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Pepsi's Controversial New Skinny Can

Posted on Feb 16th 2011 12:00PM by Hilary Walke

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss

In celebration of New York's Fashion Week, Diet Pepsi has introduced a new skinny can, a "taller, sassier" version of the traditional can. While the company made the new design in "celebration of beautiful, confident women," the public's reaction is not so celebratory.

Diet Pepsi Skinny Can AP

Critics are saying the new can only fuels our weight-obsessed society, giving it another reason to point fingers at those who don't fit the skinny stereotype. Body image issues, self-esteem and bone-thin models are all at the focal point of this new design. Is Pepsi encouraging us to look like fashion models who are too thin?

"Our slim, attractive new can is the perfect complement to today's most stylish looks, and we're excited to throw its coming-out party during the biggest celebration of innovative design in the world," Jill Beraud, chief marketing officer for PepsiCo, said in a statement.

Our readers certainly had a universal opinion on this issue, and it may surprise you.

Sandrah G.
If a can has that much mental affect on someone then they have some serious issues to deal with. Don't blame it on packaging designers.

Brenda W.
For pete's sake people, it's a friggin' pop can. Get over yourselves.

Molly M.
Really? People are offended by a can? I don't care to know them.

Rocky F.
Sometimes it's just a can!

Kasey W.
If someone gets insecure over a can I think they may have more serious issues!

Exceptional L.
I'm not endorsing the consumption of soda but I see nothing with that can.

Anita B.
I think it's cool, puts a fresh look on a "old looking, nothing special" Pepsi. It appeals to me.

Vanessa A.
I think it's stupid.

Pattie N.
I love the look!

Jeanette L.
No type of soda is good for you... except ginger ale when you have a temperature.

Lori F.
Yikes, anything "diet" is unhealthy for you... chemicals chemicals chemicals!

What do you think of Pepsi's new skinny can? Tell us in the comments section below.

6 Comment

Tags: Diet Pepsi, Diet Pepsi Skinny Can, Fashion Week, models, Pepsi, skinny, weight loss

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mike Handy 2-16-2011 @ 12:31PM

its a can... people are talking about it though

Lauren 2-16-2011 @ 1:03PM

Jeanette, I don't know about you, but I always have a temperature. It usually runs around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

I don't think anyone is going to try and "get skinny" after being inspired by the shape of a pop can.

I also don't think the shape of a pop can is going to somehow deter people from drinking pop.

Julie 2-16-2011 @ 8:20PM

The problem with people who are affected by something like this is that they aren't aware of it. Advertising, in any form, has an enormous affect on one's subconscious and has ultimately led to a skewed idea of what one should look like, act like, be like and in my humble opinion has changed the world's (I can only personally speak for the west) collective priorties. Do I think a "skinny" soda can is going to make young women turn to anorexia or suicide...no. Perhaps if Pepsi gave the skinny can a spray tan, some breast implants, a blonde wig and it's own reality show...but until then I think this one is a bit of a stretch.

Hannica 2-17-2011 @ 8:28AM

Advertisers make mega-bucks on stuff like this. Do you really think companies would spend this kind of money if it didn't work? Think about re-fitting all their plants, including the ones that make the packaging.

If you resent feeling manipulated by this, here's an easy solution: don't drink soda, diet or otherwise. It's unhealthy anyway and plain water is all your body needs.

dayna slingland 2-17-2011 @ 6:09PM

This whole new change was based on sheer ignorance. There is too much pressure on women to be a stick figures. it's unhealthy. But why waste your time getting offended over a can? There are many more important things to get offended over. If you don't like it don't buy pepsi and support them anymore. It's also stupid because now they are going to have to reformat the soda machines to make the soda cans fit since they are a different shape.