Pepsi Zero Vanilla & Cream vs. Coke Creamy Vanilla: The Holiday Soda Shootout

We have a full-blown cola war on our hands. Coca-Cola fired first with Holiday Creamy Vanilla Zero Sugar, rolling out since October 12. Yesterday — October 19 — Pepsi answered with Vanilla & Cream, also in a Zero Sugar version, also limited time, also in 12-packs and 20-ounce bottles.

Two vanilla-cream holiday colas, both zero sugar, both on shelves right now. The internet is

already calling Pepsi's a copycat. The only verdict that matters: which one tastes better.

The Contenders

• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Holiday Creamy Vanilla. Out since Oct 12. Classic Coke with a smooth, creamy vanilla twist — early tasters say it leans cream-soda. Festive soft-serve-swirl packaging.

• Pepsi Zero Sugar Vanilla & Cream. Out Oct 19. Rich vanilla and smooth cream over

  the Pepsi base — Pepsi's first new national holiday release in over 20 years (since Holiday Spice). Early reviews describe a creamy, dirty-soda-like finish on top of Pepsi Vanilla.

Is Pepsi Copying Coke?

Let's be honest: the timing is conspicuous. Coke's creamy vanilla debuted last holiday season, returned this October, and one week later Pepsi launches a vanilla-and-cream holiday cola. Soda fans online are not being subtle about it — "It's duplicating what Coke did last year" is the mildest take.

But here is the sugar-free dad's perspective: who cares? Two zero-sugar holiday colas competing for our business is the best possible outcome. Competition means better formulas, better prices, and a better chance this category sticks around past Christmas. Let the copycat debate rage — we win either way.

How to Run Your Own Taste Test

• Buy both this week. Both are limited time; Pepsi just launched today and Coke's has been out a week. Grab a 12-pack of each while both are fresh.

• Chill identically, taste blind. Same fridge, same temperature, same glassware. Have

• someone else pour so the packaging doesn't sway you.

• Judge on three things. Vanilla presence, cream smoothness, and cola backbone — does it still taste like the cola you know, or did the flavor bury it?

• The dirty-soda test. Pour over ice with a splash of half-and-half. If it turns into a legitimate

  dirty soda, that's a point earned.

The Dad Verdict

The real winner is anyone living sugar-free this holiday season: two major brands launched zero-sugar holiday colas within a week of each other. Run the taste test, pick your champion, and stock up — limited editions don't wait for indecision.