It feels like only yesterday I announced Mountain Dew and Trolli’s latest collaboration, slated for a fall 2026 release. Yet, despite the humid reality of Ohio’s weather, autumn is allegedly already in full swing. In front of me sit two cans from the newest Mountain Dew line—not merely to compare them against one another, but to measure them against last year’s Trolli-flavored soda and Mountain Dew’s broader lineup of flavor experiments. I’ll aim for a concise, yet comprehensive, take.
Thanks to Trolli for sending along a batch of their second soda collaboration for tasting—even if the cans arrived with a few dents and scuffs. The carbonation here doesn’t strike me as factory-perfect, but I’ll forge ahead with steady resolve nonetheless.
- Mountain Dew x Trolli Mango Pineapple Punch Soda Review
-
Pros: My earlier take on last year’s Trolli-inspired soda hinged on a simple premise: Mountain Dew benefits from real sugar to mimic Trolli gummy worms. With a full-sugar rendition under my palate now, my stance is firmer—though I’m also wary of the zero-sugar variant I’ll tackle next. This version delivers Trolli’s signature fruity mash of dual-toned worms, paired with an unexpectedly satisfying mouthfeel. In a curious twist, this lightly tropical soda conjures the sensation of chewing a few gummy worms, and it does so in a surprisingly pleasant fashion.
If you’re open to the idea of a gummy-worm flavored beverage, this hits all the right notes and then some. Even the most ardent VooDEW enthusiasts in my comments should find the candy-like sweetness faithful to the concept, even as they keep track of Grim’s latest cameo in the universe.
Cons: This one is distinctly sweet, even by Mountain Dew standards. I’m personally predisposed to sweetness, but your mileage may vary depending on your palate.
- Mountain Dew x Trolli Mango Pineapple Punch Soda Review
-
Pros: This zero-sugar take presents a very pleasing mango-pineapple flavor profile that lands nicely on the palate…
Cons: It sacrifices the gummy-worm likeness that defined the line’s appeal. That element remains the defining draw of the concept.
I get why brands push sugar-free iterations for popular drinks, but not every limited-time flavor needs to bank on extra shelf-space to offer a lackluster sugar-free cousin of a bright idea. This one introduces a fresh, zero-sugar option that stands on its own and keeps the flavor fresh for those avoiding full sugar.
Mountain Dew could borrow a page from Coca-Cola Creations here. They rolled out flavors in full-sugar, zero-sugar, or both, depending on what worked best for each release. A touch more restraint could spare some flavors from becoming a double-decker shelf-saver when the original still shines.
