To address your actual question, yes, it can taste different. I've wondered about that myself. The ones my husband buys locally (E TN) taste totally different than the ones sold in western NC. I've been told that the formula isn't what varies, it's the source of the ingredients from region to region. Aside, from the HFCS v. sugar (or the aspartame) issues, the taste does change. Ever notice how a product tastes one way locally, but differently when you travel to a different part of the country? I won't jump on the "shame wagon". I'm sick to death of rank strangers tutoring me on why a substance is bad for me. Good grief, I can read the scientific papers as well as anyone. Do people REALLY think someone will change their behavior by being "shamed" & lectured by every Tom, Dick, & Harry? (I drink a 12 oz soda once or twice a week.) I guess this is where my Libertarian side kicks in. Well meaning food nazis (the left-leaning nannies or the the right-leaning nannies), get on my nerves.
To sum it up, yes, sodas & mass produced food items CAN taste different from time to time, season to season, or region to region.
Thanks.
The bubblegum smell and taste is so nauseating I threw the diet Mountain Dew I got from the 7-11 away. I will return the odd tasting bottled Mountain Dew to our supermarket for a refund.
I'll give it a try again in a month or two.