Crystal Pepsi

Intermediate 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

A clear, caffeine-free cola variant of Pepsi introduced by PepsiCo in 1992 that attempted to capitalize on the 'clear' beverage trend of the early 1990s. Despite novelty appeal and significant marketing investment, it failed to gain lasting market acceptance and was discontinued in 1993, though it has been revived periodically.

Example Usage

Collectors still seek out unopened bottles of Crystal Pepsi from 1992 as retro memorabilia.

Origin

Launched during the early 1990s trend of clear beverages, following the success of products like Clearly Canadian sparkling water.

Fun Fact

Crystal Pepsi's failure is attributed partly to consumer confusion about the product category and the disconnect between its clear appearance and cola taste, becoming a symbol of 1990s marketing excess.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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