Canada-Exclusive Maple Pepsi Can Remains in Place

Although I never anticipated the maple syrup-Pepsi tie-in would stretch beyond that initial giveaway, I now hold the third edition of this quirky concept. Earlier this year, Pepsi rolled out a patriotic maple-flavored zero-sugar cola that was a Canada-exclusive release. When I reported on the news, I said I’d be watching for importers who could snag me a can of this somewhat syrup-forward soda. Serendipitously, I know where to source the good stuff. In March I picked up my own can of this golden faux-sap at KC Soda Co. (the best soda shop in America, if you haven’t heard). Now the question is whether we should urge Pepsi to launch this domestically or keep it strictly up north.

Canada-Exclusive Pepsi: Review of Pepsi Zero Sugar Maple Cola

Canada-Exclusive Pepsi!

Pros: Technically speaking, maple and maple syrup are distinct flavors, so this isn’t a maple-syrup-flavored beverage. The product keeps those two ideas separate, which should reassure anyone worried that Pepsi mixed them up.

Cons: As someone who enjoyed the IHOP Maple Syrup Pepsi, I expected something similar—just without the sugar. It turns out that sweetness plays a crucial role in a sugar-forward cola, and this version misses the mark in that regard.

There’s a notably artificial maple essence here, paired with a truly over-the-top artificial sweetener aftertaste. While I did enjoy the European Zero Sugar Pepsi Strawberries ’n’ Creme, I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a standard Zero Sugar Pepsi; I’d hoped this would be closer to the classic silver-medal cola than this dessert-like variant remains.

I can’t even claim this is past its best-by date, since there’s no date printed on the can. (Do Canadians not use best-by dates? Are there containers of uncertain age up there? A wellness check might be in order.) In conclusion, I must apologize to Canada for the sobering fact that this is what passes for an exciting patriotic beverage in their country.

Rating:

4/10