Actress and Pepsi NEXT 'believer' Eva Longoria helps launch soda in New York

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria helped launch Pepsi's new medium-calorie cola, Pepsi NEXT, during an event in New York earlier this month and said she wanted to turn "cola lovers in New York into believers".

Pepsi NEXT contains 60% less sugar than Pepsi-Cola, and Longoria (pictured) said: "I've been a member of the Pepsi family for years now so it's a natural NEXT step to help launch new Pepsi NEXT."

Actress and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol star Paula Patton also showcased Pepsi NEXT to Los Angeles fans on April 9, and Angelique Krembs, vice president TM Pepsi Marketing, said: "Whether it's partnering with Eva and Paula to serve up free sips, sampling at local Walmart Supercenter stores across the country or inviting fans to 'try' Pepsi NEXT online, it's all about encouraging a first taste.

"We know that once cola lovers taste [it], they'll believe real cola flavour with 60% less sugar than Pepsi-Cola is possible," she added.