Pepsi-Flavored Cheetos Debut in Japan

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Friday, August 16, 2013

Pepsi-flavored Cheetos have been released in Japan, with mixed reactions from consumers. However, the company has decided not to release the snack here in the United States, leaving customers disappointed they will not get to try them.

Frito-Lay spokesman Jeff Dahncke revealed that the snacks are available for a limited time in Japan, but there are no plans to bring them to the United States any time soon. The chips not only taste like Pepsi but reportedly fizz in the mouth, leading to the name Pepsi Shuwa Shuwa, which sounds like the fizzing.

"Consumers all want something absolutely new that's never been seen before," Lynn Dornblaser, new products guru at Mintel, told USA Today. Mixing the two flavors "speaks to consumers' short attention spans."

"I like almost everything that qualifies as a food, cooked or raw, but 'Pepsi-flavored Cheetos' do not sound appetizing to me," tweeted Barry Howard.

"I just saw the phrase 'Pepsi-flavored Cheetos.' My day is complete," Jason Crouch added.

So far the reviews have been mixed; many consumers are trying the chips and posting their reactions online, whether through Twitter, Facebook, Vine or YouTube. One reviewer for The Impulsive Buy, an online blog, gave the full rundown on the experience.

"The first sensation, which I did not expect, was a very acidic bite. It's very citrusy, almost sour. And it hits hard. It tries to capture the citrus notes of Pepsi, but it's over the top. Too lemony," reviewer Steve wrote. "The sweeter cola flavor is there but it's subtler and overpowered by the intense citrus. The flavors are very distinct and don't really ever mesh well together."

For those who are truly dedicated and want to try the creation, there is always the option of purchasing a bag or two from Amazon or eBay. And while there, one may want to order a bag of Bacon-Flavored Doritos, which are also sold exclusively in Japan. They have been around since 2009 and are available in Pepper Bacon or Gourmet Smoke Bacon flavors.