Zevia is taking a fizzy jab at the competition with a new holiday commercial that trades CGI spectacle for good old-fashioned authenticity—both on screen and in the can. In a clever nod (or not-so-subtle side-eye) to Coca-Cola’s recent AI-enhanced holiday ad, Zevia delivers a spot that embraces the realness of live-action actors, mirroring the brand’s commitment to clean, zero-sugar ingredients.

The ad’s setup is classic holiday fare: a family gathers to celebrate with laughter, warmth, and soda at the center of the table. But this time, the spotlight is on real humans sharing genuine moments—no digital wizardry required. In fact, the lack of AI gimmicks serves as a playful metaphor for Zevia’s all-natural approach to soda. Who needs artificial sweeteners (or artificially-generated cheer) when you can keep it simple and real?

Zevia’s cheeky take is not only a dig at the digital effects arms race but also a subtle reminder that the magic of the holidays—and good soda—comes from authenticity. The campaign leaves viewers with a bubbly aftertaste of charm and sincerity, setting Zevia apart in a world of flashy, overproduced soda ads.