recent viral photo has left social media users both speechless and confused: a can of energy drink branded as “Dettol Original Switch New Flavour.” The image, which quickly became a meme and sparked widespread reaction, shows what appears to be a regular energy drink can with unmistakable Dettol branding—a name globally known for its disinfectant products, not beverages.
The Shock and the Memes
People’s first reaction was, understandably, shock and disbelief. Dettol is synonymous with cleanliness and protection against germs, so its name on a “new flavour” energy drink can seemed both humorous and alarming. Online platforms like TikTok and Facebook were soon flooded with memes making fun of the idea, with many users joking about how this “flavour” could deliver 99.9% protection—on the inside. Some quipped: “If you still have feelings for your ex, drink Dettol. It removes 99.9% of germs”—a running joke about moving on and cleaning up one’s life.
The Truth Behind the Viral Can
Upon closer inspection, the image is widely believed to be a clever edit or an elaborate prank, rather than an actual product on the shelves. Dettol’s manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser, has always made it clear that Dettol is not for human consumption, frequently issuing warnings against ingesting their disinfectant products.
The meme, however, rides on South Africa’s love for novelty energy drinks, such as the locally popular Switch range, which has been exploding with new and sometimes questionable flavours for market share. This viral image cleverly plays on that trend.
Conclusion
In a market where energy drink brands try to outdo one another with wild flavours, the Dettol “Switch” meme is a humorous reminder that not every new can is what it appears to be. The viral reaction reveals both the creativity of online culture and the importance of knowing what’s safe to drink.