Two holiday icons are stirring up chaos in snack aisles across the U.K. this week: Gingerbread Pepsi and Gingerbread Doritos.
The limited-edition releases, both from PepsiCo, have sparked the kind of online debate that only weird seasonal flavors can inspire — equal parts curiosity, horror, and holiday cheer.
Food blogger Snackolator first broke the news on Instagram, posting a photo of the two products side by side with a caption that summed up everyone’s feelings: “I’m not sure how I feel about this, but I absolutely NEED to try them.”
The gingerbread-themed Pepsi isn’t entirely new — a Zero Sugar version appeared last year as a TikTok giveaway in mini cans — but the Doritos flavor is. Shoppers in the U.K. are already spotting both on shelves, just in time for the start of the Christmas season.
Reactions are predictably all over the place. Sweet, spicy, and… crunchy?
Doritos Gingerbread joins a holiday lineup that also includes Walkers Beef Wellington and Walkers Emmental Cheese crisps. PepsiCo’s marketing director Rob Pothier said the company wanted to “tap into consumer demand for special flavors and formats” while adding some festive fun.
“Christmas is a time of togetherness and joy—and our festive snack range is designed to reflect just that,” Pothier said. “With bold new flavors like Doritos Gingerbread… we’re helping consumers make every moment of the season a little more joyful.”
That may be optimistic, given some of the early reviews. One Instagram user claimed to have already tried the Doritos: “They won’t be for everyone, but I thought they were OK. Not amazing, but not terrible.”
Another added, “I remember the ginger Pepsi from last year — it was okay, maybe the Doritos will be better. I do love Doritos.”
Will they reach the U.S.?
So far, the launch is limited to the U.K., but Snackolator’s post quickly filled with American fans begging for a stateside release. “Would you want to see both, either, or neither of these in the U.S.?” the blogger asked.
Judging by the comment section, the answer depends on how brave your taste buds are.
Whether this flavor mashup becomes a viral hit or a holiday flop, it’s undeniably doing what every limited-edition snack aims for — getting everyone talking.
Because love it or hate it, gingerbread Doritos and gingerbread Pepsi are the kind of chaotic festive energy the internet lives for.
Source: Parade