Fans have spoken.
Pepsi’s new gingerbread-flavored soda is already getting attention after its tease in news and social media, but not the kind they were hoping for. The seasonal drink has officially debuted, but early reactions have been less than impressive.
In an Instagram post by @snackolator, the food blogger revealed the new Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread Soda will drop on December 4th. “Pepsi saw all those cranberry sodas for Christmas and said enough of that,” he added.
As per Snackolator, buying two Pepsi Minis 10-packs on Pepsi’s TikTok Shop gives a chance to get a free can of the new soda, or enter on Pepsi’s website. The promotion runs from December 4 to December 11.
After seeing the first look at the new soda, fans quickly shared their thoughts—and they’re not loving it, especially since it’s a “no sugar” version.
“Why zero sugar though?” one user commented, with others echoing the same sentiment, asking, “Why can’t we get it with sugar?” Others echoed the sentiment, questioning, “Do they have a sugar version? I hate the zero sugar taste.”
A number of fans criticized the no-sugar option, with one saying, “Lost me at zero sugar,” while another said, “Nah, zero sugar ruins their sodas. That weird aftertaste is disgusting.”
Some users suggested Pepsi release both versions to satisfy all tastes. “Why can’t yall do this drink with sugar instead of no sugar? Or yall should’ve released both versions to make everyone happy,” one commenter pointed out.
However, Bailey Fink of Allrecipes had a different reaction after tasting the Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread soda. After trying Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread, I’ve been turned into a firm believer in the flavor,” Fink said in her early taste test review.
She described the drink as starting with a sweet Pepsi-like taste, “almost chocolatey” with brown sugar, and finishing with a spicy blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Fink compared it to Dr. Pepper, but with “more holiday flair.”
How about you—what’s your take on Pepsi’s new gingerbread soda? Share your thoughts in the comments below.