Pepsi Ketchup? Competitive Eater Joey Chestnut Unveils Secret Weapon

PURCHASE, NY — It's not surprising to learn that sales of both hot dogs and Pepsi spike ahead of the 4th of July holiday, but the Purchase-based cola giant is going to great lengths to make sure those celebrating Independence Day make a lasting connection between the iconic American backyard cookout staples.

Pepsi "Colachup," the first-ever Pepsi-infused condiment, will debut at Major League ballparks across the U.S. and the company has tapped a heavy hitter to help sell Americans on the new flavor marriage created by the Culinary Institute of America.

"The concept is both simple and creative," CIA Consulting's David Kamen explained. "The distinctive flavors and vibrant citrus blend of Pepsi enhances the bright and tangy characteristics of ketchup, offsetting the smokiness of the hot dog. It's a whole new way to enjoy two American classics."

World-renowned hot dog expert Joey Chestnut, widely considered the greatest competitive eater of all time, is weighing in to let consumers know the best way to eat a hot dog is with a refreshing, ice cold Pepsi (even if they can’t get their hands on the Pepsi Colachup).

"I’m thrilled to be partnering with Pepsi to show America that hot dogs go better with Pepsi," 15-time hot dog-eating champion, Chestnut said. "People might be surprised, but outside of competition I love eating hot dogs at a more leisurely pace, and there’s no better way to eat a hot dog – steamed, grilled, or fried – than with a perfectly cool and crisp Pepsi."

The best way to try Pepsi Colachup is to head to the ballpark, but it's not enough to just enjoy America's favorite pastime for the holiday, you will need to choose the right stadium and seats as well.

Fans will have access to the chance to add even more of the iconic sweet, citrusy taste of a crisp, refreshing Pepsi-Cola directly onto their hot dog. On July 4, Pepsi is teaming up with the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees for exclusive in-stadium sampling during the team’s home games. Hot dog enthusiasts who want to be the first to try Pepsi Colachup can look for the sampling carts at these stadium locations:

• Chase Field inPhoenix in Sections 130/131
• Yankee Stadium, at the Pepsi Lounge (Pepsi Lounge Ticket Required)
• Target Field in Minneapolis in Section 113
• Comerica Park in Detroit in Section 139

"We have always known that hot dogs taste better with Pepsi, and now the experts think so too," Pepsi spokesperson Jenny Danzi said. "We're thrilled to elevate this unparalleled pairing and build off our #BetterWithPepsi campaigns of past summers, when we proved that pizza and burgers go #BetterWithPepsi. We invented Pepsi Colachup to reinforce just how well hot dogs and Pepsi go together – an unapologetically mouthwatering creation that seamlessly merges a condiment with the ultimate hot dog pairing beverage, delivering a unified taste experience."

Fans who can’t make it to the ballpark can still experience the joy of Pepsi with a hot dog. All weekend long through July 4, consumers who purchase a hot dog (or dogs) with a Pepsi at any food service or retail location can get the Pepsi comped by texting "FREEPEPSI" to 81234 and uploading the receipt that clearly shows a hot dog and a Pepsi purchase to get reimbursed the cost of a 20-ounce Pepsi product, via PayPal, Venmo or Digital Retailer Gift Card.