• by Danielle Oster , January 15, 2025

Pepsi officially announced the impending introduction of a new “permanent” addition to its flavor portfolio: Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream, also available in a zero-sugar variety.

PepsiCo described the new flavor as a “fusion of sweet wild cherry and creamy vanilla flavors with the refreshing taste of Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar,” noting it’s arriving for a ‘’cherry-coded’ 2025” – a 2025 trend prediction from Pinterest.

Wild Cherry & Cream will “join the permanent Pepsi portfolio” and begin rolling out across national retail locations the week of Jan. 20, sold in 12-ounce cans and, for a limited time upon launch, will also be available in 20-ounce bottles.

One factor driving the decision appears to be the relative success of Pepsi’s existing Wild Cherry flavor offerings.

"Our Wild Cherry variants have been flavor favorites in the cola world, especially among millennial and Gen Z cola fans –--we’ve seen 8% growth year over year on the regular cola -- so we know we are delivering something special with our new cherry and cream offering,” Pepsi Head of Marketing Jenny Danzi said in a statement. “

Pepsi hyped the news on social media pages, including its Instagram account. A representative didn't’ respond to a request for comment regarding its marketing plans for the new flavor going forward. The release follows Pepsi launching  limited-edition Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread Mini Cans available via a TikTok promotion.

Despite the “unique profile” claims, the new flavor seems to have at least a little in common with a flavor recently discontinued by Pepsi’s biggest competitor. Last year, Coca-Cola announced it was killing off its Cherry Vanilla flavor, “due to consumers' taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing.”

Recent history would also suggest taking the “permanent” designation with a grain of salt. Last year, Coca-Cola discontinued its new “permanent” flavor addition, Coca-Cola Spiced, some seven months after its introduction.