Mello Yello

Mello Yello
2015–2023 logo
TypeCitrus soda
ManufacturerThe Coca-Cola Company
IntroducedMarch 12, 1979; 45 years ago (1979-03-12)[1]
ColorChartreuse yellow
FlavorCitrus
Variants
  • Mello Yello
  • Mello Yello Zero
  • Mello Yello Cherry
Related productsVault
Mountain Dew
Surge
Sun Drop
Websitewww.melloyello.com

Mello Yello is a highly caffeinated, citrus-flavored soft drink produced, distributed and created by the Coca-Cola Company that was introduced on March 12, 1979,[1] to compete with PepsiCo's Mountain Dew.[2]

Mello Yello was withdrawn from Australia in the early 1990s, being replaced with the similar but uncaffeinated Lift.[3]

In South Africa in the 1980s, Mello Yello became associated with Apartheid South African Police and their notorious canary-colored vehicles.[4]

There have been three flavored variants of Mello Yello in North America. Mello Yello Cherry was released in response to Mountain Dew Code Red.[citation needed] The other two variants were Mello Yello Afterglow (peach-flavored) and Mello Yello Melon. All three were only available for a limited time. Mello Yello Cherry is available at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and is still available in limited markets.

The caffeine content is 49.5 mg per 12 US fl oz (355 mL) serving (139 mg/L).[5]

  1. ^ a b "Coke's New Drink Battles 'Dew'", Stephen Hesse On Marketing column, The Atlanta Constitution, March 12, 1979, p. 8-D
  2. ^ Andrew F. Smith (2006). Encyclopedia of Junk Food and Fast Food. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 9780313335273. Retrieved 2011-12-07 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "Mello Yello". Radio 3BA. Archived from the original on 2013-01-26.
  4. ^ Ahluwalia, Pal; Bethleham, Louise; Ginio, Ruth, eds. (2007). "Mellow Yellow: Image, violence, and play in apartheid South Africa". Violence and Non-Violence in Africa. Routledge. doi:10.4324/9780203964132. ISBN 9780203964132.
  5. ^ "Jolting News About Soda". Good Housekeeping. January 8, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2021.