Sprite Lemon was launched in Hong Kong in early 2003, mainly targeting the Asian market, including Hong Kong and China. Sprite Lemon is a special version of Sprite launched by The Coca-Cola Company. It features a strong lemon-lime flavor and is designed to provide a more refreshing and exciting taste. This drink is especially popular during hot summer months as it quickly quenches thirst and provides a cooling sensation.
####History
Historical background
Sprite was first born in Germany as Fanta Klare Zitrone (lemon-flavored Fanta), and was later renamed Sprite 1 in the United States. Sprite was first launched in the United States in 1961 as a competitor to 7-up. Over time, Sprite introduced multiple flavors and versions to meet the needs of different markets2. Sprite Lemon is one of the successful variations and has gained widespread popularity. Sprite Lemon (Super Lemon) was first launched in Hong Kong in 2003, and was subsequently launched in different regions with lime flavor (Super-lime), (Sprite Lymonade), (Super Lemon+), including the Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, etc. Sprite Lemon was launched in mainland China in 2016. Different from the version launched in Hong Kong in 2003, the version launched in China in 2016 was packaged in turquoise, not the yellow package of the Hong Kong version. Subsequently, many variations were launched on this basis. body. Sprite will be launched in Australia and the Philippines in 2022 as (Sprite Lemon+), a new caffeinated lemon flavor variant. Unlike Lift, Sprite Lemon+ contains caffeine. In 2023, Sprite Lemon will be re-launched in Hong Kong with lemon-lime flavor, including a sugar-free version. Sprite Lemon flavor has been a popular product on the market since its introduction. Over time, Sprite has introduced a variety of different flavors, such as refreshing lemon flavor, lemon-lime flavor, etc., but the lemon flavor has always maintained its classic status. Currently, Sprite lemon flavor is still very popular in mainland China. The Coca-Cola Company continues to introduce new packaging and marketing strategies to maintain its market share. For example, in recent years, Sprite has launched sugar-free versions and limited-edition packaging to attract more young consumers2.
#### Raw materials
**Sprite Lemon** is known for its extra lemony flavor, which is achieved through a combination of specific ingredients. Here are the key ingredients of this refreshing drink:
1. Carbonated water: Provides a bubbly feel to the drink.
2. Acesultone potassium (950) and sucralose (955): as sweeteners.
3. Lemon and Lime Flavor: Gives the drink its unique lemon-lime flavor.
4. Citric acid: used to adjust acidity and enhance taste.
5. Natural flavors: enhance flavor.
6. Preservatives (211) (such as sodium benzoate): extend the shelf life.
7. Sodium citrate: as an acidity regulator.
8. Food coloring (depending on region): Some versions may have coloring added to enhance the visual effect12.
9. Acidity regulators (330, 332): citric acid (E330) and potassium citrate (E332): These acidity regulators are mainly used to adjust and maintain the pH value of the beverage, ensuring that the acidity of the beverage is moderate and enhancing its refreshing effect. Taste 1. They also help prevent drinks from going stale and extend their shelf life.
10. Flavoring
11. Flavor enhancer (576): Sodium gluconate (E576): This is a flavor enhancer that can enhance the flavor of drinks and make the lemon flavor more prominent2. It also helps balance the flavors of other ingredients, ensuring a consistent taste experience with every sip.
#### Nutritional information
#### Taste
Sprite Lemon
Sprite Super Lemon is known for its intense lemon flavor, which is noticeably stronger than classic Sprite. It delivers a sharp, tangy flavor that is both refreshing and refreshing. This variation is designed to provide a more pronounced citrus experience, making it a favorite for those who like a tangy lemon flavor.
Sprite Lemon+
Sprite Lemon+ also emphasizes a stronger lemon flavor compared to original Sprite. It has a spicy, tangy flavor with a hint of added caffeine, which gives it a unique flavor. This variant is particularly popular in markets such as Australia and the Philippines, as it replaces Lift12, another lemon-flavored drink. Added caffeine provides an extra kick, making it a refreshing option for those looking for an energy boost in a citrus refreshment.
#### Physical reaction and feedback after tasting
From a chemical perspective, the ingredients in Sprite Lemon+ can cause a range of body reactions, primarily related to its acidity regulators, flavorings and flavor enhancers.
Acidity regulator (330, 332)
Citric acid (E330) and potassium citrate (E332): These acidity regulators are used to adjust and maintain the pH value of the beverage to ensure that the acidity of the beverage is moderate. Citric acid and tartaric acid enhance the refreshing taste of beverages while also helping to prevent them from going rancid1. When you drink beverages containing these acidity regulators, the sour taste stimulates the taste buds in your mouth and increases saliva production, which helps neutralize the acid and protect your teeth.
Flavorings and flavor enhancers (576)
Sodium Gluconate (E576): This is a flavor enhancer that enhances the flavor of drinks and makes the lemon flavor more prominent2. Sodium gluconate also helps balance the flavors of other ingredients, ensuring a consistent taste experience with every sip. This chemical is broken down into gluconic acid and sodium ions in the body. The former can be metabolized by the body, and the latter helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
Immediate response
Mouth and throat sensation:
Cooling feeling: The carbonic acid and lemon flavor of Sprite will produce a cooling feeling in the mouth and throat. As the bubbles pop on the tip of the tongue, the cooling sensation spreads quickly, bringing an icy thrill. This feeling is like a breeze in summer, making people feel instantly refreshed. The throat will also feel this coolness, as if a coolness extends from the mouth to the depths of the throat, filling the entire mouth and throat with a refreshing feeling. This instant reaction makes people want to take another sip and enjoy this unique cooling experience
Bubbles: The bubbles in carbonated drinks create a slight tingling sensation in the mouth, which is a part that many people enjoy. This tingling sensation is like countless small bubbles dancing on the tongue, bringing a unique taste. When the bubbles pop in the mouth, they create a subtle stimulation that is both novel and pleasurable. This feeling is not only a taste enjoyment, but also a tactile experience, allowing people to feel the unique pleasure every time they drink carbonated drinks.
Sour irritation: The strong sour taste of lemon will stimulate the taste buds and produce an obvious sour feeling, which may make people feel a little stinging in the mouth and throat. The irritation of this sour taste will quickly spread throughout the mouth, making people frown, but it also brings a pleasant refreshing feeling. This sour taste is like a challenge, allowing people to feel the unique excitement and pleasure every time they taste it. As the sour taste gradually dissipates in the mouth, the stinging sensation in the throat will gradually subside, leaving behind a refreshing aftertaste that makes people linger aftertaste.
Digestive system reactions:
Burping: The carbon dioxide in carbonated drinks can cause burping, which is the body's way of getting rid of excess gas1. When you drink a carbonated drink, air bubbles accumulate in your stomach. As the gas builds up, your body automatically releases the excess gas by burping. This reaction, although sometimes embarrassing, is actually a natural regulatory mechanism of the body that helps maintain the normal functioning of the digestive system. While burping, you will also feel a stream of cool air coming out of your throat, bringing a brief sense of comfort.
Feeling of fullness: Drinking carbonated drinks quickly may cause your stomach to feel full as gas builds up in your stomach2. This feeling of fullness can make people feel uncomfortable, as if their stomach is full and cannot hold any more food. As the gas builds up in the stomach, this feeling becomes more pronounced and may even cause mild bloating and discomfort. At this time, the body will automatically adjust to release these excess gases through burping or other methods, thereby relieving the feeling of fullness. This reaction, although unpleasant, is a natural regulatory mechanism of the body that helps maintain the normal functioning of the digestive system.
Short term reaction
Blood sugar changes
Increase in blood sugar: Sprite contains a lot of sugar, and blood sugar will rise rapidly after drinking it. The pancreas needs to secrete insulin to regulate blood sugar levels3. This rapid change in blood sugar can cause a rush of energy, but may be followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar, leading to feelings of fatigue and hunger. The pancreas plays an important role in this process by secreting insulin to help cells absorb glucose, thus stabilizing blood sugar levels. However, frequent blood sugar swings can stress the body and may affect pancreatic function in the long term. Therefore, drinking sugary drinks in moderation is key to staying healthy.
Energy boost
Brief energy boost: Due to the rapid absorption of sugar, you may feel a brief energy boost after drinking Sprite, but this effect is usually short-lived3. This energy boost can leave people feeling uplifted and instantly energized. However, over time, this energy boost wears off and you may feel tired and weak. This is because after a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, the pancreas secretes large amounts of insulin to regulate blood sugar, causing blood sugar levels to drop rapidly. This blood sugar fluctuation can put a certain amount of stress on the body, so drinking sugary drinks in moderation is key to staying healthy.
Increased salivation: Sour taste stimulates salivary glands and increases salivation, which helps neutralize acidity and protect teeth. When sourness spreads in the mouth, the salivary glands respond quickly and secrete more saliva. This increased saliva can not only dilute acidic substances and reduce tooth erosion, but also help clean the mouth and maintain oral health. As saliva secretion increases, the inside of your mouth will feel moister, which feels comfortable and refreshing. This natural response not only protects your teeth, but also improves your overall oral health.
Gastric acid secretion: Acidic drinks may stimulate gastric acid secretion, which may cause discomfort for people with hyperacidity or a sensitive stomach3. When acidic drinks enter the stomach, glands in the stomach wall secrete more stomach acid to aid digestion. This increased stomach acid may cause a burning sensation or discomfort, especially in those with sensitive stomachs. Long-term consumption of acidic drinks may worsen this discomfort and may even lead to acid reflux or stomach ulcers. Therefore, it is very important for people with sensitive stomachs to drink acidic drinks in moderation and pay attention to their eating habits to avoid excessive irritation to the stomach.
Long term effects
Dental health
Risk of tooth decay: Regular consumption of sugary, carbonated drinks may increase the risk of tooth decay, as the sugar and acidic ingredients eat away at tooth enamel4. This erosion makes the teeth weak and susceptible to bacteria, which can lead to cavities. Over the long term, this condition can have serious consequences for dental health, requiring professional dental treatment to repair damaged teeth.
Weight management
Weight gain: Long-term consumption of large amounts of sugary drinks may lead to weight gain because these drinks are high in calories.4 If these extra calories are not consumed through exercise or other means, they will be converted into fat and stored in the body, leading to weight gain. This condition not only affects appearance but may also increase the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Therefore, it is very important to drink sugary drinks in moderation and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Positive feedback
Consumer response to Sprite Lemon has been generally positive. Many people enjoy the bold lemon flavor and find it a refreshing alternative to the standard lemon-lime flavor of regular Sprite. The finish is often described as clean and refreshing with lingering citrus notes that enhance the overall drinking experience.
Negative feedback
Some consumers find the flavor too strong or too sour, which can be overwhelming for those who prefer mild flavors. Others commented that the drink was too sweet for some people's liking.
####Market positioning
Sprite Lemon is mainly targeted at young consumers, especially those who like a strong taste and seek fresh experiences. With its unique lemon flavor and refreshing carbonation, the drink is designed to satisfy consumers' thirst-quenching needs during hot weather. Its advertising often emphasizes feelings of vitality, coolness and excitement, and it often appears in summer promotions.
Sprite Lemon’s market strategy includes the following aspects:
Brand image: Sprite has always emphasized its "cool" brand image and strengthened this image through advertising and marketing activities1.
Product innovation: Sprite continues to introduce new flavors and new packaging, such as transparent bottles and eco-friendly packaging incorporating recycled plastic, to attract environmentally conscious consumers1.
Cross-border cooperation: Sprite cooperates with other brands to launch joint products, such as Sprite shower gel and Sprite noodles. The cross-border cooperation between Sprite and Adidas began with a sneaker exchange promotion event between Sprite and Adidas. You can exchange Sprite soda tabs or plastic bottle lids for a pair of limited edition adidas sneakers that you can design your own pattern and sign with a laser. These innovative initiatives not only increase brand exposure, but also attract more young consumers2.
Marketing: Sprite increases brand awareness and market share through various promotional activities and social media marketing2.
These strategies enable Sprite Lemon to maintain strong competitiveness and attractiveness in the highly competitive beverage market.
#### Marketing
The **Sprite Super Lemon** marketing campaign is designed to emphasize the tangy lemon flavor of this unique drink. Here are some key elements of the campaign:
### Key elements
1. **TV AD**:
- The TV commercial for Sprite Lemon is vibrant and dynamic, with dynamic visuals and catchy music. Advertisements often depict people enjoying the rich and refreshing taste of Sprite Lemon in a bustling environment. For example, in the 2003 Hong Kong Sprite Lemon commercial, different actors and actresses showed exaggerated body movements and painful expressions after drinking Sprite Lemon. This detail not only added to the vividness of the scene, but also conveyed a strong sensory stimulation¹. This delicate body language enables the audience to feel the sourness and excitement brought by the product more deeply, thus deepening the impression of the advertisement. The slogan "Can you stand the extremes of citric acid?" (can you stand the extremes of citric acid?) became well known and effectively conveyed the drink's bold flavor.
2. **Digital and Social Media**:
- Sprite leverages digital platforms and social media to attract younger audiences. Interactive online advertising and social media posts encourage users to share their experiences with Sprite Lemon by using hashtags and engaging with brand content. This helps create buzz and foster a sense of community among fans of the drink. For example, Sprite launched its own refreshing lemon-flavored advertisement on YouTube, and launched a new version of its Sprite lemon-flavored ad on YouTube's DTV Network Home, as well as other versions of its 2003 lemon-flavored ad.
3. **In-store promotion**:
- In-store eye-catching displays and special offers draw attention to Sprite Super Lemon. These displays often feature the beverage's vibrant yellow and green branding, making it stand out on store shelves. In-store promotions include discounts, bundled offers and sample stations where consumers can try the beverages.
4. **Experiential Marketing**:
- The event includes pop-up events and sample stations where consumers can experience the rich lemon flavor of Sprite Lemon. These events often feature fun activities and games that enhance the overall brand experience and encourage engagement.
5. **Influencer Partnerships**:
-Partnering with influencers and celebrities who resonate with the target demographic is a key part of the campaign. These influencers shared their experiences with Sprite Lemon on their social media channels, helping spread the word and generate interest in the product. For example, when the refreshing lemon flavor was launched in Hong Kong in 2023, Liu Yingting, a member of the Hong Kong boy band Mirror, was appointed as the spokesperson.
###Influence
The Sprite Lemon campaign successfully attracted the attention of the target audience with its bold and innovative approach. A combination of traditional and digital marketing strategies can help create a strong brand presence and generate interest in new products. Consumer response has been generally positive, with many enjoying the tangy lemon flavor and finding it a refreshing alternative to the standard lemon-lime flavor of regular Sprite.