As soda trends continue to evolve, brands are blending nostalgia with modern nutrition to win over a new generation of fans. To start 2026, PepsiCo is tapping into a childhood classic with a fresh, better-for-you twist that’s already generating serious buzz.
PepsiCo’s New Shirley Temple Soda
The soda landscape saw a major resurgence in 2025, with both legacy brands and emerging players experimenting with flavors that balanced familiarity and innovation. Against that backdrop, PepsiCo is kicking off 2026 with a release that feels both nostalgic and timely. Through its fast-growing functional soda brand Poppi, PepsiCo has officially launched Poppi Shirley Temple—a modern take on one of the most beloved non-alcoholic drinks of all time.
The new flavor combines classic citrus and cherry notes with Poppi’s signature low-sugar, prebiotic-forward formula, and early reactions suggest it could become one of the brand’s most popular offerings yet.
Why Nostalgic PepsiCo Soda Flavors Are Everywhere Right Now
Over the past year, soda brands have leaned heavily into nostalgia. Familiar flavors from decades past are being reimagined to appeal to consumers who want comfort without excess sugar or calories.
In 2025, Coca-Cola revived Diet Coke Lime, while 7Up released a limited-edition Shirley Temple flavor that sold out quickly. At the same time, functional soda brands such as Olipop and Bloom Nutrition debuted their own versions of nostalgic drinks, proving that childhood flavors still resonate.
This resurgence has made Shirley Temple-inspired beverages especially popular, from classic soda riffs to adult “Dirty Shirley” mocktail-style drinks. Poppi’s entry into this space feels like a natural next step.
What Is Poppi Shirley Temple Soda?
Poppi Shirley Temple is a prebiotic soda inspired by the traditional Shirley Temple drink, which typically combines lemon-lime soda with grenadine. Poppi’s version captures that flavor profile while aligning with the brand’s wellness-forward approach.
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The soda delivers bright citrus notes balanced with cherry sweetness, finished with crisp carbonation. Unlike traditional sodas, it contains just five grams of sugar, 30 calories, and no caffeine, making it suitable for all-day sipping.
Here’s a quick overview of the new soda:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Shirley Temple |
| Sugar | 5 grams per can |
| Calories | 30 |
| Caffeine | None |
| Functional Ingredient | Prebiotic fiber |
Like the rest of Poppi’s lineup, Shirley Temple includes prebiotic fiber designed to support gut health without compromising taste.
How Poppi Compares to Other Shirley Temple Sodas
Several brands have attempted Shirley Temple-inspired sodas over the past year, but Poppi’s version stands out for its balance. While some renditions lean heavily sweet or overly artificial, Poppi Shirley Temple focuses on recreating the authentic flavor of the original drink.
The lemon-lime brightness is noticeable but not sharp, and the cherry flavor resembles grenadine rather than candy. This balance helps it feel true to the classic beverage, even with its reduced sugar content.
| Brand | Sugar (per serving) | Functional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Poppi Shirley Temple | 5g | Prebiotic fiber |
| Traditional Shirley Temple soda | 25g+ | None |
| Other nostalgic sodas | 10–15g | Varies |
This approach makes Poppi’s version appealing to soda lovers who want authenticity without the sugar overload.
A First Taste: Why Fans Are Loving It
Poppi’s flavors have always sparked strong opinions, and Shirley Temple is no exception. Early tasters, including longtime soda fans, have responded enthusiastically. Many describe it as the most accurate Shirley Temple soda currently on the market.
The cherry sweetness is smooth rather than syrupy, while the citrus notes provide a refreshing lift. The carbonation adds a crisp finish that makes the soda feel complete rather than diluted or flat.
Fans commenting on Poppi’s social media teasers have already called it their new favorite flavor, with some hoping it becomes a permanent part of the lineup.
Where and When You Can Buy Poppi Shirley Soda?
Poppi Shirley Temple is officially available nationwide beginning January 2026. Distribution is rolling out across major retailers, with some shoppers already spotting it in stores.
Confirmed retailers include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Amazon
The soda will also continue expanding to additional stores such as Target and Publix in the coming weeks, depending on location. Availability may vary during the initial rollout, especially as demand increases.
Why This Launch Matters for Poppi and PepsiCo?
For PepsiCo, Poppi represents a strategic investment in the future of soda. As consumers increasingly seek lower-sugar and functional beverages, brands that can deliver flavor without compromise are gaining ground.
Poppi Shirley Temple demonstrates how nostalgia can be reworked to fit modern preferences. Instead of creating an entirely new flavor concept, the brand leaned into something familiar and executed it thoughtfully.
This release also reinforces Poppi’s identity as a bridge between classic soda lovers and health-conscious shoppers—a space that continues to grow rapidly.
What to Know Before Trying It?
If you’re considering picking up Poppi Shirley Temple, a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- The flavor is true to a classic Shirley Temple, not overly sweet
- It contains prebiotic fiber, which may taste slightly different than traditional soda
- Availability may be limited early on due to high demand
For fans of citrus-cherry sodas or nostalgic drinks, it’s an easy addition to the shopping list.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Poppi Shirley Temple caffeinated?
No. The soda contains no caffeine, making it suitable for any time of day.
2. Does it actually taste like a Shirley Temple?
Yes. The flavor closely mimics the classic lemon-lime and grenadine combination.
3. Is Poppi Shirley Temple low in sugar?
Yes. It contains just five grams of sugar per can.
4. Will this flavor be permanent?
Poppi has not confirmed whether Shirley Temple will be a permanent offering.
By blending nostalgia with modern nutrition, Poppi Shirley Temple shows how classic flavors can feel brand new again, making it one of the most talked-about soda launches of early 2026.
