Flavored Products

[J-Head]

Has anyone else noticed the numerous products out there that take something that we commonly use, but with a new flavor or twist on it? I recently was in the position where I had the shampoo I always use (Pert), but it has a "fresh" scent to it. I used it, and I indeed like it. A few days ago, I got a sample of Crest's Whitening Expressions Vanilla Mint. It's normal mint, but with a small hint of vanilla. It's like what they use when the dentist cleans one's teeth. I tried it, and also liked it. My question is this: Are we getting tired of/used to the products we have? It seems to me that it is human nature to not be satisfied with what we already have, but it's being extended to normal everyday products. No wonder people call us Americans spoiled devils. (This isn't a rant, just the spark of a discussion.)

[Betelgeux]

i just thought companies were out for a little extra profit...



...but that's an interesting point.

[WildWill]

Food topics are notoriously spammy. I will let this go, IF an intelligent dicussion breaks out. If I see one line posts...

[CrazyisGood]

i just thought companies were out for a little extra profit...



...but that's an interesting point.
I agree. Almost all of these "new flavors" is nothing more than the same product with a little difference. Of course there are exceptions, such as when the new product is genuinely better than the older one, but in many cases, it's just the company trying to cash in a few extra dollars.

[ss4giel]

We buy the products because they are new and different. We all fall for it. ;p I too like some of the things, but some things shouldn't involve 3 flavors. It's all just a big marketing gimmick.

[Shaggy Dog]

Almost all of these "new flavors" is nothing more than the same product with a little difference.
i agree withyou there, there must be thousands of different sour cream and onion chips, and in most of those brands the original is better by far

[Dr. Blaine]

Well, that's business for you. I know that I have enjoyed some of the new flavors. The Sprite Remix is tastey.
At least one has provided an amusing commercial.
"You put da lime in da coke you nut and drink um both together...."

[FURIA328]

Well most customers want variety I guess. This is why theres multiple flavors of one brand like lays or doritos, I like variety in foods so why not my tooth paste or shampoo heh heh. Actually its nice because one day you might wake up and say "Man I wish they would make a mouthwash that tastes like cotton candy."

[Village Dag]

I think it is dumb when companies make umpteen different flavours for their product. At first it's cute and all, then it just gets too out of whack. For example, all the different Cokes/Pepsis. They should've stopped with vanilla.

[O_Master]

It's obvious why they do it. Money. A company may start of with a regular product, and sell it until sales decline. After that, they'll add a little flavor in it, even if it is barely noticeable. When people get bored of that, their new product has a different flavor and perhaps a nicer, brighter cover. After people keep buying and trying their new but hardly differing from the old products, they'll soon understand that they don't want any of them any more. Then, the company must successfully create a new, more exciting product with delicious flavor and flashy titles so the people want them. If they still don't want the product, the company is finished.


O_Master

[J-Head]

I figured that it was just a marketing strategy, until I saw them both (The toothpast and shampoo) in the bathroom, and it just kind of it me about how common things like this have happened and are happening. I agree with Coke and Pepsi overdoing it with the numerous flavors. I work at a grocery store, and it occasionally gets confusing when there are Pepsi One, Diet Pepsi, Diet Pepsi with Splenda, and then the different flavors. It just kind of seems weird that we have so many variences on products that some people in different circumstance do not even have.
I will let this go, IF an intelligent dicussion breaks out.
I thank you. A thorough discussion is what I has hoping for.

[J-Head]

EDIT: Sorry, double post
EDIT: I meant to say "Accidental double post"

[Lord Tranorix]

The ultimate purveyors of slight alterations in flavor are the fast food industry. When you think about it, places like Taco Bell only really have 5 or so ingredients, and whenever they come out with a new product, it's just a different arrangement.

Throw in a multi-million dollar ad campaign and you have a new hit.

It'd be amusing if it weren't so pathetic.

[Ace of Spades]

Today's consumers are sheep. It's gotten to the point where we'll buy a bunch of different versions of freaking water. I want to meet the genius who is marketing what he found in a river and shake his hand. Then he needs to release "Dirt! Now with lime!".

It'd be amusing if it weren't so pathetic.

Who? The companies which run out of ideas or the American public who buys it without question?

Though, in consumerism's defense, I did like Vanilla Coke.

[Lord Tranorix]

Today's consumers are sheep. It's gotten to the point where we'll buy a bunch of different versions of freaking water. I want to meet the genius who is marketing what he found in a river and shake his hand. Then he needs to release "Dirt! Now with lime!".



Who? The companies which run out of ideas or the American public who buys it without question?

Though, in consumerism's defense, I did like Vanilla Coke.

The public, of course. I congratulate the companies, really, for realizing how easy it is to manipulate the masses for profit. Imagine making millions off of cola with lemon in it, then millions more when you change it to lime. Seriously. That's pretty impressive.

[WildWill]

You ALL need to read "Fast Food Nation" by Eric Schlosser. Food marketing companies can LITERALLY make any artifical flavor imaginable. It's truly frightening how corporations manipulate the masses.

However, I really enjoy Vanilla Coke and Cherry Coke.

(as I drink more water).

There is more to life, however, than flavored foods. Cook your own dinner for a change.

[J-Head]

There is more to life, however, than flavored foods. Cook your own dinner for a change.
This is exactly what I've been trying to do. My goal is to prove that a) fast food isn't always better and b) there is such a thing as good tasting food that is healthy. (Well, those reasons along with I love to cook...) I always thought Starbucks manipulated the public the most, but now I'm thinking it's more Taco Bell and Pepsi. I also liked Vanilla Coke, lol. (So much for not giving in)

[TsunamiDuelist465]

it seems theyve been adding new flavor to a ton of stuff...

mountain dew code red
mountain dew code purple (or whatever)
mountain dew baja blast
sprite remix
sprite remix -WITDANEWFLAVo0ROMFG-
Coke with Lime
Cherry Coke
Vanilla Coke
C2

i guess its cuz corportate people think we easily get bored of the same thing... -shrug- if only they knew...

[Dr. Blaine]

I have yet to understand why anyone buys bottled water. It's Water, for crying out loud. They give it to you free in drinking fountains.

[vdraconis]

Fast Food Nation is on my books to read list.

The thing about this is that people will *realize* that it's just a marketing gimmick, but will buy it nonetheless just to 'try it out.' I can remember myself doing as such when Pepsi and Coke came out with those 1/2 normal-carb-amount colas. Granted, though, those were actually good when compared to their Diet brands... at any rate, there will be a significant number who know what they're doing, but give in anyway.

As for bottled water, it's supposedly 'pure.' No lead piping or anything, which has been a major problem at my school.

[WildWill]

I have yet to understand why anyone buys bottled water. It's Water, for crying out loud. They give it to you free in drinking fountains.

In some communities, mine for example, the tap water is undrinkable. There's so much crap in it, and it tastes AWFUL, the only way you CAN drink it is filtered.

Notice, I didn't say I buy bottled water. My wife does. All the time. Drives me nuts. Typically we take 3 gallon jugs to the grocery store and fill up for a quarter a gallon. But she'll buy bottled water whenever and wherever she needs it.

Then again, she doesn't drink anything else either.

[SpringChocobo]

It sickens me how the rivalry is in soda industries. Coca-Cola comes out with a new flavor, a week later Pepsi does the same. I know that all of this is just common sense. Competing is the only way they can stay equal. But publicizing the hell out of Coca-Cola with lime is just too much. Actually, I don't think Pepsi ever stooped down to the lime level. Just about everyone knows of the failed "Pepsi Blue".

I normally only drink flavored water, such as the "sparkling" bottled water that can be purchased at Wal*Mart. I mean, I know it's good for me, but in my opinion it's taste is just bland and awful. They can have artificial flavors for a REASON.

[Lord Tranorix]

It sickens me how the rivalry is in soda industries. Coca-Cola comes out with a new flavor, a week later Pepsi does the same. I know that all of this is just common sense. Competing is the only way they can stay equal. But publicizing the hell out of Coca-Cola with lime is just too much. Actually, I don't think Pepsi ever stooped down to the lime level. Just about everyone knows of the failed "Pepsi Blue".

I normally only drink flavored water, such as the "sparkling" bottled water that can be purchased at Wal*Mart. I mean, I know it's good for me, but in my opinion it's taste is just bland and awful. They can have artificial flavors for a REASON.

Pepsi Blue is actually my favorite soda ever. I managed to get a 6-pack off of ebay a little while ago, and I have two cans left, which I keep for their aesthetic and sentimental value (cookie to whoever gets the reference).

It does go to show that mimicry is the only way these companies will stay on top--when they try something innovative and new, nobody will buy it. Evidently "product testing" is a term they're unfamiliar with.

[MyOwnImij]

I am drinking a Pepsi Lime right now. OK, Diet Pepsi, but the flavors make the diets not nearly as bad as the "original" counterparts...IMO

You want to see flavored products, take a look at the Liquor section of the store; everything from Malt beverages, to Vodka and Rum now is Flavored with all kinds of different things (mostly fruit).
I have a friend that likes to make mixed drinks, and a lot of newer drinks require certain flavored liquors.
It is all a matter of taste, I am sure plenty of people still prefer regular Coke/Pepsi, or whatever else it is they like to drink, without any flavors added. I still prefer good old Mountain Dew to any other soft drink.

[Dr. Blaine]

In some communities, mine for example, the tap water is undrinkable. There's so much crap in it, and it tastes AWFUL, the only way you CAN drink it is filtered.

I think they sell Filters for that kind of thing. some of them you can just srew right on to your faucet.

as for the "one company comes out with a product, it's rival comes out with something identical" is a perfect example of good old fashion competition. Its part of capitalism.

[Village Dag]

I remember a few times seeing in the chips section of the supermarket, potato chips with Asian flavours? (like Sweet and Sour, Beef Rendang etc.) How ****ed up is that? I haven't tried them, and never will. Honestly, that is mulit-flavouring going too far. Give me cheese and onion or sour cream and chives any day.

[Ryo_Marufuji]

the funniest thing i ever saw was that edible make up by Jessica simpson just imagine..

a hot gurl walks up to it and sticks her finger in and has a taste, then she likes it so much, she begins stuffing her face, all the will making yummm oooo and mmmm noises.. by the time she is done she has food/makeup all over her face and there is no more make up left on the display shelf

~Kaiser~

[Village Dag]

the funniest thing i ever saw was that edible make up by Jessica simpson just imagine..

a hot gurl walks up to it and sticks her finger in and has a taste, then she likes it so much, she begins stuffing her face, all the will making yummm oooo and mmmm noises.. by the time she is done she has food/makeup all over her face and there is no more make up left on the display shelf

~Kaiser~

Then add a "When Harry Met Sally" moment, if you know what I mean. ;) :D

Seriously, that edible makeup sounds bizarre. What's next? Chocolate uranium?

[sixersballernum3]

I too find bottled water rather pointless, but then again I get the big 5 gallon jugs all the time.

As for changing flavours, I dunno. I seem to notice that all the time the Crest and Colgate section in the grocery store gets larger and larger, as does the Lays section.

I must say, it reels me in. If there's a shiney bottle of "NEW!" tooth paste, I usually buy it...

Good job, Crest, good job.

[SpringChocobo]

Okay, I will oficially stop looking for a 12 pack of Coca-Cola with Lime. All they have is Diet. Does anyone have a reasonable explanation for why it is so rare?

[WildWill]

Um your local bottler feels it doesn't sell well perhaps? How are WE supposed to know...call Coca Cola - they HAVE an 800 number on their cans for this sort of thing.

[SpringChocobo]

Okay okay. It's just that I simply cannot find it PERIOD. The only time I've ever had a taste of it was when I actually found a 1 liter of it at a gas station in Ohio. I was just wondering if it's hard to find elsewhere.

[Village Dag]

Sometimes you find different flavours of sodas at random shops. I found Grape Fanta at a fruit shop in the middle of nowhere one time, then again in a supermarket in New Zealand. What you experienced is not so weird, Chocobo.