Pepsi to release pure sugar soft drinks

Pepsi Bottling Ventures will begin distributing "Pepsi Throwback" and "Mountain Dew Throwback" in April, both of which contain sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, according to Beverage Industry magazine. 

Currently the pure sugar versions of popular soda drinks like Pepsi and Coke can only be found in foreign countries or around the time of Passover stateside. Coke makes a special version with a yellow cap just for the Jewish holiday since consuming corn is not allowed. 

Many argue that soft drinks with sugar taste better. "It has a crisper flavor, not as cloying. I think it is a better-flavored drink," consumer Charlie Howell told the Los Angeles Times . 

Others add high fructose corn syrup has led to higher obesity and diabetes rates. The jury is still out, though -- the Mayo Clinic says research is still inconclusive . But the concern of a backlash against high fructose corn syrup is enough that the Corn Refiners Assn. launched a Web site called sweetsurprise.com . The message: High fructose corn syrup is just as natural as sugar or honey.

Via