Pepsi Raw

Pepsi Raw

A bottle of Pepsi Raw

Pepsi Raw was a soft drink created by PepsiCo and introduced in the United Kingdom in 2008. It was marketed as a "natural" cola, with a focus on using fewer artificial ingredients compared to traditional cola beverages. Pepsi Raw was part of a broader trend in the beverage industry towards more natural and health-conscious products.

Ingredients

Pepsi Raw was notable for its use of natural ingredients. Unlike regular Pepsi, which contains high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavoring, Pepsi Raw was sweetened with cane sugar and contained natural flavorings. The ingredients list included:

• Sparkling water
• Cane sugar
• Apple extract
• Caramel coloring
• Coffee leaf
• Tartaric acid
• Gum arabic
• Kola nut extract

This formulation was designed to appeal to consumers looking for a more "authentic" cola experience, with a cleaner label and fewer synthetic additives.

Marketing and Reception

Pepsi Raw can

Pepsi Raw was launched with a marketing campaign that emphasized its natural ingredients and "raw" appeal. The branding was distinct from other Pepsi products, featuring a minimalist design and earthy color palette to convey its natural credentials.

The reception to Pepsi Raw was mixed. Some consumers appreciated the less sweet, more subtle flavor profile, while others found it lacking the bold taste they associated with traditional colas. The product was positioned as a premium offering, which was reflected in its pricing.

Availability

Initially launched in the UK, Pepsi Raw was also tested in select markets in Europe and the United States. However, it struggled to gain a significant foothold in the competitive soft drink market. By 2010, Pepsi Raw was discontinued in most regions due to underwhelming sales and the challenges of maintaining a niche product in a market dominated by established brands.

Legacy

Pepsi Raw's introduction and subsequent discontinuation highlight the challenges faced by major beverage companies in innovating within the cola category. Despite its short-lived presence, Pepsi Raw contributed to the ongoing conversation about natural ingredients and transparency in food and beverage labeling.

Related pages

• Pepsi
• Coca-Cola Life
• Soft drink
• Natural foods