Just in time for summer, PepsiCo is reviving a sparkling favorite that had fans begging for its return. But while the flavor may bring back sweet memories of childhood treats, there’s a surprising twist that could leave some shoppers disappointed.
Bubly Melted Ice Pop Sparkling Water Is Back — But There’s a Catch
PepsiCo is making summer a little more refreshing with the return of one of its most buzzed-about Bubly flavors: Melted Ice Pop Sparkling Water. But unlike the rest of Bubly’s lineup, this fan-favorite won’t be sticking around for long, and it’s only available at one retailer.
Inspired by the classic red, white, and blue ice pops that defined childhood summers, Melted Ice Pop blends bright notes of cherry, lime, and blue raspberry. It’s fizzy, fun, and totally free of calories and artificial sweeteners, offering all the flavor of the frozen treat without the guilt.
When it debuted last year, the limited-edition flavor quickly earned cult status. Instagram was flooded with praise, with fans calling it “delicious” and saying it “changes EVERYTHING!!!” One devoted fan even contacted PepsiCo’s Consumer Experience team directly, pleading for the seasonal sip’s return and admitting they “bought as much as I can.”
This year, Bubly sparked a frenzy again after teasing the comeback on Instagram. Reactions ranged from excited to over-the-top, with one follower declaring they were “SHAKING AND CRYING” at the news.
Now officially back on shelves, Bubly Melted Ice Pop is available exclusively at Target in 12-ounce cans, sold in 8-packs for around $4.39, though pricing may vary by location. Just don’t wait too long; like summer itself, this flavor won’t last forever.
How PepsiCo’s Bubly Sparkled Its Way Into the Beverage Market
In response to the growing demand for healthier beverage options and the rising popularity of sparkling water, PepsiCo initiated “Project X” in February 2017. The objective was to develop a new sparkling water brand that could compete effectively in this burgeoning market. By February 2018, Bubly was officially launched, marking PepsiCo’s entry into the sparkling water segment.
Bubly debuted with eight flavors: lime, grapefruit, strawberry, lemon, orange, apple, mango, and cherry. The brand distinguished itself with vibrant, colorful cans featuring playful messages on the tabs and sides, aiming to bring a sense of fun to the sparkling water category.
Since its inception, Bubly has expanded its flavor lineup to include options like blackberry, peach, raspberry, pineapple, passionfruit, watermelon, coconut pineapple, blueberry pomegranate, white peach ginger, and an unflavored variant called “justbubly.”
In 2021, Bubly introduced Bubly Bounce, a line of caffeinated sparkling waters containing 35 mg of caffeine per can, available in flavors such as mango passionfruit and blood orange grapefruit.
March 2024 saw the launch of Bubly Burst, a lightly sweetened sparkling water with bold fruit flavors and minimal calories, available in six varieties, including triple berry and tropical punch.
Bubly’s marketing strategy has emphasized fun and approachability. A notable campaign featured Canadian singer Michael Bublé humorously interacting with the brand, playing on the similarity between his name and the product’s. This campaign debuted during Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and contributed to increased brand recognition,
Initially launched in the United States and Canada, Bubly expanded to markets in Australia and New Zealand by May 2023.
Through continuous innovation and a distinctive brand personality, Bubly has established itself as a significant player in the sparkling water industry, appealing to consumers seeking flavorful, calorie-free beverage options.
Source: All Recipes