What Flavor Is Pepsi?

Today, we’re not just food writers, but also soda detectives, as we investigate a mystery that has been puzzling the general public for as long as the bottling plant has been pumping: Just what flavor is Pepsi? 

We know it’s a cola, but it definitely doesn’t taste like Coca-Cola. What sets Pepsi apart? Grab your magnifying glasses and legally change your name to Watson, because today we’re discussing what the flavors are of not only Pepsi classic, but also the flavors of offshoots like Crystal Pepsi, Nitro Pepsi, and Pepsi Blue. Let’s talk Pepsi, folks! 

What is the flavor of Pepsi?

Alright, get those clearance badges ready to scan, because we’re unveiling the truth. The deliciously unique flavor of Pepsi comes from a distinct blend of ingredients: caramel, vanilla, and cola nut extract. Those ingredients combine to create Pepsi’s signature flavor. Want to know the exact difference between Coke and Pepsi? We wrote an entire article on that topic. 

Did Pepsi change its flavor?

Cola connoisseurs may have realized that Pepsi did indeed reformulate its recipe in 2023—but only in the UK. It was reconfigured to lessen its sugar content, and now contains approximately 57% less sugar. To get mathematical, this means a “classic” can of UK Pepsi will now contain only 15 grams of sugar rather than the previous 36 grams. Do people like it? They do not. 

But things didn’t totally stay the same Stateside. In 2023, PepsiCo changed up the formula for Pepsi Zero in the U.S. According to the brand, the new Pepsi Zero Sugar “uses a new sweetener system to land a more refreshing and bolder taste profile.” 

What flavor is Crystal Pepsi?

As we dive deeper into the variations Pepsi has offered its consumers over the years, you may recall in the early ‘90s when the brand unveiled a clear version of the soda called Crystal Pepsi. It was often described as having a milder, citrus-like flavor compared to regular cola, but was generally believed to be, for the most part, a transparent copy of the original.

What flavor is Nitro Pepsi?

More recently, the Pepsi brand rolled out Nitro Pepsi, which is, as you might assume, infused with nitrogen. According to drinkers, Nitro Pepsi essentially tastes like “flat” Pepsi. That lack of carbonation makes it taste much sweeter. It has also been described as being a bit more “creamy and buttery.” Yum…?

What flavor is Pepsi Blue?

Another discontinued Pepsi flavor, Pepsi Blue was an aqua-hued concoction that had a flavor Pepsi described as “berry.” Customers likened the taste to blueberries or raspberries, or even cotton candy with a berry-like aftertaste and much sweeter than regular Pepsi. 

What flavor is Pepsi Fire?

Pepsi Fire was a spicy, cinnamon-flavored Pepsi variation. It got a wide release in the U.S. 2017 after first launching in 7-Eleven locations. According to some theories, it was inspired by the popularity of Fireball whisky.