While everyone has discovered that any and every food is better with Pepsi, the iconic beverage brand appreciates that its classic cola can be transformed with other fruity, fun flavors. The newest permanent flavor, Pepsi Wild Cherry and Cream, offers a satisfying sip that makes people thirsty for more.
One of the biggest beverage trends is cherry cola. Across the brand landscape, the glass is overflowing with options. People cannot get enough of the fruity, sweet flavor combination. Not only does the flavor capture a flirty, fun vibe, but also, it is indulgent with the underlying sweetness.
The newest Pepsi flavor combines that juicy, jammy cherry with cream. It is almost as if someone took a spoonful of ice cream and allowed it to melt into the cherry cola. The flavor almost feels like a sippable dessert.
Speaking to the Pepsi beverage launch, Jenny Danzi, Head of Marketing – Pepsi said, "Building on the enduring success of Pepsi Wild Cherry, we're excited to unveil Pepsi Wild Cherry and Cream. Pepsi Wild Cherry has always been a flavor favorite in the cola world, especially among millennial and Gen Z cola fans – we’ve seen 8% growth year over year on the product – so we knew we had an opportunity to deliver something special this year that consumers will love. This permanent addition to our portfolio boasts a unique profile that's both indulgent and refreshing. With 2025 trends bubbling up on all things cherry, we're confident Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream will be a serious hit with fans this year!"
Looking at the Pepsi portfolio, it makes sense to build on the Wild Cherry flavor. It is not necessarily a dirty soda extension, but it combines two popular flavors into a single offering. It celebrates playfulness, nostalgia, and innovation all in a single beverage.
Thinking about this flavor, the beverage works well into the continuation of the “Better with Pepsi” story. Sweet and creamy has numerous flavor pairings. Beyond the dessert applications or pairings, sweet tempers spice or heat. When this beverage is paired with an intense chicken wing, sriracha, or even drunken noodles, the combination would be delicious. It invites people to play with their food pairings and have fun.
While this launch advances Pepsi into the cream category, it will be interesting to see if the brand adds additional permanent flavors during the rest of 2025. Last year, Pepsi focused on fruit forward options like Lime, Mango, and Peach. It might have exhausted the fruit infusions. Maybe it is time to see how sweet and spice take the caramel forward cola to another level. Maybe there is a cinnamon or even cardamom option in the future.
For now, it is time to sip on Pepsi Wild Cherry and Cream, available in original and Zero Sugar varieties. The new permanent beverage is available in 12 oz cans. Additionally, 20oz bottles will be available for a limited time. Check with retailers for availability and pricing.