As winter winds down, many Americans say they’re ready for the change of season. Around 7 in 10 say they’re excited for spring, looking forward to warmer weather, longer days, and the small lift that comes with a new season. While some still admit they’re feeling a little worn out from winter, the overall feeling is hopeful and ready for a change.
That shift in mood is also showing up in what brands are putting out. Spring launches are leaning into bright colors, sweet scents, and playful flavors that match the lighter, more optimistic feeling people are starting to have. To see how these new releases are landing, we asked 500 Americans for their first reactions.
From Cherry Float Coca-Cola and Pepsi Prebiotic Cola to E.l.f. Big Dill Pickle Lip Balm and Dunkin’ Banana Coffee Drinks, brands across food, drink, and beauty are testing new flavors and creative ideas for the season.
Cherry Float Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has introduced a new Cherry Float flavor, inspired by classic soda fountain drinks. It blends cherry cola with creamy vanilla, giving a nostalgic update to a familiar favorite and bringing a bit of the old ice-cream float experience into a can.
How appealing does the flavor sound?
The Cherry Float flavor appeals to many: 26% find it extremely appealing, 23% very appealing, and 26% somewhat appealing.
What stands out most about the product concept?
The creamy vanilla float flavor grabs the most attention, followed by the cherry twist and the nostalgic soda fountain concept.
Would people choose it over their usual cola?
When people picture seeing this in stores, interest is strong. 32% said they would definitely pick Cherry Float over their usual cola, and 40% said they would at least try it once.
Pepsi Prebiotic Cola
Pepsi has launched its own prebiotic cola nationwide after acquiring Poppi for $1.95 billion. Rather than changing Poppi’s formula, the company introduced a separate drink designed to taste closer to classic Pepsi while adding functional benefits.
What’s the first reaction to the idea of a prebiotic cola?
Curiosity leads the response. About 43% say they feel curious and excited about the concept. Others are more cautious: 28% feel skeptical, while smaller groups say they are confused or simply indifferent.
What matters most when choosing drinks in this category?
Taste comes first for many. When thinking about functional sodas, people still prioritize great taste over health benefits. Strong health benefits follow behind, while low price ranks last.
Would people replace their regular soda with it?
Most see it as an occasional switch rather than a full replacement. Around 46% say they would swap it in sometimes, while 16% would replace their usual soda. A sizable 38% say it would not replace their regular drink.
How do people view functional sodas overall?
Many see the category as still taking shape. About 30% think functional sodas will remain a niche, while 27% believe the trend may fade. Another 27% say it is too early to tell, and 16% expect a longer-term shift in the category.
E.l.f. Big Dill Pickle Lip Balm
E.l.f. Cosmetics has released a limited-edition pickle-flavored lip balm called “Big Dill.” The balm starts with a bold, briny pickle note before shifting into a sweeter cucumber-melon flavor. To see how it lands, we asked female Pulsers for their first reactions.
Are people intrigued or turned off by pickle lip balm?
Initial reactions lean skeptical. Nearly half, 47%, say it’s a hard pass. Still, 24% say they’re curious enough to try it, and another 19% say it sounds strange but they would try it once.
How do people feel about pickle flavors in general?
Most land somewhere in the middle. About 39% enjoy pickles but say pickle-flavored products can be hit or miss. Around 27% love pickle flavors, while others say they only like pickles themselves or are not fans at all.
What does a bright green lip balm signal?
Many assume a fresh flavor first. Around 37% say they would expect mint or lime. Others think it simply looks a little unusual, while smaller groups describe it as fun or trendy.
Does the flavor concept sound appealing?
Interest is limited overall. About 36% say the briny-to-sweet flavor sounds appealing, but roughly 45% say it does not appeal to them, with the rest feeling neutral.
Starbucks Matcha and Cherry Blossom Collections
Starbucks is welcoming spring with two new merchandise collections in the US and Canada: a green Matcha Collection inspired by its drinks and a pink Cherry Blossom Collection. The release includes cups, tumblers, mugs, and accessories designed to bring a seasonal touch to the daily coffee routine.
How appealing are the collections overall?
Overall, 27% find the collections very appealing, 26% somewhat appealing, and 24% are neutral.
How do they feel about Starbucks merch?
Price plays a role in how people think about it. 35% said they see Starbucks merchandise as overpriced. Not everyone is focused on price, 26% see it as practical, just another cup for their coffee. For many, it’s really the designs and colors that make the merch stand out. And while there’s some interest, 43% say Starbucks merch just isn’t for them.
Bath & Body Works x PEEPS Peepin’ It Real
Bath & Body Works has teamed up with PEEPS for a limited-time spring scent. The fragrance mixes marshmallow, sugar crystals, and vanilla, inspired by the classic Easter candy. The collection launched includes body care, home fragrance, décor, and accessories.
What’s the first reaction to a PEEPS-inspired scent?
Reactions were mixed with curiosity and excitement. About 26% say the idea sounds fun, and 19% are totally on board. On the flip side, 18% are curious but not quite sold yet, and 23% say it’s just not for them.
How appealing does the scent combination sound?
The marshmallow, sugar, and vanilla also received mixed reactions. 20% said it sounds very appealing, and 26% said it is somewhat appealing. Others were less convinced, with 20% saying it sounds too sugary and 17% describing it as sickly sweet.
Which product would people try first?
Candles top the list of products people would try first, followed by body lotion, spray, and other home fragrances. Many, however, are not interested in any.
Johnsonville Dr Pepper Sausage
Johnsonville has launched a Dr Pepper–inspired sausage, blending the soda’s signature sweet and spiced flavor with savory smoked sausage. The unexpected mashup landed on shelves March 1 and is rolling out across retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and even 7-Eleven. It’s a playful twist on the sweet-and-savory trend, and the brand is already leaning into it with recipe suggestions like smoked-sausage mac and cheese.
What’s the first reaction to the idea?
Reactions are mixed, with a lot of curiosity. About 26% said they need to try it, while 27% said they’re interested but unsure. Still, the biggest group, 34%, said it’s not for them, and 13% wondered if the idea might be a joke.
How would people have it?
For those open to trying it, most would keep things simple and grill it on a bun. Others said they’d mix it into dishes, like adding it to a breakfast scramble, cooking it in the air fryer, or tossing it into mac and cheese. Still, a fair number said they wouldn’t buy it at all.
How do people feel about sweet and savory together?
Sweet and savory works for some: 44% say it depends on the dish, 25% like it, but 20% prefer to keep flavors separate.
If soda-inspired food mashups continue, what would people try next?
Root beer ribs are most popular (30%), followed by orange soda chicken (17%). Cola chili and Mountain Dew wings trail, while 32% want no more mashups.
Of course, those were just a few fun ideas we tested. If there’s a product concept or mashup you’re actually thinking about launching, you can always ask consumers directly with OnePulse and see what they think. Ask them today.
All statistics are based on real-time responses collected from the OnePulse community in February – March 2026.
