“Marketing in the News” Pepsi "The Choice" SuperBowl Ad 2026

I’ve never really had strong loyalty to Pepsi. It’s a brands that has always been around wherever you go. I have always prioritized Coca-Cola and never put that much energy into picking out a soda. When someone is looking for something refreshing and tasty is Pepsi the first thing that comes to mind? 

In there new commercial "The Choice”, Pepsi  stood out to me because they have shifted their narrative with this 2026 super bowl commercial. They make the claim that when you choose to buy Pepsi every aspect of your life improves. The polar bears are used to Pepsi is making a statement that people who drink Pepsi are taking back control in a confident way that makes you feel good about yourself. Weather or not you like Pepsi is irrelevant because the target for this ad is about decision making and what we do with our lives. They clearly communicate the message that when you make the choice to drink Pepsi you feel better about your self.  

 

  

The Coca-Cola bears were also great choice for Pepsi because its a subtle jab at there leading competitor. Plus we all have know the Coca-Cola bears as a warming and nostalgic symbol that inspires great taste and has done very well for Coke in the past. Most people including Pepsi know that their drinks are very similar in taste, so making the bear sip the Pepsi and get excited reminds people that the only real difference between the two brands it how they advertise. 

The overall purpose for this campaign is to remind and inspire people to make choices that bring them happiness. The bear goes to a therapy session and the quote is "This is about to get heavy" and then "I Want To Break Free" by Queen starts playing as it cuts to the bear walking through NYC. Looks into a café and sees people hanging out laughing and having a good time, and I bet you cant guess what they are all drinking. Yep, that's right; Pepsi.

Then it cuts to a lady polar bear taping on his shoulder and with a happy and joyous face offers him a sip of her Pepsi. This part really connects to the emotional/Compassionate side of our brains because even though they are polar bears, our brains connect with this feeling instantly because of our mirror neurons. Its really effective because people will remember this feeling the next time they are looking to buy a soda. And then the final part of this commercial is them at a concert up on the main stage drinking a Pepsi with the slogan. 

"You Deserve TASTE, YOU DESERVE PEPSI"