Quenchers

 It's not just a few chocolates (and their taste) that have vanished over the years. Some really good beverage brands too have bid farewell, and of course, replaced by rather poor substitutes. 

First in this category is Gold Spot, the wonderfully refreshing orange fizz, every bit the "zing thing" it claimed to be! Not too sweet and not too fizzy, Gold Spot was a cherished drink for sure. Moreover, it was shudh desi as it was a Parle product. It is interesting to see how we had real good homegrown products like these before the advent of all those foreign brands in the 90s. Alongside it was Thums Up, one of the most iconic cola drinks of the 1980s and 1990s. A Thums Up bottle in hand used to be a style statement among the youth. Other companion products were Limca, the "lime and lemony," and Citra "super cooler" -- all of which, undeniably, had unique tastes.

Sadly, Parle gave up these brands to the Coca- Cola company which eventually replaced Gold Spot with Fanta. 

Apart from richer colour and increased sweetness, Fanta was unable to recreate the charm of Gold Spot (well, this is a personal opinion, yet I'm sure whoever had Gold Spot will agree!). Later came Pepsi, Mirinda, 7Up and Teem from the kitty of Leher Pepsi. Perhaps on account of its striking advertisements, use of celebrities (Bollywood and Indian cricket especially) and catchy jingles, Pepsi was somehow more of a favourite than rival Coca-Cola. However, as with other things, the more Pepsi became popular, the taste was comprised and today, despite various types, even colours (remember blue Pepsi?), this brand too seems to have lost its magic. 

In the midst of all these ever-changing products, the only one which has managed to hold on to its original taste is perhaps Frooti, again from the Parle stable, which is still deliciously "mango" and "fresh and juicy"; and I hop eat least this remains so.

As it's always said, 'change is the only constant'. But when once-loved products are cast off because they no longer give that old pleasure, it is hard not to be sad.