Pibb Xtra
From Free net encyclopedia
Pibb Xtra (previously sold as Mr. PiBB) is a carbonated soft drink marketed by The Coca-Cola Company. Introduced in August 1972 to compete against the popular drink Dr Pepper, Pibb has a small but loyal following in many parts of the United States, especially the South. Many hold that Mr. Pibb has a flavor distinct from and far more nuanced than Dr. Pepper, with slight hints of both root beer and chocolate soda. A diet version was also available in the 1970s. Early Pibb soda cans were uniquely shaped; instead of the traditional cylinder, the can had faceted sides.
The Coca-Cola Company even held a "Pibb Girl" contest in 1980, where a girl who matched a predetermined face would have won cash and prizes. However, no one realized until later on that the girl had to be Caucasian to win. After protests, the contest was dropped.
In 2001 a new flavor called Pibb Xtra was introduced with added cinnammon and cherry flavor, replacing the original Pibb flavor in many parts of the U.S., although some regions had both variations for sale at the same time. Before the name change, Mr. Pibb's slogan was "Put it in your head" and the can featured an odd cartoon head drawn in a squiggly scribble style. Pibb Xtra more closely resembles Dr. Pepper.
In 2005, Coke introduced Pibb Zero, a sugar-free version of Pibb Xtra, in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Coke reports that there are no plans to introduce Pibb Zero to the rest of the U.S.
The product was mentioned in a well-received Saturday Night Live skit, Lazy Sunday on December 17, 2005: "Mr. PiBB and Red Vines equals 'crazy delicious.'" Image:CrazyDelicious.JPG
Availability
Generally this soda, or variations of the such, can be found in the southeast of the United States. There are some exceptions. Mr. Pibb or Pibb Xtra have been found in many southern-based food stores throughout the rest of the country. Pibb Xtra has been found in many places nationwide, including recreational area vending machines, Cracker Barrel restaurants, Logan's Roadhouse Restaurants, Hot Sam's Pretzel Stands, and Waffle Houses.
Identity Crisis
Longtime fans, people in their 30's who have always drank Pibb, tend to still refer to both Mr PiBB and Pibb Xtra as "Mr. PiBB". This is largely due to habit and the fact that both drinks are not typically availble in most markets.