Pepsi Is Introducing the Flavor Coca-Cola Discontinued—and We Tried It First

Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola is a tale as old as time. The two brands constantly compete with new flavors, advertisements, and partnerships. When Coca-Cola’s Sprite discontinued its cranberry holiday flavor, Pepsi’s Starry introduced a version. When Pepsi got Michael Jackson for its commercials, Coke countered with Paula Abdul. And, when Coca-Cola ran Super Bowl ads, Pepsi one-upped them by sponsoring the entire halftime show. 

Old feuds die hard, so it’s no surprise that Pepsi is starting off the year with a little drama. Pepsi is releasing a new flavor that might remind fans of a beloved Coca-Cola offering discontinued earlier this year. 

On Jan. 20, Pepsi is debuting its new Wild Cherry & Cream flavor.

Pepsi Introduces Wild Cherry & Cream Soda

Pepsi’s new Wild Cherry & Cream soda adds a sweet, indulgent twist to its fan-loved Wild Cherry flavor. The drink combines the tart, juicy taste of Wild Cherry Pepsi with a smooth, creamy finish.

It’s like if Pepsi Wild Cherry and Pepsi Cream Soda or Pepsi Vanilla combined for an even sweeter new flavor. 

Pepsi’s launch comes nearly a year after Coke discontinued its Cherry Vanilla soda. So, if you’ve been looking for a new creamy, sweet, cherry-flavored pop to satisfy your craving, you’re in luck. Not only is Pepsi releasing the Wild Cherry & Cream flavor in both full and zero-sugar varieties, but it’s also adding the soda to its permanent portfolio. 

Unlike its most recent limited-edition launch—Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread—which was only available via TikTok Shop and a holiday giveaway, Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream and Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry & Cream 12-ounce cans will be sold at retailers nationwide for good. However, Pepsi is offering the new flavor, in both original and zero-sugar varieties, as 20-ounce bottles for a limited time.

Keep an eye out for the new flavor in late January. But if you’re curious for an early taste, here’s my honest review.

My Honest Review

I wouldn’t consider myself a die-hard Wild Cherry Pepsi fan. My go-to is usually a Diet Pepsi, but if Wild Cherry is the only option, it’s more than ok. That said, Wild Cherry Pepsi is officially moving to third on the list because Wild Cherry & Cream will be taking the second spot.

Pepsi’s new Wild Cherry & Cream soda is, of course, reminiscent of Coke Cherry Vanilla, but I’d actually compare it more closely to Dr. Pepper’s Strawberries & Cream soda. It has a similar burst of sweet, fruity flavor followed by a hint of vanilla. However, what I’m a big fan of is the creamy mouthfeel that it provides. If you tried the Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut pop over the summer, you’ll know what I mean—the creamy finish reminds me of a dirty soda but without any real cream.

I only tried the full-sugar variety, but I’m excited to try the zero-sugar version once it hits shelves in January. Pepsi is starting the year off with a bang, and its push to reclaim its spot as the second most popular soda in the U.S. is officially on.