As the two best-known cola manufacturers, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have been locked in a struggle for decades.
While Pepsi often ranks second, the corporate powerhouse continues to chase Coca-Cola consumers at an impressive pace. And although Coca-Cola remains ahead, it’s had its share of stumbles — all of which PepsiCo could use to its advantage.
The two have most recently battled over the “dirty soda” trend, which involves adding flavored creams to sodas. Coca-Cola CEO Henrique Braun mentioned Coca-Cola Cherry Float, which features a vanilla cream flavor, “contributed strongly to revenue growth” during the first quarter, according to MarketWatch.
Meanwhile, Dirty Mountain Dew is performing well for PepsiCo, CEO Ramon Laguarta said during the company’s Q1 earnings call in 2026.
Of course, the overall picture is much bigger than just Coke and Pepsi. Each company owns a massive slate of brands that include both drinks and snacks, and it’s profitable for both.
Coca-Cola reported 7% growth in net revenue and a 9% increase in operating income during its July earnings call. PepsiCo reported mixed results, slightly exceeding its revenue forecast at $24.18 billion ($23.95 billion expected), but showing stronger growth internationally than domestically, CNBC confirmed.
While the giants duke it out, an interesting new challenger has entered the ring from a company you wouldn’t have expected.
7-Eleven introduces its own soda brand
The next time you swing into a 7-Eleven, look for three new sodas in the company’s 7-Select line, which includes energy beverage 7-Select Fusion Energy and 7-Select Rehydrate.
“7-Select Soda reflects what the 7-Select brand stands for: variety, dependable quality, and value,” said Nikki Boyers, vice president of private brands, emerging brands, and 7 Ventures at 7-Eleven, in a press release.
This new offering is the latest example of how 7-Select keeps evolving, introducing new flavors and products that exceed expectations for what convenience should taste like.
Consumers can try three new flavors. The first is Cola Classic, which the brand describes as “a signature cola flavor with a timeless, old-school taste that taps into nostalgia and satisfies long-time cola loyalists.”
Next up is Orange Soda, which it says is “a bright, bubbly orange soda bursting with vibrant citrus and a touch of sweetness, delivering a tangy flavor experience that doesn’t disappoint.”
Last on the list is Lemon-Lime Twist, “a crisp lemon-lime soda that blends tart lemon and smooth lime with a lively citrus pop — light, caffeine-free and balanced from the first sip to last.”
The beverages are available in 20-ounce bottles retailing for $1.99 each. Aimed at fans of Coke, Fanta, and 7UP/Sprite, these new drinks are available now at participating Speedway and Stripes stores as well as at 7-Eleven locations.
7-Eleven launched the 7-Select line in 2008. Today, it includes everything from potato chips to ice cream at affordable prices without compromising on quality. And that makes it a high-value product in the current financial landscape.
Why 7-Eleven just made a smart move
7-Select’s product line has been around for years, and shoppers have responded positively to it for some time. The timing of these new sodas, however, is spot on.
They’re hitting shelves at a time when people are deeply worried about money. Groceries cost roughly 30% more than they did five years ago, and gas costs have also risen significantly. Reports of increased shoplifting spell out one thing: Many can no longer afford the everyday costs of living.
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In this economic climate, being able to afford a small treat can make a major difference in a person’s day. At a $1.99 price point, 7-Eleven’s new sodas are roughly half the price of the name brands that inspired them. That translates to affordability for folks living on tight budgets, making this new line very attractive.
Moves like this come from a company that’s already doing plenty right. Earnings reported by 7-Eleven’s parent company Seven & i in July 2026 indicated that 7-Eleven’s operating income increased to about $556 million in the first quarter of 2026, CSP noted.
The chain also unveiled more details about its plans going forward.
“In North America, we’re accelerating the North Star plan by strengthening our merchandise offering, modernizing and optimizing our store network, and enhancing customer experience to better meet our customers’ needs and strengthen our business for the long haul,” CEO Steve Dacus said in a statement, according to CSP.
“We’re focused on executing our strategy, investing in the opportunities that create the greatest value for our customers and building the capabilities that will support our long-term growth.”
