What Happened to Mountain Dew Pitch Black?
Mountain Dew Pitch Black, a popular dark grape or dark citrus punch flavored soda, has experienced a tumultuous history of limited-time releases, fan-driven campaigns, and periods of discontinuation since its debut in 2004. Despite winning a fan vote in 2016 to become a permanent flavor, it was largely discontinued in bottled/canned form in the U.S. by 2019-2021, though it has seen several temporary returns and remains available as a fountain drink in select convenience stores and in some international markets as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Mountain Dew Pitch Black, originally a grape-flavored soda, has had an on-again, off-again presence since its 2004 debut. After a period as a permanent flavor following a 2016 fan vote, it was largely discontinued in bottled/canned form in the U.S. by 2019-2021. However, it made a limited-time return in early 2023, a brief sweepstakes appearance in April 2024, and continues to be available as a fountain drink at select 7-Eleven and Speedway locations in the U.S. as of 2026. It is also available in some international markets like Poland and Malaysia.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Initial Limited-Time Release
Mountain Dew Pitch Black, described as a 'black grape' flavor, was first introduced as a limited-time Halloween offering from August to October.
Pitch Black II Released
A sequel, Pitch Black II, was released for the Halloween season, featuring a 'sour black grape' flavor for a limited 10-week period.
Return via 'Back by Popular DEWmand'
Pitch Black returned for a limited time as part of the 'Back by Popular DEWmand' campaign, bringing back its original black grape flavor.
DEWcision 2016 Announcement
Mountain Dew announced Pitch Black would compete against Baja Blast in a fan vote to determine which flavor would become a permanent addition.
Wins DEWcision 2016, Becomes Permanent
Pitch Black was declared the winner of DEWcision 2016 and began its rollout as a permanent flavor in December 2016, with a revised 'citrus and dark fruit' flavor profile.
Discontinued in Most U.S. Regions
Despite its permanent status, Pitch Black was largely discontinued in bottled and canned form across most of the U.S. due to sales performance, though it remained available in some fountain locations and Canada.
Limited-Time Return with New Variants
Pitch Black made a highly anticipated limited-time return to stores, also introducing Zero Sugar and Energy drink versions for the first time.
2023 Limited-Time Offer Ends
The limited-time release of Pitch Black in bottles and cans concluded, leading to its disappearance from most store shelves.
Solar Eclipse Sweepstakes Return
Mountain Dew brought back Pitch Black for a single day as part of a sweepstakes to celebrate the total solar eclipse, offering 250 prize packs.
Fountain Availability at 7-Eleven/Speedway
Pitch Black was confirmed to be available as a fountain drink at Speedway and 7-Eleven locations, with indications that this was not a limited-time release.
Continued International Availability (Malaysia)
Pitch Black continued to be available in Malaysia in 2025, sold in 320ml tall cans with a 'grape citrus' flavor.
Fan Discussions on Potential 2026 Re-release
Discussions on Reddit indicate ongoing fan desire and speculation about a potential re-release of Pitch Black in 2026, though no official announcements have been made for widespread bottled/canned availability in the U.S.
International Availability (Poland) and Review
Mountain Dew Pitch Black from Poland was reviewed, noting its 'dark berry' flavor, artificial sweeteners, and lower carbonation compared to U.S. versions, confirming its international presence.
Ongoing Fountain Availability in U.S.
As of the current date, Mountain Dew Pitch Black remains available as a fountain drink at participating 7-Eleven and Speedway locations in the U.S., as well as in some international markets.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Mountain Dew Pitch Black first burst onto the scene in August 2004 as a limited-time Halloween offering, captivating consumers with its distinctive 'black grape' flavor and dark purple hue. Its initial success led to a sequel, Pitch Black II, in 2005, which introduced a 'sour black grape' variant for a limited 10-week period. The flavor quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase, leading to its return in 2011 as part of the 'Back by Popular DEWmand' campaign, reverting to its original black grape profile.
A significant turning point for Pitch Black came in 2016 with the 'DEWcision 2016' promotion, where it competed against Baja Blast for a permanent spot in Mountain Dew's lineup. Pitch Black emerged victorious, and by December 2016, it was re-released as a permanent flavor, though its profile was officially described as 'citrus and dark fruit' rather than purely grape. Despite achieving permanent status, sales figures ultimately led to its discontinuation in most U.S. regions by 2019-2021, a move that disappointed many fans.
Fan demand, however, proved resilient. Pitch Black made a highly anticipated limited-time return in January 2023, available in regular, Zero Sugar, and Energy drink formats across the U.S.. This re-release was met with enthusiasm but was short-lived, concluding around February 2023. In a unique promotional event, Mountain Dew offered Pitch Black again for just 24 hours on April 8, 2024, as part of a sweepstakes celebrating the total solar eclipse.
As of 2026, Mountain Dew Pitch Black maintains a presence primarily through fountain machines at convenience store chains like 7-Eleven and Speedway in the United States, with some sources indicating this is not a limited-time offering. Internationally, the flavor has also been available in markets such as Malaysia in 2024 and 2025, and Poland in 2026, though international formulations may vary in taste and carbonation. The ongoing availability in fountain form and sporadic international releases highlight its enduring cult status among Mountain Dew enthusiasts, who continue to advocate for its wider return to store shelves.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mountain Dew Pitch Black made different choices?