Which citrus soda did Coca-Cola introduce in 1979?

Coca-Cola introduced the citrus soda Mello Yello in 1979.

Mello Yello debuted on March 12, 1979, as a highly caffeinated, citrus-flavored soft drink designed to compete with PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew. Its yellow-green color, bold name, and energetic advertising positioned it as a distinctive rival in the rapidly growing citrus-soda market.

The name is commonly confused with “Mellow Yellow,” the title of Donovan’s 1960s song. Coca-Cola used the altered spelling “Mello Yello” for the product, while the soda itself became associated with youth-oriented advertising and later with NASCAR sponsorship. Driver Kyle Petty carried Mello Yello sponsorship during the early 1990s.

The listed alternatives are separate brands: Squirt and Sun Drop are citrus sodas from other companies, while Mountain Dew was the competitor Mello Yello was created to challenge. Mello Yello has also appeared in later versions, including Mello Yello Zero and limited flavored variants.