Frank Rondel
Taco Bell and PepsiCo have renewed their U.S. beverage partnership through 2036, securing another 11 years of cooperation. The agreement preserves Mountain Dew Baja Blast and other popular drinks while opening the door to new menu innovations, as reported by customreceipt.com.
The announcement, made on October 22, follows KFC’s decision to replace PepsiCo beverages with Coca-Cola in the United States. Taco Bell, however, is taking a different route.
Which PepsiCo Drinks Will Remain at Taco Bell?
Under the renewed agreement, participating Taco Bell restaurants will continue serving several familiar beverages.
| Beverage | Status |
|---|---|
| Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar | Staying |
| Mountain Dew | Staying |
| Mountain Dew Baja Blast | Staying |
| Mountain Dew Baja Midnight | Staying |
| Starry | Staying |
The deal also covers participating Taco Bell Cantina and Live Más Café locations.
PepsiCo will remain Taco Bell’s beverage partner in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Thailand.
Why Baja Blast Matters to the PepsiCo Deal
First introduced in 2004, Mountain Dew Baja Blast has become a billion-dollar brand for PepsiCo.
The relationship also produced Doritos Locos Tacos, another major Taco Bell success.
According to PepsiCo’s official announcement, the companies plan additional Doritos Locos Tacos flavors for 2027.
That year marks the product’s 15th anniversary.
What’s Next for Taco Bell and PepsiCo?
The renewed partnership extends beyond traditional fountain drinks.
Both companies are developing specialty beverages, including functional drinks, crafted refreshments, and energy-focused options aimed at younger consumers.
Meanwhile, KFC’s switch to Coca-Cola begins in January 2027, with nationwide availability expected by spring.
For Taco Bell customers, the immediate message is straightforward: Baja Blast is staying, and more menu experiments are coming.
Earlier we wrote that Nerds Crunch Pops are coming to stores with a strawberry filling and crunchy candy shell