PepsiCo is rolling out a fresh soda that’s already winning praise online, and this one isn’t a retro cola or a new energy drink. The new release comes through Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand PepsiCo acquired in 2025, and leans into nostalgia with a Shirley Temple–style flavor that fans are calling their “new favorite.”
It’s also worth noting that Poppi faced scrutiny in earlier years over how gut-health claims were communicated. Since then, the brand has adjusted its packaging and messaging.
PepsiCo’s New Soda is Already Winning Fans
The new Poppi flavor, billed as a Shirley Temple–inspired prebiotic soda, blends bright citrus and cherry notes to mimic the classic mocktail while staying squarely in the “better-for-you” aisle. According to early coverage and tasting notes, the drink balances a fizzy, authentic Shirley Temple profile with modern nutritional positioning: about 5 grams of sugar, roughly 30 calories per can, no caffeine, and a dose of prebiotic fiber meant to support gut health.
That combination of nostalgic taste and functional ingredients is a clear play for younger shoppers who want flavor with a health-forward image. Poppi’s existing lineup already trades on that balance, and under PepsiCo, the brand’s reach has expanded quickly. The Shirley Temple variant is the latest example of PepsiCo leveraging Poppi’s positioning to pursue growth in emerging beverage categories.
How Poppi Became PepsiCo’s Growth Lever?
PepsiCo completed its purchase of Poppi in May 2025 in a deal valued at approximately $1.95 billion, with a reported net purchase price of $1.65 billion after tax benefits. The acquisition was framed as part of PepsiCo’s strategy to strengthen its “better-for-you” beverage portfolio as consumer preferences around soda continue to evolve.
Before the acquisition, Poppi had already built a strong following thanks to its low-sugar prebiotic sodas and rapid retail expansion. For PepsiCo, Poppi now serves as both a product innovation platform and a gateway to consumers who may have drifted away from traditional colas. Launching a Shirley Temple–style flavor under Poppi’s brand rather than under a classic soda label allows PepsiCo to experiment with nostalgia while still aligning with modern wellness trends.
Why Shoppers are Loving the Taste?
Early descriptions of the soda focus heavily on flavor. Reviewers note a bright cherry top note supported by citrus acidity and a clean, lightly tangy finish. The result is a drink that feels more like a mocktail than a standard soda, without any alcohol.
Nutritional messaging plays an equally important role. Low sugar, low calories, and added prebiotic fiber are central to the product’s positioning. Since acquiring Poppi, PepsiCo has emphasized these attributes to clearly separate the brand from conventional high-sugar soft drinks.
Under PepsiCo’s ownership, Poppi now benefits from expanded distribution and marketing resources, but it also operates under greater public and regulatory visibility, which may lead to more cautious and precise health-related claims going forward.
Reaction to the new flavor has been swift and enthusiastic. Social media posts and early reviews describe the soda as “surprisingly authentic,” praising its balance of cherry and citrus flavors. Several fans have gone as far as calling it their new favorite soda flavor.
Much of the excitement comes from the novelty. Many consumers say the drink captures the essence of a real Shirley Temple rather than tasting like a generic cherry soda. Others point to the lower sugar content and prebiotic benefits as reasons they are willing to swap out their usual fizzy drink.
What this Launch means for PepsiCo?
The new Poppi flavor checks several strategic boxes for PepsiCo. It strengthens the company’s presence in the functional soda segment, keeps momentum from the Poppi acquisition alive, and allows PepsiCo to explore nostalgia-driven flavors without altering its core cola brands.
PepsiCo has also begun experimenting with prebiotic versions of its flagship sodas, signaling that functional ingredients are no longer confined to niche brands. Instead, they are becoming part of mainstream beverage innovation.
For the broader soda market, launches like this highlight how major beverage companies are adapting to changing consumer expectations. Traditional sugary sodas continue to face pressure, while drinks that combine familiar flavors with health-conscious positioning are gaining traction. If the Poppi Shirley Temple flavor proves successful, it is likely to inspire similar offerings across the industry.
What to Watch Next?
- Distribution and Pricing: Whether the Shirley Temple flavor becomes a nationwide staple or remains a limited offering will play a major role in its long-term success. Wider availability could turn early buzz into sustained sales.
- Repeat Purchases: Initial curiosity can drive first-time buys, but long-term performance will depend on whether consumers return to the product regularly.
- Marketing and Labeling Clarity: As Poppi continues to grow under PepsiCo, careful messaging around prebiotics and health benefits will remain essential.
Final Thoughts
PepsiCo’s new Shirley Temple style soda from Poppi sits at the crossroads of nostalgia and modern wellness trends. Early reactions suggest the flavor delivers on its promise, offering a fizzy, mocktail-inspired experience with fewer calories and less sugar than traditional sodas.
Fans are already embracing it as a standout addition to the soda aisle. Whether that enthusiasm translates into long-term success will depend on distribution, pricing, and the brand’s ability to convert excitement into loyalty. For now, the launch represents a calculated and timely move as PepsiCo continues to reshape its beverage portfolio for a changing market.
FAQs
What is the new soda PepsiCo is releasing?
PepsiCo has introduced a brand-new flavored soda that blends a classic cola base with a bold, modern twist designed to appeal to younger consumers.
When will the new PepsiCo soda be available in stores?
The soda is expected to begin rolling out nationwide in early 2026, with availability expanding region by region.
Is the new PepsiCo soda a limited-time release?
While initial reports suggest a limited-time launch, PepsiCo may make it permanent depending on consumer demand and sales performance.
What makes this new flavor different from existing Pepsi sodas?
The new soda features a unique flavor profile that combines familiar sweetness with a fresh, unexpected note not found in Pepsi’s current lineup.
Where can consumers buy the new PepsiCo soda?
The soda will be sold at major grocery stores, convenience stores, and select online retailers across the United States.
