NEW YORK: A revamped Diet Pepsi without aspartame is popping up on store shelves. So will people start flocking back to the soda?
PepsiCo. says its new Diet Pepsi should be available nationally this week. In response to customer feedback, the company said earlier this year that it would replace the aspartame in the drink with another artificial sweetener that has less baggage.
The rollout will test the theory that the sweetener is to blame for fleeing customers, or if other issues might be at play. Other diet sodas that still have aspartame include Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper and Fanta Zero.
Sales of traditional diet sodas have been falling. Industry executives blaming the freefall on unfounded concerns people have about aspartame. Two years ago, Coca-Cola even tested ads in select newspapers defending the safety of the sweetener.
“It’s the No. 1 thing that our customers have been calling about,” said Seth Kaufman, a senior vice president at PepsiCo.
At least in the short term, Diet Pepsi sales are likely to see bump from the marketing push around the new formula, which will include in-store sampling and discounting in coming weeks.
In terms of taste, Kaufman said it’s not identical but that the drink should still be familiar to fans of Diet Pepsi.
It’s not the first attempt by PepsiCo. Inc. to lift flagging sales of Diet Pepsi. In 2012, the company tried improving the drink by combining aspartame with acesulfame potassium, often called ace-K, another artificial sweetener that helps prevent the taste from degrading over time. The latest version of Diet Pepsi will also have ace-K in addition to sucralose, best known by the brand name Splenda.
Cans and bottles of the new Diet Pepsi have been making their way through the distribution in recent weeks. Stores that don’t do a lot of business may still have the old versions stocked. This weekend, for instance, a store in New York City had the old and new versions side by side.
The new cans will be marked with the words “Now Aspartame Free” above the Pepsi circle logo.
Diet Pepsi gets rid of aspartame, but will customers return?
Diet Pepsi gets rid of aspartame, but will customers return?
Where We Are Going Today: Granny’s Cuisine
- Highlights included a fresh beetroot and rocca salad, well-seasoned foul, and a comforting hab soup that was balanced in spice
Visiting Historic Al-Balad during Ramadan is a cherished ritual for many families in Jeddah.
During the holy month, the area transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. Strings of lights illuminate the heritage homes, while food stalls serving international cuisines line the courtyards. Families gather outdoors to share iftar in a setting that blends history with festivity.
Yet, the charm comes with a challenge. Securing a table requires arriving early, especially for those hoping to sample a variety of dishes from different stalls while enjoying the lively ambiance.
To avoid the rush, I reserved a table at Granny’s Cuisine, centrally located in Baya’h Square Yard. The restaurant offers a simple open buffet for SR50 ($13) per person, a reasonable price given the setting.
On arrival, I was relieved to find my table ready, while others were still searching for seating.
Before the call to prayer, traditional Saudi coffee, dates and water were served. The buffet, though modest, offered satisfying homemade flavors.
Highlights included a fresh beetroot and rocca salad, well-seasoned foul, and a comforting hab soup that was balanced in spice. Classic Ramadan favorites such as sambusa and mutabbaq were also available, along with a red-sauce pasta that was acceptable.
The grape leaves stood out, delicately prepared with tamarind, giving them a pleasant tangy note that fans of the dish will appreciate.
Juices were not included in the buffet price; a mango juice cost an additional SR10, a minor inconvenience. Dessert options featured basbousa and kunafa, while a self-serve coffee corner offered instant coffee and machine-brewed options.
The buffet was set indoors, where historic photographs of Al-Balad and Jeddah added a vintage touch to the decor. Indoor seating is also available for those seeking comfort away from the crowds.
Overall, the experience was enjoyable and well-organized. Granny’s Cuisine is a suitable choice for diners who wish to experience the spirit of Ramadan in Al-Balad without immersing themselves fully in the hustle and bustle of the busy courtyards.
