Pepsi to release pure

by DrinkNetwork

Published on Mon Feb 23 23:53:50 2009

LOS ANGELES - Pepsi Bottling Ventures will begin distributing "Pepsi Throwback" and "Mountain Dew Throwback" in April, both of which contain sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, according to Beverage Industry magazine .

Currently the pure sugar versions of popular soda drinks like Pepsi and Coke can only be found in foreign countries or around the time of Passover stateside. Coke makes a special version with a yellow cap just for the Jewish holiday since consuming corn is not allowed.

Many argue that soft drinks with sugar taste better. "It has a crisper flavor, not as cloying. I think it is a better-flavored drink," consumer Charlie Howell told the Los Angeles Times .

Others add high fructose corn syrup has led to higher obesity and diabetes rates. The jury is still out, though -- the Mayo Clinic says research is still inconclusive . But the concern of a backlash against high fructose corn syrup is enough that the Corn Refiners Assn. launched a Web site called sweetsurprise.com . The message: High fructose corn syrup is just as natural as sugar or honey.

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