This Exclusive Mountain Dew Flavor Is Being Discontinued

When it comes to international relevance, there are a select few kings of American fast food culture that we see represented and worshiped around the world. One of these iconic restaurants that we are referring to is, of course, KFC. And while the cultural and historical significance of fried chicken is complex to say the least, there is something that feels distinctly American about the product. 

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While Kentucky Fried Chicken is known for their fried chicken, fans here in the United States have come to know it for one other exclusive item that you can only get at a KFC locations. In 2019, KFC launched an exclusive Mountain Dew flavor only available at KFC locations, much like Taco Bell’s Baja Blast flavor. Unfortunately, fans may have to say goodbye to their beloved Sweet Lightning after only just seven years.

The End Of An Era

Sweet Lightning was designed specifically by Mountain Dew to pair perfectly with the Kentucky-fried goodness at KFC. All 11 herbs and spices were taken into consideration when concocting that sweet honey-peach flavor, and fans immediately latched on to the drink. 

But alas, we are all just whispers in the eternal question that looms over our heads: Team Pepsi or Team Coca-Cola? It seems that Coca-Cola has officially won over this battle on the KFC front. Starting in January 2027, fans will finally be able to get Coca-Cola at KFC locations. For more information on this partnership you can read our article here. Let’s just say, there’s a lot to think about.

A Glimmer Of Hope

The nuances of this collaboration aren’t why we’re here today, though. We’ve covered the nitty-gritty, and now we’re really just here to languish in the fact that our beloved Sweet Lightning Mountain Dew will no longer be accessible to us… or will it? You see, Bailey Fink, a writer for All Recipes, heard from a Pepsi Co. representative that there may be something in the works to continue the Sweet Lightning legacy beyond December 31. 

PepsiCo.’s Chief Marketing Officer Scott Finlow told Fink that, “When our fans tell us they love something, we pay attention.” So, we can only hope that they will do to Sweet Lightning what they did for Baja Blast. At long last, will we finally get it bottled? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, we have our fingers crossed.