(NEXSTAR) – Pepsi is planning to debut a brand-new flavor this month, marking its first “permanent” addition to the brand’s beverage portfolio in four years.
That last “permanent” flavor, meanwhile, is being phased out.
The newer of the two beverages — Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream, available nationwide on Jan. 20 — is said to combine the flavors of “sweet cherry” and “creamy vanilla,” according to a press release issued this week. The drink will come in both original and “zero-sugar” varieties. (Pepsi’s “zero-sugar” offerings are made with aspartame and acesulfame potassium sugar substitutes, according to its website.)
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Pepsi’s new Wild Cherry & Cream flavor will be available nationwide as of Jan. 20, per a press release. (Pepsi)
Pepsi’s newest offering is not to be confused with Pepsi Wild Cherry, its other cherry-flavored cola, which debuted in 1988. In its announcement, the company claims its newer soft drink blends vanilla flavoring with the cherry flavoring that people already “love about the Pepsi Wild Cherry.”
A representative for Pepsi has confirmed that Pepsi Wild Cherry is not being discontinued.
“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,” Jenny Danzi, the head of marketing at Pepsi, said in a quote included with this week’s press release.
Both the original and zero-sugar versions of Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream will be available in 12-ounce cans upon debut. Twenty-ounce bottles will also be available for a limited time after rollout, Pepsi said.
Pictured: A promotional image for Pepsi Mango, released upon the drink’s “permanent” addition to the brand’s lineup in 2021. (Pepsi)
Before Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream, Pepsi’s last “permanent” flavor was Pepsi Mango, which debuted in March 2021, a representative for the brand confirmed to Nexstar. This flavor, however, is being discontinued while Pepsi “prioritizes” its newer offerings, a representative for Pepsi confirmed.
“Pepsi Mango is phasing out for now,” the representative told Nexstar in an emailed statement on Thursday. “Pepsi prioritizes its portfolio based on changing tastes and preferences, and we’re excited to introduce our latest innovation, Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry & Cream this month.”
When asked, a member of Pepsi’s support team said Pepsi Mango was being discontinued as of January 2025, but could not provide an exact date. Inventory of Pepsi Mango is still on shelves in different markets as the beverage is being phased out, he said.
Despite the news, Pepsi Mango was still listed among the other permanent flavors on Pepsi’s official website as of Friday morning.
