Coca-Cola knocks Pepsi out again in the U.S.: 'The best news'

There are decisions that, even if they seem small, generate a real stir. In the United States, a simple change of beverage on board a cruise ship has been a reason for celebration for thousands of people. What is curious is that the enthusiasm hasn't been limited to the ship, but has spread across social media.

Carnival Cruise Line has decided to once again offer Coca-Cola products instead of Pepsi, which has been met with a flood of positive comments. The announcement has come after years of requests from passengers, many of whom had expressed their desire to have the option to enjoy Coca-Cola on board again. Many have interpreted this move as a symbolic victory in a long-standing brand rivalry.

Coca-Cola triumphs while Pepsi keeps losing ground

Coca-Cola continues to comfortably lead the U.S. cola soft drink market. In 2023, its different versions—classic Coca-Cola, Zero, and caffeine-free—accounted for 69% of sales of this type of beverage in the United States. According to Visual Capitalist, Pepsi products barely reached 27%, confirming a steady decline that has persisted since the 1990s.

The most significant thing is that Pepsi hasn't only lost ground to Coca-Cola, but also to other competitors. According to recent data, Dr Pepper tied with Pepsi in 2024, with a market share of 8.3%, making it clear that second place is no longer guaranteed. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola keeps the overall lead in the soft drink market, with 19.2% of the total sales volume, far ahead of its rivals, according to Beverage Digest.

One detail that clearly illustrates this difference can be seen on airplanes. On flights with airlines like JetBlue, when flight attendants approach, many passengers ask for a Coca-Cola, not knowing that this airline serves Pepsi. What usually follows is the typical question: "Is it Pepsi?", something many accept with resignation.

A return that made social media explode

The return of Coca-Cola to Carnival Cruise Line was met with enthusiasm by regular travelers. The news was published by the brand's ambassador, John Heald, and comments quickly followed. "I've asked for this for years, they finally got it right," wrote Kenneth Winslow.

However, not everyone was equally happy; some lamented the loss of products like Mountain Dew, a PepsiCo classic. "It's the only drink I have, I hate having to bring my own pack again," commented Heather Dickerson. Even so, most applauded the decision, highlighting that Coca-Cola has an unmistakable taste and a greater variety of sugar-free options.

The change, announced in June, will take effect in September. Until then, passengers can bring their own cans on board if they wish. Michael Stadler summed it up with a phrase that went very viral: "This is the best news I've read today, friends don't let friends drink Pepsi." In the eternal cola battle, it seems that Coca-Cola still has the upper hand.