Pepsi Roasted for First Condiment: ‘This Has to Be a Joke’

Pepsi has entered the condiment business in preparation for Independence Day, and not everyone is thrilled by the prospect of cola-flavored hotdogs.

The soda maker unveiled a new condiment on Tuesday, which was created as part of a collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America and competitive eater Joey Chestnut.

As a result of their combined efforts, a product called “Colachup” will be offered at baseball parks nationwide.

Colachup is described as a “Pepsi-infused condiment” that sports fans will have a unique chance to try at select ballparks.

The company said the “vibrant citrus blend” of the cola will enhance “the bright and tangy characteristics of ketchup,” therefore “offsetting the smokiness of the hot dog.”

Citing the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, Pepsi said Americans are expected to eat more than 150 million hot dogs on July 4.

The company said in a statement, “Pepsi is so confident that hot dogs are #BetterWithPepsi, the brand is taking hot dog enjoyment to the next level with Pepsi Colachup, giving fans the chance to add even more of the iconic sweet, citrusy taste of a crisp, refreshing Pepsi-Cola directly onto their hot dog.”

Chestnut, a 15-time hotdog-eating champion, touted the product in a comment released by Pepsi.

“People might be surprised, but outside of competitions I love eating hot dogs at a more leisurely pace, and there’s no better way to eat a hot dog — steamed, grilled, or fried — than with a perfectly cool and crisp Pepsi,” he said.

While Pepsi’s paid partner might be thrilled by the new condiment, some people on Twitter expressed some serious doubts about it:

This has to be a joke

— Troy Bulerski (@Troy_Bulerski) June 27, 2023

american food scientists have to be some of the most deranged people in human history https://t.co/GX27RbIfUT

— autoerotic yassification (@loving_sight) June 27, 2023

Why? pic.twitter.com/Spju67R5Hr

— Margaeyre (@margaeyre) June 27, 2023

I love ya Pepsi, but this is a hard pass for me.

— 🦣 RoshiWatches 🇺🇦 🌻 (@RoshiWatches) June 27, 2023

I can sort of see the use of Pepsi since times are hard, but ketchup too? pic.twitter.com/J8kIm6hOLp

— Jreff (@DrDowder) June 27, 2023

c’mon man

— woke mind vacation caleb (@eclecticprawn) June 27, 2023

Fans of Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees will have a chance to sample the new condiment on July 4 at home games.

But the company warned not to get hooked on Colachup, as it is only available for a limited time.