Lemon Lime Slice, the first major soft drink with real fruit juice, is introduced, creating a new soft drink category, "juice added." In a subsequent line of extensions, Mandarin Orange Slice goes on to become the number one orange soft drink in the U.S. Diet Pepsi is reformulated with NutraSweet (aspartame) brand sweetener.

A new generation has emerged – in the United States, around the world and in Pepsi advertising, too. "Pepsi. The Choice of a New Generation" announces the change, and the most popular entertainer of the time, Michael Jackson, stars in the first two commercials of the new campaign. The two spots quickly become "the most eagerly awaited advertising of all time."