Happy holidays, here¡¯s a novelty soda to celebrate! Pepsi Japan trails only KitKat when it comes to out-there flavor ideas for its signature item, with the past few years featuring cucumber and baobab among others. Now comes a slightly sweeter special ¡ª Pepsi Christmas Cola, which aims to capture the taste of a Japanese-style Christmas shortcake.
Well, the cream found in said dessert to be specific. But this has captured people¡¯s attention for being a strange flavor to try replicating in cola form. The soda (?140) goes the extra step in sticking to theme by also promising to deliver a subtle strawberry taste alongside all the sweetness. That¡¯s dedication.
Yet good luck finding that supposed fruity touch. Pepsi¡¯s attempt at a creamy taste completely dominates this beverage, and not in a good way. It tastes less like shortcake and more like Calpis, except this limited-run offering also packs a lingering aftertaste that is best described as ¡°slightly stinging.¡± Of course, the actual taste doesn¡¯t matter ¡ª the weirdness of the concoction is meant to score some easy media attention and give Pepsi¡¯s bottom line a nice Christmas boost. Try it for the thrill of it, but don¡¯t bother packing it into the kids¡¯ stockings.
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