Sweet Lightning is a flavor of Mountain Dew exclusive to KFC that was introduced in 2019.[1] The soda has an orange-yellow color and its flavor is based peaches and honey. It is noted for its sweetness. It was designed to be paired with KFC's menu items, similar to Baja Blast, a Mountain Dew variant that was designed to pair with Taco Bell menu items.[2]
A variation, called Sweet Lightning Peaches and Cream was introduced in 2025.[3] The drink was inspired by dirty soda, a drink containing soda, cream and other flavorings.[4]
Reception
Mike Pomranz of Food & Wine, gave the drink a favorable review, noting that its taste paired well with fried chicken.[5] Jim Vorel, writing for Paste, compared the drink's yellow color to urine.[6]
Nicolette Baker of Food & Wine compared the flavor of Sweet Lightning Peaches and Cream to a creamsicle.[7]
References
- KFC debuts a peachy Mtn Dew flavor adage.com, retrieved 2026-03-07^
- KFC's Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning Is A New Flavor Exclusive To The Chain Bustle, 2019-06-11, retrieved 2026-03-07^
- Mountain Dew's new dirty soda collab with KFC 'sounds awesome' 2025-06-11, retrieved 2026-03-06^
- KFC Just Rolled Out A New Summertime Treat—And It's Not What You'd Expect Southern Living, retrieved 2026-03-07^
- Mike Pomranz. KFC Will Serve an Exclusive Mountain Dew Flavor That's the 'Perfect Pairing' for Original Recipe Chicken Food & Wine, June 11, 2019^
- Mountain Dew's New "Sweet Lightning" Looks Not at All like a Glass Full of Urine; Why Would You Even Suggest That? Paste Magazine, retrieved 2026-03-07^
- KFC and Mountain Dew’s New Creamsicle-Inspired Dirty Soda Is Basically Summer in a Sip Food & Wine, June 6, 2025^