Pepsi’s Food-Focused Twist on “Share a Pepsi” Wins Hearts

Pepsi’s “Share a Pepsi” Campaign: Serving Up Fun with a Foodie Twist

This summer, Pepsi is shaking up the cola wars with a playful new campaign that puts food—and not just people—at the heart of its bottles. In a move that echoes Coca-Cola’s iconic “Share a Coke” campaign, Pepsi’s latest “Share a Pepsi” initiative features packaging adorned with names of popular foods like burgers, wings, and pizza, inviting everyone to enjoy their favorite meals with an ice-cold Pepsi.

From Names to Meals: A New Spin on Sharing

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign which began in 2011, famously put people’s names on bottles, turning every drink into a personal connection. The campaign was so successful that Coke revived it in March 2025, targeting Gen Z with new digital and in-person experiences, and rolling it out in over 120 countries. Coke’s message is all about nostalgia and the joy of sharing a can with someone special.

Pepsi, however, is taking a different route. Instead of focusing on personal identity, Pepsi’s “Share a Pepsi” campaign is all about shared food moments. By putting food names on its bottles, Pepsi is betting that people bond more over meals than over finding their names on a drink. The campaign is an extension of Pepsi’s “Food Deserves Pepsi” initiative from 2024, which positioned Pepsi as the perfect companion for every meal, whether it’s a cheesy pizza or spicy wings.

Why Food? Pepsi’s Bet on Meal Moments

Pepsi’s strategy is simple but clever: meals are universal, and everyone has a favorite food. By linking Pepsi to popular foods, the brand is making itself part of everyday dining occasions. The campaign’s message is clear—no matter what you’re eating, it tastes better with a Pepsi.

This approach is more democratic and inclusive, appealing to everyone’s appetite rather than just those who find their name on a bottle. It’s a move that shifts the focus from novelty to shared experiences, making Pepsi the go-to drink for any meal.

Creative Campaigns and Cola Rivalry

Pepsi’s food-focused campaign isn’t its only creative move. Last year, the brand ran “Pepsi Chase Cars,” where agents chased down pizza delivery drivers to add a Pepsi to their orders. More recently, the “BBQ Crashers” campaign saw Pepsi “crashers” swapping out other colas at cookouts for Pepsi, reinforcing the message that every meal deserves a Pepsi.

The rivalry between Pepsi and Coca-Cola remains as fierce as ever. Just before the IPL season in March, Pepsi launched its “Anytime is Pepsi Time” campaign, a cheeky response to Coca-Cola’s “Halftime” ad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pepsi’s message: why wait for a break when you can enjoy Pepsi any time?

A Battle of Wits—and Taste Buds

This ongoing back-and-forth between the two cola giants keeps the marketing world buzzing and consumers entertained. Both brands use strategic mimicry and clever differentiation to stay in the spotlight and win market share. Pepsi’s latest campaign is a perfect example—borrowing the “share” idea but making it all about food, not just names.

What’s Next for Pepsi?

With “Share a Pepsi,” the brand is doubling down on its belief that food and Pepsi are a match made in heaven. By making meal times the center of its campaign, Pepsi is hoping to become a permanent fixture at dining tables across the country.

As the cola wars continue, one thing is certain: whether you’re sharing a burger, a slice of pizza, or a plate of wings, Pepsi wants to be right there with you—refreshing, fizzy, and always part of the fun.