IHOP and Pepsi are bringing back their Maple Syrup Cola creation, first introduced in March 2022. This time around, however, the limited-time flavor will be made available starting today in participating IHOP restaurants nationwide, versus last time,when it was only available through a social media giveaway.
The creation is described as “a perfect blend of maple syrup-flavored indulgence with the crisp, refreshing caramel notes of Pepsi.” It is also now available as a float with vanilla ice cream.
The IHOP x Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola hits on a broader “dirty soda” trend featuring a sparkling beverage with something creamy added to it. The trend originated in Utah and has helped drive the growth of concepts like Swig. Dirty soda has also been replicated at Jack in the Box, Topgolf, and Sonic Drive-In.
IHOP is also introducing its April Pancake of the Month, Cinnamon Apple Pecan, featuring four buttermilk pancakes topped with cinnamon apples, dulce de leche sauce, pecans and whipped topping. Other new menu items available beginning today include:
- Classic chicken sandwich, a grilled or crispy chicken breast with bacon, lettuce, tomato, four-cheese blend, avocado and buttermilk ranch on a grilled roll
- Kids French Toast Sticks, served with a side of strawberries, banana and chocolate dipping sauce
- Watermelon splasher, featuring a blend of lemonade, lemon-lime soda and watermelon syrup and topped with blueberries and watermelon
- House-made milkshakes, featuring Cinn-A-Stack and cupcake flavors
- Silk Oatmeal Cookie Oat Creamer
These new menu items are the latest innovations from IHOP’s full pipeline. Last year, the company rolled out what it called its largest menu evolution ever. It has since also added new waffles, Impossible Foods options, a new biscuit menu and more. The company also introduced a Wonka-inspired menu to coincide with the movie’s release in the fall.
IHOP is forging a new partnership now with SEGA to feature Sonic the Hedgehog, in which loyalty members can earn PanCoins to redeem for Sonic content. IHOP will also feature limited-edition Sonic the Hedgehog gift cards online and at select restaurants through May 5, while restaurants will feature a Sonic-inspired menu of six different items, including:
- Sonic’s Blue Blur Special, with four buttermilk pancakes and blueberries. Blueberry syrup is also available via request
- Knuckles’ Chicken Sandwich, a crispy chicken sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, and buttermilk ranch
- Tails’ 2x2x2, two eggs, two pancakes, two bacon strips or two sausage links
- Shadow’s Chaos Chocolate Pancakes, a four-stack filled with chocolate chips
- Amy’s Sweet Strawberry Delight, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and strawberries atop a waffle quarter
- Dr. Eggman’s Benedict, with black forest ham, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]