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VINI JR. SADDLES-UP, WHILE JACK GREALISH HEADS TO JUNGLE IN LATEST PEPSI® CAMPAIGN 

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THE CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES FOOTBALL FANS TO DITCH MIDWEEK ROUTINE FOR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ACTION

PEPSI
  • Campaign features two films with Pepsi ambassador Vini Jr. The first, unveiled today, features him as a cowboy transported into a traditional Telenovela scene and the second will see him taking on the role of a martial artist within the Chinese fiction genre, Wuxia
  • In a separate standalone film, we witness Jack Grealish taking on a traditional gameshow challenge in the jungle  
  • Pepsi’s latest campaign – Football Always Wins – encourages fans to break their midweek monotony, that might include watching TV game shows, Telenovela serial dramas, or Wuxia martial arts shows and to instead choose football enjoyment over everyday sameness.

LONDON /PRNewswire/ — Pepsi has launched its latest global football campaign, encouraging fans around the world to break their midweek routines to experience the enjoyment of UEFA Champions League football. Featuring ambassadors Jack Grealish and Vini Jr, the campaign sets out to show that “Football Always Wins” over other forms of entertainment.

Football Always Wins Telenovela // Pepsi x Vini Jr – No matter what situation you find yourself in – Football Always Wins – #ThirstyForMore #ad

n the set of films created for the campaign, Jack Grealish and Vini Jr. challenge fans to break with their midweek routines that might include watching TV Game Shows, Telenovela serial dramas, or Wuxia martial arts shows and to instead embrace the opportunity to watch more sport. The global campaign coincides with Pepsi partnership with the UEFA Champions League.

In the first two entertaining films, Vini Jr. is transported into the Telenovela format popular across Latin America, donning a cowboy outfit for his role. The player rides a horse towards a potential romantic partner but, just as the two lock eyes, Vini Jr. decides to choose football and instead controls a ball on his chest. The film closes with Vini Jr. standing on his horse’s saddle, demonstrating that football should always win in a choice between soap opera and a match.

Whilst this epic competition can turn a routine Tuesday or Wednesday into the best moment of the week, Pepsi’s latest campaign recognises that fans around the world encounter habits and routines which might stop them from watching and enjoying midweek games.

Football Always Wins / Pepsi x Jack Grealish – Light work in the jungle – Football always wins – #PepsiMAX #ad #JackGrealish

Vini Jr. said, “When I was younger and growing up in Brazil, I clearly remember sprinting back from school as fast as I could to catch the start of European matches. I remember being glued to the screen, dreaming of one day playing on those pitches. Now I’m there, my goals and ambitions are always about taking my game to the next level. I want to score more goals, provide more assists, and be a decisive player in every competition”.

The second film, due to be released next week, will feature Vini Jr. transported into the Chinese fiction genre, Wuxia. Two martial artists are shown preparing to fight each other but are dramatically interrupted by Vini Jr., armed only with a football. Once again, Football Always Wins. 

Vini Jr. continues, “Playing a martial artist in the new Pepsi campaign was amazing—it felt like stepping into a completely different world. But I have to say, the cowboy outfit was such an unexpected and fun look for me. As for what’s next? Who knows! Maybe I’ll get to be a superhero or even dive into the world of music”.

In a standalone film featuring Jack Grealish, we find him taking on a traditional gameshow challenge based in the jungle. The film opens with a group of contestants crawling in the mud in an attempt to find a giant ball to slot into a hole in the wall. Having struggled to complete the challenge, Jack Grealish appears from nowhere and kicks a football straight through the hole, completing the challenge and once again demonstrating that Football Always Wins.

Jack Grealish said, “Those who know me know how much I love game shows. So, when Pepsi revealed I’d be taking on a series of jungle inspired challenges for its latest campaign, I couldn’t wait to get involved!”

In supporting content for the campaign Jack Grealish is dispatched to the “jungle” as he’s challenged to test himself with a series of mystery boxes to unlock the winning Pepsi and the enjoyment of mid-week football. The “Football Always Wins” campaign will later be extended with a series of social assets in which Jack and Vini Jr. encourage football fans to stop their scroll and tune-in to UEFA Champions League games. The three players will “hack” popular TikTok memes to present the match as more fulfilling entertainment.

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Eric Melis, VP Global Brand Marketing at PepsiCo said“Football has an unrivalled ability to entertain fans around the world, and nothing encapsulates this more than the UEFA Champions League. We know, however, that UEFA Champions League football alters the midweek routine and that fans around the world have weekly schedules which might keep them from experiencing the thrill of mid-week sport.

“Pepsi’s latest campaign – Football Always Wins – sets out to encourage football fans to break their midweek monotony, encouraging them to choose enjoyment over everyday sameness. Working with our incredible Global football ambassadors, Jack Grealish and Vini Jr, both of whom are known for challenging convention in the game, we’ve created a campaign which brings unrivalled entertainment to fans around the world and continues Pepsi’s philosophy to unlock pure enjoyment for those who are Thirsty For More.”

The campaign launches globally with the first of the two films released on 20 January 2025, across a range of channels. Fans can follow Pepsi channels to see more as the campaign unfolds: X (Twitter)InstagramFacebook

The Vini Jr. in Telenovela and Jack Grealish Jungle Game Show films are available here, with the final film to be released next week. 

Jack Grealish imagery is available here and Vini Jr. imagery is available here.

About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter)InstagramFacebook, and LiinkedIn @PepsiCo.

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Food and Beverage

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

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Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert

(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.

Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.

A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla imbued in every bite, it’s a warm, comforting dessert you might find yourself craving on a rainy day or cold night. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.

For a more refreshing, summery option, transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Thai-inspired Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Creamy coconut-infused rice contrasts with juicy ripe mango slices, nutty black sesame seeds and cooling mint-leaf garnishes for a fun, fresh blend of textures and flavors that might have you picturing palm trees. If you’re not a mango fan, feel free to swap in a different tropical fruit of your choice.

The versatility of rice makes it an excellent mainstay to keep on hand in your kitchen, adding ease and flexibility to your daily meal routine. For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.

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Sticky Toffee Pudding

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1          bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 3/4       cup milk
  • 2          tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3/8       teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1          stick unsalted butter
  • 1/2       cup brown sugar
  • 1/2       cup heavy cream
  • 1/2       teaspoon vanilla extract
  • toasted coconut, for garnish

Caramelized Banana:

  • 1          tablespoon butter
  • 1          tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1          banana, sliced into coins
  • 1/4       teaspoon vanilla extract
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions.
  2. Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
  3. In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
  4. To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
  5. Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.
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Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Servings: 2-4

  • 1    bag Success Sticky Rice
  • 1 1/2    cups water
  • 1 1/4    cups coconut milk, divided
  • 3 1/2    tablespoons brown sugar, divided
  • 2          mangoes, sliced
  • 1          tablespoon black sesame seeds
  • fresh mint leaves, for garnish
  1. Prepare rice according to package directions using 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar rather than 4 cups water.
  2. In separate small saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining coconut milk and brown sugar to boil. Cook, stirring often, 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy.
  3. Divide rice among four serving bowls. Arrange mango slices over top; drizzle with coconut milk syrup. Garnish with black sesame seeds and mint.

Substitution: Use pineapple, guava or papaya for mango, if desired. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

SOURCE:

Success Rice

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Food and Beverage

Knock Out Summer Meal-Planning with a Nutritious, Make-Ahead Solution

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17942 VID Meal Prep Jars Detail intro Image

Knock Out Summer Meal-Planning with a Nutritious, Make-Ahead Solution

(Feature Impact) If your summer schedule is already crammed with cross-country trips, social events and activities for the kids, the last thing you likely want to think about is meal-planning.

Fueling up for all those fun moments that summer can bring requires a little extra energy, making North Carolina Sweetpotatoes a family-friendly solution that can enhance both flavor and nutrition in sweet and savory dishes. While you might not be ready to think about next week’s meal plans, these Sweetpotato Meal Prep Jars offer an easy way to give your brain a break.

They’re perfect for grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks or quick bites over hectic weekends. Packed with beta-carotene antioxidants the body converts to vitamin A for healthy vision, immune defense and skin, sweetpotatoes are a delicious base ingredient. Plus, the fiber in sweetpotatoes supports digestion and steady energy, pairing well with satisfying, protein-packed beef and black beans.

When it’s time to eat, just dump the contents of the jars onto a plate and enjoy complementary flavors without the hassle. This ready-to-eat recipe includes a refreshing pico de gallo dressing that makes it feel like you’re enjoying a fresh-cooked meal.

Find more nutrition-boosting summer solutions at ncsweetpotatoes.com.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-WGVpvgauxQ%3Fsi%3D2cdV7SZcx6Mizqvm%26controls%3D0

Sweetpotato Meal Prep Jars
Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup pico de gallo
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • 2 medium sweetpotatoes, chopped 
  • olive oil
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
  • 1 pound ground grass-fed beef
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cooked corn
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  1. To make dressing: In medium glass, whisk pico de gallo, sour cream and taco seasoning.
  2. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  3. Toss sweetpotatoes with olive oil and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Spread in even layer on baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway.
  4. In skillet, brown beef with remaining taco seasoning.
  5. Assemble three meal prep jars with dressing on bottom followed by black beans, corn, pico de gallo, cooked beef, cheese, sweetpotatoes and romaine.
  6. To serve, dump from jars onto plates.
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track

SOURCE:

North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

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Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days

Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.

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Last Updated on July 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days

Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days

(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.

In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.

If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.

To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.

For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.

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Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet

Prep time: 1 minute

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1-2

  • 1          Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 8          ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4       teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1          tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
  4. Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.

Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.

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Egg Roll in a Bowl

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 18 minutes

Servings: 2

  • 1          Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
  • 1/2       pound ground turkey or pork
  • 1          cup coleslaw mix
  • 1          garlic clove, minced
  • 2          tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1          teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 1/2       teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2       cup fried wonton strips
  • 2          tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
  1. Heat rice according to package directions.
  2. In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
  4. Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.

Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice. collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures track

    

Source:

Minute Rice

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!

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