Based on a nationally-conducted taste test, Pepsi® Zero Sugar tastes better and is more refreshing than Coke Zero. To celebrate, Pepsi is bringing it back to where it all started with The Pepsi Challenge—this time, featuring Pepsi Zero Sugar because the brand is confident America will agree it’s the superior zero-sugar cola.
50 years ago, Pepsi shook up the "Cola Wars" with the Pepsi Challenge—and Pepsi won. The Pepsi Challenge wasn’t just a marketing campaign, it was a cultural touchstone that changed the beverage and marketing landscape forever. Pepsi took on the status quo, inviting consumers to blind taste-test Pepsi against its biggest competitor, Coke. The results spoke volumes, as more people preferred Pepsi over Coke. The Pepsi Challenge became a symbol of boldness, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the norm—a declaration that taste matters.
Now, Pepsi is hitting the road to let more than a million people put Pepsi Zero Sugar to the test. The Pepsi Challenge will be going nationwide, starting the tour in one of the most competitive environments of the year—New Orleans, during Super Bowl LIX Weekend, to get everyone amped up on some fierce rivalries and head-to-head competition before Sunday’s big showdown.
The Pepsi Challenge Activations:
New Orleans Super Bowl Weekend Kickoff (February 6-9): The Pepsi Challenge begins at the “Chips and Sips Quarter” in New Orleans, located at 500 Decatur Street. Fans will take part in the ultimate taste showdown by blindly sampling Pepsi Zero Sugar and Coke Zero Sugar. This one-of-a-kind kickoff offers surprise and delight moments, triggered when challengers select Pepsi Zero Sugar—the better tasting and more refreshing zero sugar cola. Participants can also score prizes and, of course, ultimate bragging rights. Adding to the excitement, fans can explore other New Orleans French Quarter-inspired activations from America’s favorite snack brands Doritos®, Tostitos®, Cheetos®, and Lay’s®, making “Chips and Sips Quarter” the ultimate Super Bowl weekend destination. Operating hours below:
Thursday, February 6: 4pm – 8pm
Friday, February 7: 11am – 8pm
Saturday, February 8: 9am – 8pm
Sunday, February 9: 11am – 3pm
The Pepsi Challenge Nationwide Tour: Starting in early spring, The Pepsi Challenge will travel from coast-to-coast stopping at cities across the United States, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Indianapolis, Baltimore, New York City, and more. Millions of people will have the chance to sip, taste, and choose the better-tasting cola for themselves. Choosing Pepsi Zero Sugar – the better tasting and more refreshing zero sugar cola— unlocks unique celebratory experiences for those with great taste. Visit Pepsichallenge.com for updates on tour locations and dates.
Score Pepsi: Pepsi will reward all challenge participants with a free 20oz bottle of Pepsi Zero Sugar, because even those with questionable taste deserve a second chance.
Pepsi Drops: Fans can enter for a chance to win exclusive Do-It-Yourself Pepsi Challenge Kits and other limited-edition Pepsi Challenge merchandise through sweepstakes on Pepsi.com.
"The Pepsi Challenge changed the game 50 years ago, and it’s back to do it again," said Jenny Danzi, Senior Director of Marketing, Pepsi. "We’re confident that when people put Pepsi Zero Sugar to the test, they’ll taste the difference. This is about showing the world, one sip at a time, what we already know – that Pepsi Zero Sugar is the best-tasting and most refreshing zero-sugar cola out there."
How The Pepsi Challenge Works:
Blind Taste Test: Challengers are presented with two unmarked cups – Cup A and Cup B – containing Pepsi Zero Sugar and Coke Zero Sugar.
Taste and Decide: Challengers sample both cups, taking their time to decide which they prefer.
Make Your Choice: Challengers select their favorite cola which triggers unique celebratory moments for those with great taste.
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