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05/14/2005: Purplesaurus Rex Kool-Aid Tribute!

Sorry this is so late…been a hectic few weeks.  You’d never guess it from looking at this site, but summer is coming — and what better way to usher in hot weather than with a big, prehistoric glass of Purplesaurus Rex Kool-Aid!  I may be a Sharkleberry loyalist at heart, but there’s no denying that this is the flavor most people of or near my age remember with the most fondness.  Article includes everything: A taste test, a comic book, a commercial and a trip through the unsweetened sands of time.  Enjoy, and have a good weekend.

Posted by Matt. E-mail me!


Discussion Thread: 66 comments

Oh yeah!

Ghosted by Kool-Aid Man @ 05/14/2005 2:57 PM EDT

THANK GOD! A new article….i was getting the shakes.

Ghosted by Christopher @ 05/14/2005 3:07 PM EDT

Mmmm I remember Purplesaurus Rex.  Only Ecto Cooler was a more coveted fruit-drink flavor.

For some reason the knock-off brands of Kool-Aid were undrinkable while the real thing was awesome.

Ghosted by Jeff Mack @ 05/14/2005 3:09 PM EDT

My house never had any of those cool flavors of Kool Aid………my sister would never want them…it was only cherry …occasionally i would get my way and get grape….but no super duper awesome flavors…..im making up for it now..Im a mad scientist at work when it comes to those small Kool Aid packets i mix flavors like crazy!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!! OHHHHHHHHHH YEAH!

Ghosted by ralph @ 05/14/2005 3:21 PM EDT

I want to see Purplesaurus Rex beat the shit out of the Great Bluedini.

Ghosted by phunqsauce @ 05/14/2005 3:34 PM EDT

on the subject of soft drinks…..I don’t think they make Surge anymore but wasn’t Surge basically carbonated Ecto Cooler?

Ghosted by phunqsauce @ 05/14/2005 3:37 PM EDT

Lucky Number Seven!

Yeah…

Semper Fi,
Erik Majorwitz

Ghosted by EMajorwitz @ 05/14/2005 3:50 PM EDT

My parents never went to splurge on cool drinks, I mean, our fridge had water, that was enough for my dad.  Oh, and beer.

When I went to my cousin Matt’s house (wish it was X-E Matt), his mom always had Black Cherry available. 

When I was in the Marines, my buddy loved to mix some light blue flavor with vodka and then chase it with Gatorade.  Tasted terrible, but you got drunk and didn’t have a hang over.  Good times, good times…

Surge was liquid crack man!  I remember my high school giving that stuff out…I think last week my eyelids finally stopped twitching!

Semper Fi,
Erik Majorwitz

Ghosted by EMajorwitz @ 05/14/2005 3:53 PM EDT

Matt FYI broken link to image of powder.

Ghosted by pig malien @ 05/14/2005 4:05 PM EDT

Thanks, pig…fixed.

Ghosted by Matt @ 05/14/2005 4:08 PM EDT

yay fore Purplesaurus Rex

Ghosted by spliner is a rat @ 05/14/2005 5:10 PM EDT

HaHa! Those commercial screenshots look like something out of a bad acid trip.

Ghosted by d-roc @ 05/14/2005 5:13 PM EDT

Dark Crystal Sequel?

Ghosted by ME @ 05/14/2005 5:20 PM EDT

That metaphor about the pregnant gazelle? Pure genius. That one line is enough to make up for the wait since the last article AND the Christmas lights. (I think the link to the commercial needs fixing)
Finished finals today, and it finally feels like summer really is coming. I think tonight calls for tropical drinks with little umbrellas. Can’t get any Purplesaurus, so I’ll have to settle for something more boring. Finals are over and there’s a new X-E article, woohoo!

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 05/14/2005 5:30 PM EDT

I figured if anyone would get a kick out of this, it’d be you Matt
click here

Ghosted by Neo Anderson @ 05/14/2005 5:58 PM EDT

I clearly remember drinking this stuff while playing Super Mario Bros. 2 at my best friend Alberto’s house.  This stuff was the shit! 

I thought I was a nostalgia nut but you’ve even got me beat, dude.  You’re an original just like me, not one of these fools that are just playing along because it’s the latest fad.  Oh yeah - I’m also in Jersey.

And my name is Matt, too.  Actually, no it’s not.  Sorry, I got carried away there.  Keep up the great work.

-Vinnie-

Ghosted by Vinnie @ 05/14/2005 6:59 PM EDT

It always bothered me that Purplesaurus Rex didn’t actually look like his namesake (Tyranosaurus Rex). And even worse, he was apparently a herbivore (the grapes).

Ghosted by sharkie @ 05/14/2005 8:28 PM EDT

Sweet tap-dancing christ! it’s only my 2nd favoriteest kool-aid ever! Woo-hoo, purple-stuff!

Ghosted by Road Block @ 05/14/2005 9:07 PM EDT

I think Kool-Aid Man has gone insane up here in Canada. Where before we’d get 1-4 points on a single pack of Kool-Aid, we now get 100 on the new Invisible Kool-Aid. And the point value of the stuff from the Wacky Warehouse hasn’t gone up. Why Kool-Aid Man, why? Still, I plan on picking up some Kool Stuff!

Ghosted by Czar Matthew @ 05/14/2005 9:43 PM EDT

is it just me or are the gang and kool-aid man floating in air for no reason on page 2 last panel of the comic?

Ghosted by dohopoki @ 05/14/2005 9:44 PM EDT

I’m so glad I’m not the only one with those Kool-Aid 8 oz. mugs sitting around the house.

But I never got the cool purple ones. Just red, and thess annoying "clear" ones.

Ghosted by Snowman @ 05/14/2005 10:20 PM EDT

I have like 8 packets of this stuff. I saved it because it was my favorite, but never used it because I stopped drinking the stuff. Anyone know if it’s worth anything?

Ghosted by Gargamael @ 05/15/2005 1:11 AM EDT

Marvel Transformers toys announced.  Looks silly and fun at the same time.

http://www.newsarama.com/forum...ead.php?s=&threadid=33586

Does anyone know what was the last new Kool-Aid flavor?  I keep thinking it’s been awhile since I’ve seen a new Kool-Aid commercial.

Ghosted by JLAJRC @ 05/15/2005 1:49 AM EDT

This is one of the few featured X-E ads that I already have on a tape of my own and don’t need to download. I’m surprised Matt didn’t write at least five elaborate sentences on the fact that when Purplesaurus Rex said "purple" right next to Kool-Aid Man’s face, Kool-Aid-Man turned purple himself. Might P.R. have possessed the mystical power to turn any Kool-Aid purple, and they just decided to give him a job?

Ghosted by Mars @ 05/15/2005 2:13 AM EDT

You have made me thirsty for something I cannot have.

Ghosted by josh @ 05/15/2005 2:48 AM EDT

Rock-A-Dile Red could beat up Purplesaurus Rex any day!

Ghosted by Review the World @ 05/15/2005 3:10 AM EDT

Hey Matt, were you ever fond of Mountain Berry Kool Aid? Now that was my childhood memory. I’ve heard rumors across the net on how they sell this flavor in Canada. But of course I haven’t been able to confirm this. Also, every time I go to the supermarket, I check out the Hi-C section for that ever elusive Orange Tangergreen. AKA Ecto Cooler.

Ghosted by Heathtown @ 05/15/2005 3:11 AM EDT

Fantastic. These Kool aid tributes are inspired. Anyone who hasn’t read the Kool-Aid FAQ is missing out. Might I suggest a section on food/drink based villans. Scorch (mentioned here), the Soggies w/ Cap’n Crunch and the ever lovable Cookie Crook. I’m sure there are a bunch more. You guys Rock. Get rid of the X-mas shit.

Ghosted by Ben Varley @ 05/15/2005 3:12 AM EDT

Speaking of the Cookie Crook, what is up with Cookie Crisp. They’ve started new commercials, but now they have a wolf as the villian vs. little kids (a la Trix)

Where’s my Crook and Cop?!?!?!?!?!

Ghosted by Jotenks @ 05/15/2005 3:27 AM EDT

The crook and cop have been gone for years, now. At one point they just used the crook’s dog in the ads (Minus the bandit mask). Then recently they stopped using him all together and just went with the wolf. I guess it has to do with some PC crap about kids idolizing lawbreakers, or some other crap. What’s next, are they going to outlaw Darth Vader because he’s a villain everyone loves?

Ghosted by Teirusu @ 05/15/2005 3:40 AM EDT

Thanks for the purpleicious article, Matt. Man, I miss that sugary stuff….And I used to love those Cookie Crisp commericals with the Crook and Cop, even though we never had the cereal where I lived in Canada….*sniff* As a result of my never tasting it, I have built it up in my mind to be the best tasting cereal ever.

Ghosted by Muppet Baby @ 05/15/2005 4:42 AM EDT

The first time I ever had Purplesaurus Rex, it remeinded me of this Sour Grape-flavoured Laffy Taffy I had before.  I must say that my favourite flavour of Kool-Aid is a tough choice between Sharkleberry Fin and Purplesaurus Rex.

Anyway, long time no post.  The reason for this is that I’m currently in England on a study abroad program, and I’ve ben kept busy by going to plays, art galleries, and concerts.  As a rsult, I’ve had little time to be on the computer here at tthe place where I’m staying.  I’ll try and get you guys some pictures when I get back to my lovely home in Sacramento.  And now I must read the articles.

Ghosted by Nate @ 05/15/2005 8:34 AM EDT

hahahah awesome article man!! Check out this quick short I did on my website of the Kool Aid man getting ousted!

http://warehouse.carlh.com/shorts/005.html

Ghosted by Carl Huber @ 05/15/2005 9:31 AM EDT

Hey why don’t we start a petition to get Purple Saurus back on the market? If the Kool Aid Gods get heckled enough by names, maybe they’ll dig out a time machine of their own and resurect the big purple bastard.

Ghosted by Juggalo @ 05/15/2005 10:52 AM EDT

Kool-Aid was a common (and cheap) drink in my family throughout my childhood. We had plenty of both Purplesaurus Rex and Sharkleberry Fin. Frankly, I liked both, but would STILL take cherry first. And the Wacky Warehouse promos were fun to look at, even though we never ordered anything from them. My sisters and I used to "pretend" we were among the lucky kids who got to join in the madness at the Kool-Aid Man’s official home of nifty junk.

Ghosted by starwenn @ 05/15/2005 12:16 PM EDT

Purplesaurus Rex is not as great as Blueberry Blue.

Ghosted by pikachulover @ 05/15/2005 12:38 PM EDT

That’s hot, or should I say KOOL?  Tee-hee tee-hee!

Ghosted by Kennef @ 05/15/2005 1:40 PM EDT

BEST KOOL-AID EVER!

I actually called them the other day and DEMANDED they put it back on the shelves.

Ghosted by Luxowell @ 05/15/2005 3:12 PM EDT

I believe the newest Kool-aids are the Mad-Scientwists: Rasberry Reaction, and Watermelon Kiwi(?).

I remember Cookie Crisp tasting like real cookies, but more recent consumption shows it tastes like Kix with a little chocolate.

Ghosted by RewolfJ @ 05/15/2005 4:32 PM EDT

Hey Matt, you’ve met the guy who does the voice of the Kool-Aid Man himself, why don’t you ask him to demand to the Kool-Aid Gods to make it rain Purplesaurus Rex? (and Sharkleberry Fin and Great Bleudini while they’re at it)

Ghosted by Invader Norbert @ 05/15/2005 6:14 PM EDT

I still use my 8 oz. PURPLE Kool-Aid mug to rinse my mouth after brushing my teeth.

O_o

Ghosted by marril159 @ 05/15/2005 7:59 PM EDT

Purplesaurus Rex was extremely good. Luckily, with some lemonade and grape mixes you can closely duplicate the flavor, at least well enough to satisfy a few cravings. Unfortunately, another good (and lesser-known) flavor, Rainbow Punch, is almost impossible to mimic. It was a "red" flavor that seemed like something you might find in a punchbowl…there was a citrusy bit, and something else you just couldn’t place. Alas, it seems Kool-Aid in general is going away. The stores don’t have much, and I don’t see kids drinking it either. Are we losing this stuff forever?

Ghosted by Michael @ 05/15/2005 9:45 PM EDT

You have rekindled my love for kool-aid. Which i hate you for because now I can’t find any of the classics. I am stuck with the new kind, which is ok I guess but nothing like the old school. Even worse, I have a friend in london who promised to send me sharkleberry but I know he won’t because he is lazy just like me. I can only hope he is so bored on some sunday afternoon that he does it, that would rule.

Ghosted by the80sruled @ 05/16/2005 6:18 AM EDT

Kind of a side note here, and I don’t know if someone has already mentioned this, (I had no time to read all comments seeing as though I am at work) but I used to have a Kool-Aid Man game for Atari.  Wish I still had it.  You had to bust him through walls.  ‘Twas s’wonderful.  Do you have it?  If not, I highly recommend it.

Ghosted by Jen @ 05/16/2005 1:03 PM EDT

Holy Crap!  That was THE BEST Kool-Aid ever!  The only one at the time to NOT be clear.  And the flavor RULES.

And to phunqsauce:  The closest thing to Surge now is dnL.

Ghosted by CannedPasta @ 05/16/2005 2:37 PM EDT

Wow, he’s like Mr. Freeze, but instead of one liners about cold, he makes one liners about heat.

If he only realized that when he burninated things, he was only making himself colder…

Ghosted by Yama the Space Fish @ 05/16/2005 9:49 PM EDT

So I drank this stuff as a kid, and I STILL have this sweet Purplesauras Rex cutout back home.

Ghosted by Melissa @ 05/17/2005 4:38 PM EDT

You should do one on pink swamingo…now that was a kool aid!!

Ghosted by Fubars @ 05/17/2005 5:25 PM EDT

Hell yeah. My favorite flavor ever. I totally agree about the lemon making a grape drink potable. I remember the shark, but I was more of a ’saurus guy then and I sure am now.  I’m trying to figure out how I can get my hands on a packet or two…

Ghosted by Beech @ 05/17/2005 6:46 PM EDT

I fell for all that marketing for new Kool-Aid flavors.  I begged my mom to go out right now and get Purplesaurus Rex.  Damn.  I remember they sold for 10 cents a pack.  My brothers and I collected kool-aid points and got the Kool-Aid Man cartridge for the Atari 2600!  By drinking gallons and gallons of sugar water, we got free video games?!  How awesome was that?

Matt, this site rules.  Xmas is fun all year ’round.

Ghosted by Bob Booey @ 05/17/2005 10:27 PM EDT

Man I still make that stuff.  I have a 2 quart pitcher and I mix one packet of Lemonade or the new Lenon Ice with a pack of grape.

Ghosted by JC @ 05/18/2005 2:42 AM EDT

To: Muppet Baby

Cross the border and have some Cookie Crisp. You Must. I put it on par with Golden Grahms or the absolutley evil Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Again, where did the other two bakers go? They focused only on the old one and the other two opened a briefly succesful salon, I imagine. Sorry to turn Kool-aid into cereal talk.

Ghosted by The Masked Benis @ 05/18/2005 10:47 AM EDT

They still sell Purplesaurus Rex in Canada.

Also, I dont know how she managed to find this, but my mom was trying to find this blue rasberry/lemonade flavor and she didnt remember exactley what it was called so she bought one of every flavor of kool aid and somehow she found like 3 different mexico-only flavors. (they taste like shit BTW)

Ghosted by Skeletor @ 05/19/2005 12:42 PM EDT

I don’t know if this has been brought up before, but has anyone considered taking this to a professional to be analyzed?  When my dad worked in food distribution, he once used these guys to verify the content and ingredients of certain food products, so he could make his own and sell them.  Just a thought.

Ghosted by Andy @ 05/22/2005 11:14 PM EDT

Son of a @!$#!  They don’t make Purplesaurus Rex anymore?  Where the heck have I been?  Might as well go home for the day because I sure am not going to get any work done with this news.

Ghosted by Elizabeth @ 05/24/2005 3:08 PM EDT

I was just looking at the Sharkleberry comic when I noticed that somehow the Kool-Aid in Kool-Aid Man’s head isn’t floating out EVEN WHEN HE’S SWIMMING IN THE DAMN WATER!!  Wouldn’t that, like, kill him?  Isn’t the Kool-Aid his brains or something?  Or are the ice cubes his brains?  Hmmm…

Ghosted by Andrew @ 05/26/2005 2:54 PM EDT

Does anyone remember the Cracklin Cherry flavor that they had? You poured water over it and it sounded like pop rocks. I think it had some sort of patriotic theme to it.

Ghosted by Justine @ 05/30/2005 1:49 PM EDT

Just out of curiosity, has anyone here ever had root beer Kool-Aid? (Or possibly Flavor Aide?) I used to drink it as a kid when I visited my aunt and uncle in Arkansas. It was bizarre but addicting.

Ghosted by Kieran Alexis @ 05/30/2005 9:01 PM EDT

Ahhh, purplesaurus!  When I went off to college and had my junk food rebellion, it was the beverage of choice.  Yummy memories.

Ghosted by melly @ 06/01/2005 1:29 AM EDT

Holy crapout.  Purplesaurus Rex and generic vodka in an insulated sports bottle pretty much did away with my entire freshman year at college.

It was true alchemy, this flavor…I can’t stand Grape and find the plain Lemonade pretty boring.  But this stuff was like crack.  Lemony, grapey crack.

Ghosted by Alejandro WK @ 06/03/2005 5:39 PM EDT

Hey while on the subject of old koolaid flavors, does anyone remember the short lived flavor with fireworks on the package and if I’m not mistaken, it was carbonated! I’m not making this up though I may have details mixed up. I was living in the south in the mid 80’s and saw this on tv, shortly after my family moved to PA where everyone in the store looked at my parents like they were high on purplesaurus rock.

Ghosted by GrampaGoomba @ 06/04/2005 2:37 AM EDT

God bless you for this tribute to the greatest Kool-Aid of all time.  I searched on Yahoo for Purplesaurus Rex hoping maybe there was a re-issue I didn’t know about or something and I found your beautiful monument to the dino that captured our hearts and stained our mouth.  I laughed, I cried, I pissed Kool-Aid.  Then I cried again because my piss wasn’t purple.

Love,
JW

Ghosted by JW @ 06/04/2005 6:28 PM EDT

I found how to make it from some lady who said she called craft and they told her what to do!

1  package kool-aid  sweetened lemonade drink                mix
1 package kool-aid unsweetened grape drink mix
1 gallon water

Ghosted by mjsgrass78 @ 08/28/2006 3:03 PM EDT

Aw man! I used to love this flavor Kool Aid! Thanx for the memories! Plus, great site!

Ghosted by BeachPirate1976 @ 09/05/2006 6:20 PM EDT

I still have 2 packages (unopened) of Purplesaurus Rex. Maybe someday for an important occasion I shall drink one.

Ghosted by Anonymous @ 12/08/2006 1:00 PM EST

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