Sweet Lightning
Sweet Lightning is a flavor of Mountain Dew exclusive to KFC that was introduced in 2019.[1] The soda has an orange-yellow color and its flavor is based peaches and honey. It is noted for its sweetness. It was designed to be paired with KFC's menu items, similar to Baja Blast, a Mountain Dew variant that was designed to pair with Taco Bell menu items.[2]
A variation, called Sweet Lightning Peaches and Cream was introduced in 2025.[3] The drink was inspired by dirty soda, a drink containing soda, cream and other flavorings.[4]
Reception
Mike Pomranz of Food & Wine, gave the drink a favorable review, noting that its taste paired well with fried chicken.[5] Jim Vorel, writing for Paste, compared the drink's yellow color to urine.[6]
Nicolette Baker of Food & Wine compared the flavor of Sweet Lightning Peaches and Cream to a creamsicle.[7]
References
- ^ "KFC debuts a peachy Mtn Dew flavor". adage.com. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
- ^ "KFC's Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning Is A New Flavor Exclusive To The Chain". Bustle. 2019-06-11. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
- ^ "Mountain Dew's new dirty soda collab with KFC 'sounds awesome'". 2025-06-11. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
- ^ "KFC Just Rolled Out A New Summertime Treat—And It's Not What You'd Expect". Southern Living. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
- ^ Pomranz, Mike (June 11, 2019). "KFC Will Serve an Exclusive Mountain Dew Flavor That's the 'Perfect Pairing' for Original Recipe Chicken". Food & Wine.
- ^ "Mountain Dew's New "Sweet Lightning" Looks Not at All like a Glass Full of Urine; Why Would You Even Suggest That?". Paste Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
- ^ "KFC and Mountain Dew's New Creamsicle-Inspired Dirty Soda Is Basically Summer in a Sip". Food & Wine. June 6, 2025.