Pepsi is serving up holiday cheer with a side of laughter, courtesy of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and the launch of its limited-edition Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread Mini Cans. The festive innovation blends brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and molasses with Pepsi’s signature flavour, promising a holiday-inspired twist on the beloved soda.
The campaign kicked off on 4th December with a 60-second parody video titled “The Mini Holiday Baking Show” featuring O’Neal. The ad, available on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, delivers Shaq’s signature comedic flair as he competes to become the self-proclaimed “Greatest Baker of All Time.” True to form, Shaq’s antics include cracking eggs on his head, accidentally starting a fire, and humorously misusing “baking soda” before unveiling a can of the new flavour.
The TikTok Connection
Pepsi’s latest campaign isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a savvy move to leverage TikTok’s growing e-commerce capabilities. The limited-edition Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread Mini Cans are exclusively available through TikTok Shop and the brand’s Pepsi Drops sweepstakes platform until 11th December.
Jenny Danzi, Head of Pepsi Brand Marketing, highlighted the strategy:
“With the holiday season in full swing, we’re spreading some cheer by bringing Shaq’s hilarious baking antics to our social platforms and giving fans the chance to get their hands on this limited-edition flavor on TikTok through qualifying purchases and Pepsi Drops giveaways.”
Consumers can secure a free can of the gingerbread flavour by purchasing two 10-packs of Pepsi Mini Cans via TikTok Shop, showcasing how brands like Pepsi are tapping into social commerce to drive both sales and engagement.
Pepsi’s Track Record of Innovation
This isn’t Pepsi’s first foray into unique flavour pairings and creative campaigns. Earlier this year, the brand introduced Pepsi Lime and Pepsi Peach with a grilling-themed campaign featuring celebrity chef Bobby Flay. The brand also spotlighted its Wild Cherry flavour with a dedicated campaign that included partnerships with Betches and text-to-sample activations.
Pepsi’s collaborations with Shaq have consistently brought a playful and nostalgic edge to its marketing. Last year, Shaq starred in a campaign for Pepsi Mini Cans that referenced a beloved 1994 ad, and he even teamed up with Pepsi and Reebok to create sneakers capable of holding a Pepsi Mini Can in the sole.
A Recipe for Success
By blending Shaq’s larger-than-life personality with the holiday spirit, Pepsi is positioning itself as more than just a beverage brand—it’s a cultural force that understands the value of entertainment and engagement. The partnership between the brand and TikTok further demonstrates Pepsi’s commitment to staying ahead of digital trends while creating memorable experiences for its consumers.
The Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread Mini Cans campaign is a testament to how innovation, humour, and a touch of nostalgia can make a brand stand out in a competitive holiday market. Whether you’re a fan of Pepsi, Shaq, or simply curious about the new flavour, this campaign has something for everyone—just in time to add some sparkle to the season.
