Today we’re once again pitting Canada up against the United States, PepsiCo vs PepsiCo, Dew vs Dew, to definitively determine which country has the best Mountain Dew. Last time, we compared Canadian and U.S. Original Dew, and Canada came out on top after a surprising formula change came to light. This time, we’re tasting the two countries’ versions of Baja Blast.
Baja Blast, a tropical-lime flavor of Mountain Dew, has been around in the United States since 2004, when it was introduced as a flavor only available at Taco Bell locations—the first of its kind. Fans were immediately hooked on this new flavor and called on Mountain Dew to release it in stores. Finally, in 2014 on the tenth anniversary of Baja Blast, PepsiCo delivered and released Baja Blast in cans and bottles for a limited time. Then again in 2015. Aside from 2017 (when the brand released Pitch Black instead), Baja Blast appeared annually as a limited time offer. Fast forward to 2024. Baja Blast is now a permanent flavor in the U.S.
Baja Blast is much newer in Canada, however. It didn’t hit Taco Bell locations until 2018. But it did become a permanent in-store offering in 2019.
Baja Blast is definitely the most popular Mtn Dew flavor, behind only Mtn Dew Original. We’ve gotten Baja Blast Hot Sauce, we’re getting Baja Blast Gelato, a Super Bowl Commercial, and everything in between. Baja Blast is basically a brand within itself at this point.
If you dig into the ingredients list of Baja Blast from the U.S. and Canada, there aren’t too many differences. I only saw two differences: American Baja Blast has more caffeine—6 mg more per serving. And Canadian Baja Blast has “Salt” listed in the ingredients—American Baja Blast does not list “Salt.”
But what about the flavor? In the battle of Baja Blast, which tastes better? I snagged a bottle of each to find out.
American Baja Blast
Baja Blast is one of those flavors that I don’t pick up too often, but when I do, I remember how great it is and ask myself, “Why don’t I have this more often?” While I think Baja Blast has its own unique flavor and doesn’t really taste like lime, I don’t think that’s a bad thing by any means. Its iconic taste and color really have set it apart from all of the other flavors of Dew. Whether you love Baja Blast or hate it, I think we can all agree it has truly established itself as one of the GOATs.
Score: 9/10
Canadian Baja Blast
The difference between Canadian Baja Blast and American Baja Blast was much more apparent than I was expecting. Canadian Baja Blast is much more syrupy than the American version, and you really get hit with artificial flavors in the aftertaste. It’s still the Baja Blast that everyone knows and loves, but it just doesn’t seal the deal like the American Baja Blast. It left a taste in my mouth that is definitely less than to be desired and had me going back to the American Baja Blast for relief.
Score: 6.5/10
Winner: American Baja Blast!
I didn’t expect such a stark difference in flavors—especially given the nutrition facts and ingredients being nearly identical. The American Baja Blast definitely brings home the gold medal on this one, tying the score 1-1. Canada might DEW the Original Dew better, but perhaps they should leave “Having a Blast” to the United States.
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!