Pepsi’s New Mini Cans Get an Assist from Shaq

A striking contrast between the new can’s small size and a basketball legend’s generous proportions sparks laughs.

Kate Bertrand Connolly, Freelance Writer

January 9, 2024

1 Min Read
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PepsiCo

Pepsi has joined forces with basketball star Shaquille O’Neal on the launch campaign for Pepsi Mini cans, giving big props to the little package.

A commercial for the 7.5-oz cans, starring Shaq, began running on national television sports broadcasts in November 2023. Titled “I Wish,” the commercial continues in the tradition of Shaq’s Pepsi commercials from the 1990s.

Pepsi Mini cans are available in 6- and 10- packs in numerous Pepsi flavors, including Original, Zero Sugar, Wild Cherry, Diet, and Real Sugar. Original and Wild Cherry Pepsi are also available in a Mini can 30-pack.

The new commercial positions Pepsi Mini cans as the ideal accompaniment for snacks and meals, contrasting Shaq’s height with the can’s small size.

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The ad features a parody of Skee-Lo’s 1995 hip-hop song “I Wish I Was a Little Bit Taller,” replacing “taller” with “smaller.” In the earlier commercial, Shaq plays his size for laughs, squeezing into an airline seat with minimal leg room, lying in a too-short bed, and getting fitted for a “big and tall” suit.

Skee-Lo sings the parody theme song and also plays a cameo role in the ad. The Pepsi Mini campaign marks the first time Pepsi and Shaq have teamed up on a commercial in more than 20 years.

About the Author

Kate Bertrand Connolly

Freelance Writer

Kate Bertrand Connolly has been covering innovations, trends, and technologies in packaging, branding, and business since 1981.

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