After becoming an internet sensation at the Pop-Tarts® Bowl, the brand is bringing its Edible Mascot ritual to the streets of Pittsburgh. In the first-ever Edible Mascot sacrifice for the fans, football lovers in Pittsburgh can participate in — and taste — the can’t-miss conclusion to the Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot’s epic “go pro” journey as they get drafted to Mouth Heaven on one of the biggest weekends in football. Following their escape at the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot has been on a relentless journey to “go pro,” training with professional athletes, appearing at the hottest Big Game parties and proving their endurance at the 2026 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon. As the final stop in their journey approaches, the Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot realizes what “going pro” truly means for a Pop-Tarts Edible Mascot: being drafted by the fans. Already selected as the People’s No. 1 Pick following Team Sprinkles’ victory at the 2025 Pop-Tarts Bowl, they are now ready to fulfill their delicious destiny: being devoured by football fans in Pittsburgh.

The first-ever Edible Mascot sacrifice for the fans will take place at Nova Place (100 S. Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212) on Pittsburgh’s North Side at 3:00 p.m. ET. The event will open at 1:00 p.m. ET, where fans will have the opportunity to celebrate the Pop-Tarts Edible Mascot tradition with photo opportunities with the Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot and the giant Pop-Tarts Bowl toaster. Plus, they’ll have the chance to experience — and taste — the toaster pastry ritual in person as Pop-Tarts’ Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot ascends into Mouth Heaven on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Over the past three seasons, the Edible Mascot sacrifice has become a cultural phenomenon our fans look forward to every year. Now, we’re giving them the chance to take a bite of the action as the Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot’s journey — from Pop-Tarts Bowl to “going pro” — comes to an end in Pittsburgh on April 24,” Leslie Serro, vice president of marketing for Pop-Tarts, a part of Mars Snacking commented “For the first time, we’re taking this iconic tradition from the football field to the people and inviting fans to be at the center of the Crazy Good chaos.”

The brand invites fans that aren’t able to participate in the Pop-Tarts Edible Mascot sacrifice live in Pittsburgh on April 24, to follow @PopTartsUS on their favorite social media platforms. There, they can see the epic conclusion to the Pop-Tarts Protein Slammin’ Strawberry mascot’s “going pro” journey unfold. And, of course, fans across the country can continue enjoying Pop-Tarts Protein toaster pastries at home! Pop-Tarts Protein toaster pastries are available at retailers nationwide. With 10g of protein per serving, Pop-Tarts Protein is available in three flavors: Protein Slammin’ Strawberry, Protein Boostin’ Brown Sugar Cinnamon and Protein Bumpin’ Blueberry.