On March 18, 2025, Lipton created a wave of alarm among fans of its Peach Iced Tea flavor following a social media post that jokingly announced the flavor’s discontinuation. The tongue-in-cheek announcement, playfully dubbed “REST IN PEACH,”was quickly revealed to be an early April Fools’ prank. This disclosure, however, did little to quell the confusion and irritation among loyal customers who initially took the news seriously.
Although Lipton later assured consumers that its beloved Peach Iced Tea would continue to be available, the brand faced backlash due to the misleading nature of its original post. The initial image showcased a can of peach-flavored tea adorned with angel wings alongside a mock apology, raising concerns among fans. Following the uproar, Lipton promptly retracted its statement, attributing the miscommunication to a “mixed-up”calendar and labeling the announcement as an inappropriate joke.
The Controversial “Rest in Peach”Announcement
The initial post on Instagram depicted Lipton’s Peach Iced Tea can with the caption:
“REST IN PEACH”
Within this message, the company humorously claimed that the flavor was being phased out, citing “ruined”afternoon rituals and hinted at a possibility of its return in the future. Accompanied by a fake apology and the hashtag #RIPeach, the post suggested forming a “support group”for those mourning the flavor’s demise, leading many to believe that the product was disappearing for good. The post received an overwhelming response, garnering close to 18,000 comments.
Clarification on the Status of Peach Iced Tea
The following day, on March 19, Lipton attempted to clear the air by reiterating that the Peach Iced Tea flavor was still very much on the menu. The brand stated:
“Did you really think she was going anywhere???”
While some fans found humor in the ruse, others voiced their dissatisfaction with the unnecessary drama it created. To regain customer goodwill, Lipton announced it would reward fans with surprises for the “best reactions”to the announcement, adding a playful winking emoji in the process. This endeavor, aimed at creating a humorous narrative of a “legendary comeback,”backfired, revealing the risks involved in ambiguous marketing strategies.
The Aftermath of the April Fools’ Prank
This incident illustrates the delicate balance brands must maintain when engaging in viral marketing. Lipton’s manipulation of the hashtag #RIPeach, combined with its faux sincerity, left many fans feeling duped. Numerous customers expressed that the prank lacked humor and resulted in emotional whiplash. At the same time, Lipton’s U.S. website and major retailers, including Amazon, continued to list Peach Iced Tea as available during the fiasco, thereby contradicting the initial claim.
Despite the uproar caused by the prank, Peach Iced Tea remains a staple in Lipton’s product lineup. Fans seeking the latest and most accurate updates regarding this flavor are advised to check Lipton’s official website, reach out to customer service, or follow verified social media accounts for confirmation.