hard Mountain Dew Code Red debuted in March 2025 as a malt-based flavored beverage under the Hard Mtn Dew line, produced by the in partnership with , offering an adult-oriented twist on the cherry-forward original. This variant integrates 5% (ABV) derived from fermented , delivering the punchy cherry flavor without , zero , and just 100 calories per 12-ounce serving to appeal to seltzer and ready-to-drink cocktail enthusiasts. The alcohol infusion required reformulating the base to balance the bold cherry notes with a crisp, refreshing , distinguishing it from non-alcoholic sodas while preserving the essence of Code Red's red hue and taste. Hard Mountain Dew Code Red is available in 12-ounce and 24-ounce cans, packaged in sleek, red-accented designs that echo the soda's heritage but include age-gated warnings and premium metallic finishes for the alcohol market. Launched initially in select U.S. markets before expanding nationwide by 2025, it targets 21+ consumers through stores, convenience outlets, and online retailers, with no plans for international rollout at launch.

Availability

United States

Mountain Dew Code Red has been available nationwide across the since its introduction in 2001 as the first nationally distributed flavor variant of the brand. It is widely distributed through major retail channels, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines, ensuring broad accessibility for consumers. The flavor is offered in multiple formats to suit various consumption preferences, such as 12 oz cans typically sold in 6-packs, 20 oz single-serve bottles, 2-liter family-sized bottles, and fountain syrup supplied in 3-gallon systems for foodservice locations. Additional sizes include 16.9 oz and 1-liter bottles for on-the-go options. In 2022, a zero sugar version of Mountain Dew Code Red was launched, replacing the prior diet formulation and initially rolling out with regional variations in availability across different U.S. markets. As of , Mountain Dew Code Red maintains its status as a permanent core flavor in the lineup, complemented by periodic limited editions that expand on the cherry-citrus profile.

International Markets

Mountain Dew Code Red, based on the original U.S. cherry-flavored formula, has seen varied launches and adaptations in international markets, often in cans and bottles to meet local distribution needs. In , the product is available in 355ml cans and 591ml bottles through retailers, with regulatory adjustments such as caffeine-free formulations in earlier releases to comply with laws. It experienced initial availability from 2002 to 2005, a revival from 2014 to 2019 via the DEWmocracy Canada consumer voting campaign that selected it as a permanent flavor in 2014, limited fountain exclusive availability at from April 2021, and a nationwide re-release in March 2024 with a new formulation. Current formats include 12-packs of 355ml cans for nationwide sale as of 2025. The saw a limited release around 2004, available in bottles and cans for market testing, a limited-time in December 2019, but it has since been discontinued domestically, with imports now offered through online retailers in 355ml formats. In , the drink was introduced around 2004 for limited distribution in bottles and cans, but it is now discontinued domestically, though 355ml tin 12-packs remain accessible via international exporters as of 2025. South Korea launched the standard cherry version as "마운틴 듀 코드 레드" in 2005, coinciding with promotional events, available in 250ml aluminum cans for a limited period before discontinuation. In and , the product features a twist on the base formula, marketed as a berry/ variant in 1.5L bottles for local tastes, with availability through major retailers; it underwent discontinued periods due to testing but remains in export formats like 355ml cans. Germany had a limited release in 2010 using the 2005-2011 label design, available in 500ml bottles for market trials before discontinuation in 2016 due to low sales.

Cultural Impact

The "Code Red" computer worm, discovered in July 2001, was named by cybersecurity researchers after the Mountain Dew Code Red beverage they were consuming during an all-night monitoring session that confirmed the malware's threat. The worm, which exploited vulnerabilities in Microsoft IIS web servers and infected hundreds of thousands of systems worldwide, became one of the most notorious cyber threats of its era, inadvertently linking the soft drink to early internet security lore. Mountain Dew Code Red has appeared as a product placement in several films, often symbolizing youth culture and high-energy lifestyles. In the 2005 superhero film Fantastic Four, a large screen displays the Code Red bottle and slogan during a promotional sequence. The 2009 zombie comedy Zombieland features a direct reference in dialogue, where a character specifies "Code Red" as their preferred Mountain Dew variant amid survival antics. More recently, the 2024 film Madame Web includes a period-accurate 2003-era can of Code Red in a scene set during that time, highlighting its nostalgic role in pop culture props. In gaming, Code Red ties into 's broader association with and youth-oriented titles. Upon its 2001 launch, the flavor was promoted through an exclusive online called Mission: Code Red on the brand's website, where winners received limited-edition bottles, blending digital interactivity with the drink's extreme energy theme. This connection extended to esports sponsorships, such as the 2021 and 2023 BoomTV Code Red: Mountain Dew Showdown tournaments in games like and , which featured $25,000 prize pools and drew professional streamers like and . The flavor has inspired internet memes, notably the "Mountain Dew Conspiracy Theory," a viral hoax claiming new Dew variants like Code Red (released months before 9/11) predict global tragedies, amplifying its cult status in online humor. In music, German rapper Sierra Kidd released a 2015 track titled "Mountain Dew Code Red," consisting of a single looped lyric referencing the drink's bold cherry punch, reflecting its niche appeal in hip-hop circles. Fan communities, particularly among gamers, celebrate Code Red's enduring popularity through dedicated discussions and events, often tying it to late-night gaming sessions and extreme sports vibes.

Influence on Competitors

The launch of Code Red in marked a significant success for , generating substantial sales that revitalized interest in flavored soft drinks and served as a catalyst for industry-wide innovation. This cherry-infused variant of the citrus-based quickly captured market attention, prompting responses from competitors seeking to capitalize on the emerging demand for bold, fruit-forward profiles. In direct response to Code Red's popularity, PepsiCo expanded its own portfolio with , a berry-cola fusion released in 2002, which aimed to replicate the excitement of Code Red's colored, fruity appeal. countered this trend by introducing Berry in August 2002 as an apparent competitive swipe at Pepsi Blue, further intensifying the race for fruit-flavored dominance. Later, in 2007, launched Vault Red Blitz, a cherry-citrus energy hybrid explicitly designed to challenge Code Red in the flavored citrus segment. These moves exemplified how Code Red pioneered cherry-citrus hybrids, blending tart fruit notes with the brand's signature citrus base to inspire rival product developments. Code Red's enduring success contributed to the broader trend of permanent flavor extensions for legacy soft drink brands throughout the 2000s, as companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo shifted toward sustaining innovative variants rather than limited releases. This approach led to a proliferation of fruit-flavored colas and citrus hybrids, diversifying the market beyond traditional colas. By 2025, such innovations had bolstered PepsiCo's position in fruit and energy segments, with Mountain Dew flavor extensions driving ongoing revenue growth and influencing competitive market shares in non-cola categories.

References

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