Pepsi Introduces First-Ever Condiment Just in Time for Grilling Season
Pepsi is no longer just a soda you can drink, it's now a condiment you can use on all your favorite vegetables and grilled meat.
This isn't a joke, either. The company revealed it's launching its first saucy ketchup-like product just in time for summer BBQ season–and you're going to want to get your hands on a bottle of it, according to competitive eater Joey Chestnut.
According to a press release shared on Tuesday, June 27, the fizzy cola brand consulted with the experts at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York to develop its revolutionary Colachup, which the company reports to be "the world's first Pepsi-infused condiment."
While the flavor-pairing may sound strange, as Chestnut said in a statement, "there's no better way to eat a hot dog–steamed, grilled, or fried–than with a perfectly cool and crisp Pepsi," so maybe it's a natural fit–after all, some of the best barbecue sauces basically boil down to a sweet and tangy sauce.
PepsiCo
"The concept is both simple and creative. The distinctive flavors and vibrant citrus blend of Pepsi enhances the bright and tangy characteristics of ketchup, offsetting the smokiness of the hot dog," explained David Kamen, the director of client experience for CIA Consulting. "It's a whole new way to enjoy two American classics!"
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"Pepsi has long been part of American culture and its cool crisp taste has been a favorite beverage choice for generations of Americans. We have always known that hot dogs taste better with Pepsi, and now the experts think so too," added Jenny Danzi, senior director for the Pepsi brand.
The sauce is said to incorporate a variety of flavor-packed ingredients–such as smoked tomatoes, onions and a blend of spices that includes cinnamon, thyme, oregano, and paprika–which results in a “sweet, citrusy taste” of a crisp-tasting Pepsi, per a foodie influencer, known as Markie_devo on Instagram.
Those looking to try the limited-edition sauce will have to be in attendance at one of four major US ballparks on the 4th of July where the brand has set up "sampling carts," the list of locations include Chase Field in Phoenix, Yankee Stadium in NYC's Bronx section, Target Field in Minneapolis and Comerica Park in Detroit.
The limited edition sauce is part of Pepsi’s two-year-old “Better with Pepsi” ad campaign, and though it's unclear, it's unlikely that this is anything more than an interactive marketing initiative. But should the taste testing be successful, and the brand announces a plan to bottle and sell its Colachup in-store, Parade will be the first to tell you.
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