Crystal Pepsi

Crystal Pepsi is a soft drink made by PepsiCo, which was first introduced in the early 1990s. It is a clear, caffeine-free variant of Pepsi that was marketed as a healthier and more pure version of the original cola. Despite its initial popularity, Crystal Pepsi was discontinued in 1993 due to declining sales.

History

Crystal Pepsi was first introduced in 1992 in a few test markets, and was rolled out nationwide in 1993. The product was marketed as a clear alternative to normal colas, equating clarity with purity and health. The idea for a clear cola was inspired by a marketing fad of the time, which equated clarity with purity. This trend was evident in a variety of consumer products, including Ivory's clear dishwashing liquid and Zima's clear alcoholic beverage.

Despite a strong marketing campaign, which included a Super Bowl ad featuring Van Halen's song "Right Now", Crystal Pepsi failed to meet sales expectations. Many consumers were confused by the clear cola, and it was discontinued in the U.S. in late 1993. It remained available in other markets, such as Europe and Canada, for a little longer.

In 2015, following a campaign by competitive eater Kevin Strahle, PepsiCo re-released Crystal Pepsi in a limited quantity via a sweepstakes on the app Pepsi Pass. In 2016, Crystal Pepsi was re-released for a limited time in U.S. stores.

Product Description

Crystal Pepsi is a clear, caffeine-free version of Pepsi. It has a slightly different taste than regular Pepsi, described as smoother and less sweet. The ingredients of Crystal Pepsi are similar to those of regular Pepsi, with the main difference being the absence of caramel color.

Legacy

Despite its short lifespan, Crystal Pepsi has become a cultural icon of the 1990s. It is often cited as an example of a marketing failure, and is used in business schools as a case study in brand management. However, it has also gained a cult following, with fans petitioning for its return and buying old bottles on auction sites.

See Also

• New Coke
• Pepsi Blue
• Tab Clear