Purchase-Based Pepsi Drops A Nitrogen Bomb On The Cola Wars

PURCHASE, NY — Sometimes a small difference can make a big change. Purchase-based PepsiCo is hoping a subtle nitrogen boost can help reach an untapped market.

The cola wars have been simmering for more than a century.

While the battles had a slew of dramatic flavor and packaging changes, cola execs note that one thing has remained the same since the very beginning — the bubbles. PepsiCo plans to change this with an unexpected entry into the market — Nitro Pepsi.

"While soda has been a beverage of choice for so many consumers over the past century, some people still cite heavy carbonation as a barrier to enjoying an ice-cold cola," Pepsi Marketing VP Todd Kaplan said. "With this in mind, we wanted to come up with a new way for people to enjoy delicious Pepsi cola, but with a new experience around the bubbles. Nitro Pepsi is a first-of-its-kind innovation that creates a smooth, creamy, delicious taste experience for fans everywhere. Much like how nitrogen has transformed the beer and coffee categories, we believe Nitro Pepsi is a huge leap forward for the cola category and will redefine cola for years to come."

See Also:

The Next Big Idea From Purchase: Flamin' Hot Mountain Dew?

Cracker Jack-Flavored Pepsi With A Prize On The Side

Nitro Pepsi is the first-ever nitrogen-infused cola. Its creators describe the product as "softer than a soft drink." The creamier, smoother addition has a "mesmerizing cascade of tiny bubbles topped off by a frothy foam head" — think Guinness, but without the hangover.

In fact, the new soda category is made possible by a "widget" placed at the bottom of every can. PepsiCo says this is the first time this type of technology, often seen in canned beer and coffee, is being used in a soft drink.

The nitrogen-infused beverage reportedly does not look or taste like a traditional cola. The brand-new style of soda is intended to be consumed differently as well.

According to the company, Nitro Pepsi is:

• Best served cold, ideally without ice.
• Best "hard poured" or fully inverted into a tall glass.
• Best enjoyed sipped directly from the glass (rather than through a straw), allowing the unique foam head to leave a frothy, foamy mustache.

Nitro Pepsi will initially be available in two flavors, "Draft Cola" and "Vanilla Draft Cola." The new Nitro Pepsi will be available nationwide on March 28. In addition, fans will be able to try Nitro Pepsi 'on tap' for the first time beginning March 25, in the Sky Lounge at The High Roller Observation Wheel at THE LINQ Promenade on the Las Vegas Strip.