PepsiCo Plans Back-to-Basics Super Bowl Ad Campaign
PepsiCo is gearing up for the 2026 Super Bowl with a strategically focused advertising lineup that places emphasis on core brands and simplicity. The company has announced it will feature Poppi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, and Lay’s in its upcoming Super Bowl commercials, signaling a return to foundational marketing principles under the leadership of Mark Kirkham, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo U.S. Beverages.
This marks a significant shift from recent years when PepsiCo experimented with celebrity-heavy, high-concept advertisements. The upcoming campaign reflects a broader initiative to focus on the strength of its flagship products and connect with consumers through authenticity and brand familiarity.
Poppi Returns With PepsiCo’s Support
Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand that PepsiCo acquired in 2025, will make its third Super Bowl appearance but its first under the full umbrella of PepsiCo. Known for its health-conscious formula and bright, engaging branding, Poppi was a standout in previous Super Bowl ad slots, even before the acquisition.
PepsiCo plans to leverage Poppi’s growing popularity among younger consumers who are seeking alternatives to traditional soft drinks. The ad is expected to highlight Poppi’s distinctive flavors and wellness-oriented message, now backed by PepsiCo’s distribution and marketing muscle.
“Poppi represents the future of what consumers are looking for in beverages—functionality, flavor, and fun,” Kirkham said in a recent statement. “We’re excited to bring it to the Super Bowl stage in a big way.”
Pepsi Zero Sugar Emphasizes Better Taste
Pepsi Zero Sugar will also be featured in the 2026 Super Bowl ad slate. The zero-calorie soda has been a key player in PepsiCo’s portfolio, especially as consumers look for healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste.
The new campaign will spotlight Pepsi Zero Sugar’s improved formula, which the company introduced earlier this year. The ad is expected to focus on taste comparisons and real reactions, moving away from abstract concepts and instead highlighting product quality in a straightforward manner.
“We’ve refined the product based on consumer feedback and now we’re ready to show the world just how good Pepsi Zero Sugar tastes,” said Kirkham. “This Super Bowl moment is the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Lay’s Brings Comfort and Familiarity
Rounding out the lineup is Lay’s, the iconic snack brand that has long been a staple of PepsiCo’s Super Bowl advertising. This year, the approach will be more grounded, focusing on the emotional connection consumers have with the brand.
The commercial will likely avoid over-the-top stunts or celebrity cameos and instead lean into nostalgia and the joy of sharing a bag of chips with family and friends. It’s a strategy designed to evoke warm emotions and reinforce Lay’s position as a go-to snack for everyday occasions.
“There’s nothing quite like the crunch of a Lay’s chip during a big game,” said Kirkham. “We want to remind people of those simple, happy moments that Lay’s has always been a part of.”
A Strategic Shift Toward Simplicity
PepsiCo’s 2026 Super Bowl campaign reflects a broader marketing philosophy that prioritizes clarity and consistency. Under Kirkham’s leadership, the company is emphasizing product-focused storytelling over complex narratives. This change comes as advertising across the food and beverage industry becomes increasingly competitive, particularly in convenience stores and fast-casual markets where consumer attention is hard-won.
The company’s new direction is not just about advertising during big events like the Super Bowl—it’s about reinforcing brand identity across all touchpoints. From in-store displays to digital marketing, PepsiCo aims to make its product benefits immediately clear and appealing.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl 2026
With an estimated 100 million viewers expected to tune in, the Super Bowl remains one of the most valuable advertising platforms in the world. PepsiCo’s decision to spotlight three of its most promising and well-known brands—Poppi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, and Lay’s—demonstrates a calculated move to drive both brand recognition and sales.
Industry analysts view PepsiCo’s approach as a smart response to shifting consumer expectations. “Consumers today want transparency, quality, and a sense of connection,” said one marketing expert. “PepsiCo’s back-to-basics strategy could be a winning formula.”
As the countdown to Super Bowl 2026 continues, all eyes will be on how these ads resonate with viewers—and whether the simplified approach marks a lasting change in the company’s advertising playbook.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.