Mountain Dew’s Kickstart commercial excites more than product

Mountain Dew produced one of the Super Bowl’s most controversial commercials this past Sunday, featuring a puppy-monkey-baby hybrid creature promoting the brand’s newest caffeinated drink, Kickstart. While most viewers expressed revulsion at the “Puppymonkeybaby,” the mascot undoubtedly gained attention for this new drink.

Mountain Dew’s online advertising campaign for Kickstart focuses on the beverage’s hybrid nature, combining “Dew, juice, and caffeine.” Emphasis on this combination intends to present Kickstart as a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks.

Despite promises of a fruitful flavor, the Kickstart leaves tastebuds wanting more and a strong chemical taste overshadowing any hint of sweet, fruity ingredients.

Upon sampling Kickstart’s Fruit Punch flavor, junior Emmett Schindler finds little difference between this beverage and another popular energy drink, Monster. Regarding flavor, Kickstart’s Super Bowl commercial overexaggerated the drink’s fruity and enjoyable taste.

Beyond its disappointing flavor experience, Kickstart provides an adequate source of energy improvement. Kickstart includes a whopping 92 mg of caffeine, which will definitely provide a jolt of energy to those who drink it.

Individuals desiring an energy source to ease them into their mornings would probably dislike the hyper-active feeling that accompanies consumption of Kickstart. Schindler, however, enjoyed the “shaky and jittery” sensation he experienced after consuming Kickstart.

Despite generating significant conversation, Mountain Dew’s “Puppymonkeybaby” commercial promised more than the product delivered. The “Puppymonkeybaby” provides a bite even worse than its bark.

The Chant’s grade: C