In the world of soft drinks, Pepsi used to be Coca-Cola's main rival, but in 2025, the story seems to change in an unexpected way. Pepsi is no longer among the three best-selling sodas in the United States. What happened to the brand that was once the second strongest?
Coca-Cola remains on top
Coca-Cola dominates the U.S. carbonated beverage market, which moves about $97 billion. With a market share of 19.1%, it remains the public's favorite. Its secret is reinventing itself without losing its essence.
The brand has managed to connect with new generations, especially through fresh campaigns and collaborations with sports figures and young celebrities. In addition, they've expanded their range with sugar-free options, which are gaining more and more followers.
Dr Pepper, the silent competitor that grows
Meanwhile, as Pepsi loses ground, Dr Pepper has become the second most popular soda in the United States. With 8.3% of the market, it has surpassed Pepsi without making much noise.
What's its formula? Constant innovation in flavors and a strong presence on social media. Dr Pepper has become a phenomenon especially among Generation Z, who've made the brand go viral on TikTok and other platforms. Its sports and cultural sponsorships have also given it a modern and attractive vibe.
Sprite, the drink that surprised everyone
The big revelation is Sprite, which now holds third place with an 8.03% share, just above Pepsi. Many saw Sprite as a mixer or for specific situations, but Coca-Cola made a strong bet to renew it.
The "Obey Your Thirst" campaign returned with young stars like Anthony Edwards and Sha'Carri Richardson. In addition, Sprite Chill, a soda with an extra touch of freshness, caused millions in sales.
The most surprising thing is that Sprite rose without significantly increasing its advertising spending, showing an efficient and successful strategy.
Pepsi tries to recover, but the road is tough
Pepsi isn't giving up. It's trying to win back consumers with its full portfolio, including Pepsi Diet and Pepsi Zero Sugar. These lines keep Pepsi as the second brand in diet beverages.
To regain ground, Pepsi revived the Pepsi Challenge, a series of blind tastings in pop-up stores. The growth of the Wild Cherry flavor also stands out, which increased sales by 8% last year.
However, the market reflects a different reality: Pepsi is no longer on the overall podium. Consumers prefer more modern options, with different flavors and a renewed image.