You’re not imagining it! Pepsi did taste different, and here’s why
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A quiet change to a beloved household product has left many Aussies feeling blindsided—and for some, it's more than just a taste issue.
What began as a subtle tweak to familiar packaging has sparked backlash from consumers who say the move could have serious health implications.
What’s emerged is a growing debate around transparency, health ratings, and the unexpected consequences of altering a staple beverage.
A subtle shift in a well-known Aussie beverage had many consumers doing a double take—and not just because of the taste.
Sharp-eyed food influencer Russ Eats noticed something odd on the label of his usual bottle of Pepsi.
The packaging appeared unchanged, but the health star rating had quietly jumped from 0.5 to 1.5 stars. That small detail kicked off a wave of online chatter, as curious fans investigated further.
‘Full sugar Pepsi and Mountain Dew are gone,’ Russ revealed in a video on social media.
‘Now the packaging looks the same, that’s what’s so sneaky, but the health star went up, and guess what? They’ve taken out some of the sugar and added…sweetener. Have a look at the Mountain Dew, there was sugar now there’s sweetener.’
Despite no immediate announcement from PepsiCo at the time, the company later confirmed the change—one that replaced a large portion of sugar in Pepsi and Mountain Dew with artificial sweeteners.
According to the company, the new versions now contain approximately 35 and 40 per cent less sugar, respectively.
A spokesperson shared: ‘The new formulas contain low-calorie sweeteners and a lower sugar content. We’ve also undertaken extensive sensory research to ensure we’re still delivering the same great taste consumers know and love.’
The move, PepsiCo said, came in response to growing demand from consumers for lower-sugar options. But not everyone welcomed the change.
Online backlash quickly followed. Several Australians shared that they had relied on the original full-sugar drinks for medical reasons.
‘Daughter is a type 1 diabetic. Mountain Dew literally saved her life a number of times,’ one commenter posted.
Another person claimed their friend couldn’t have artificial sweeteners due to an allergy, and criticised the company for not issuing a clearer warning.
One user wrote that the change was ‘dangerous for diabetics’, while someone else expressed their frustration with humour, saying: ‘I‘m outraged! I’d get angry and riot but my energy levels have dropped.’
While the labels had been quietly updated, the familiar branding left some feeling misled, especially those who felt the change had broader health implications. For now, fans of the original recipe might need to double-check what’s inside the bottle—because it’s not quite what it used to be.
Not imagining it—your favourite snacks really have changed.
Watch this quick explainer to see what might be behind the bland bite...then let us know if you've noticed any classics tasting off lately!
Source: Youtube/Bloomberg Television
With so many classic products quietly changing, do you think companies should be more upfront about what's inside the bottle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we looked at growing concerns around a common ingredient found in many diet drinks—a topic that’s become especially relevant with the latest changes to soft drink formulas.
For older Aussies keeping an eye on their health and what’s really going into their shopping trolleys, it’s a conversation worth revisiting.
If the new Pepsi recipe has you checking labels, you might want to take a look at this one too.
Read more: ‘It’s just an animal study, but…’: Scientists sound alarm over popular diet drink ingredient
What began as a subtle tweak to familiar packaging has sparked backlash from consumers who say the move could have serious health implications.
What’s emerged is a growing debate around transparency, health ratings, and the unexpected consequences of altering a staple beverage.
A subtle shift in a well-known Aussie beverage had many consumers doing a double take—and not just because of the taste.
Sharp-eyed food influencer Russ Eats noticed something odd on the label of his usual bottle of Pepsi.
The packaging appeared unchanged, but the health star rating had quietly jumped from 0.5 to 1.5 stars. That small detail kicked off a wave of online chatter, as curious fans investigated further.
Label change on Pepsi sparks online scrutiny. Image source: Pexels/Martin Péchy
‘Full sugar Pepsi and Mountain Dew are gone,’ Russ revealed in a video on social media.
‘Now the packaging looks the same, that’s what’s so sneaky, but the health star went up, and guess what? They’ve taken out some of the sugar and added…sweetener. Have a look at the Mountain Dew, there was sugar now there’s sweetener.’
Despite no immediate announcement from PepsiCo at the time, the company later confirmed the change—one that replaced a large portion of sugar in Pepsi and Mountain Dew with artificial sweeteners.
According to the company, the new versions now contain approximately 35 and 40 per cent less sugar, respectively.
A spokesperson shared: ‘The new formulas contain low-calorie sweeteners and a lower sugar content. We’ve also undertaken extensive sensory research to ensure we’re still delivering the same great taste consumers know and love.’
The move, PepsiCo said, came in response to growing demand from consumers for lower-sugar options. But not everyone welcomed the change.
Online backlash quickly followed. Several Australians shared that they had relied on the original full-sugar drinks for medical reasons.
‘Daughter is a type 1 diabetic. Mountain Dew literally saved her life a number of times,’ one commenter posted.
Another person claimed their friend couldn’t have artificial sweeteners due to an allergy, and criticised the company for not issuing a clearer warning.
One user wrote that the change was ‘dangerous for diabetics’, while someone else expressed their frustration with humour, saying: ‘I‘m outraged! I’d get angry and riot but my energy levels have dropped.’
While the labels had been quietly updated, the familiar branding left some feeling misled, especially those who felt the change had broader health implications. For now, fans of the original recipe might need to double-check what’s inside the bottle—because it’s not quite what it used to be.
Not imagining it—your favourite snacks really have changed.
Watch this quick explainer to see what might be behind the bland bite...then let us know if you've noticed any classics tasting off lately!
Source: Youtube/Bloomberg Television
With so many classic products quietly changing, do you think companies should be more upfront about what's inside the bottle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In a previous story, we looked at growing concerns around a common ingredient found in many diet drinks—a topic that’s become especially relevant with the latest changes to soft drink formulas.
For older Aussies keeping an eye on their health and what’s really going into their shopping trolleys, it’s a conversation worth revisiting.
If the new Pepsi recipe has you checking labels, you might want to take a look at this one too.
Read more: ‘It’s just an animal study, but…’: Scientists sound alarm over popular diet drink ingredient
