The Dirty Soda Trend is Taking Over
There’s a hot new way to drink soda, and it’s dividing soft drink lovers. The dirty soda trend might have started in Utah and been popularized by Swig, but global brands are starting to catch on, and the trend is spreading like wildfire.
Whats is Dirty Soda?
Dirty soda is a term that refers to a mixture of fountain soda with flavored syrups, cream, and sometimes other flavorings, juices, and purees. The trend originated in Utah as a fun, sweet alternative to alcoholic beverages.
Popularity in the Mormon Community
The trend was initially popularized in Utah because the large Mormon community there does not drink alcohol or coffee. The drink chain Swig was one of the first to kick off the dirty soda trend in 2010, and then it became increasingly popular all over the country as social media got ahold of it.
Soda With Milk, Not a New Concept
Although it may sound pretty out there, combining soda with cream is an idea that has been around for centuries. One Redditor explained that their mom actually used to add milk or cream to her soda when she was a kid in the 1950s. Another said milk and seltzer were popular in the mid to late 1800s, although the trend faded. Like anything else, the trend is cyclical and back bigger than ever.
Brands Are Getting on Board
Today, some of the biggest brands are hopping on the dirty soda trend and offering their own spin on the fascinating combination. Dirty soda can be found in the grocery store aisles, at fast-food chains, and even from major soda companies.
Pepsi Jumps on The Trend
Pepsi Co. announced plans to release its own dirty soda flavors in the coming weeks in an effort to edge out its competitor (Coca-Cola) and capitalize on the trend. The new drinks will be called Dirty Dew and the Mug Floats Vanilla Howler, and they will be ready-to-drink pre-mixed beverages inspired by dirty soda.
Building on Momentum
The company is building on the momentum from a recent flavor drop: Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream. This was released earlier this year with praise from fans who love cream soda. Pepsi Co. stated, “I think it’s a great opportunity for… consumers to experience soda in a new way — and in some ways, an old way.”
Popularity is Rising
Interestingly, 2.7% of U.S. food establishments offer some sort of soda with cream or milk, which has increased from only 1.5% 10 years ago. This might include offerings like root beer floats, which were a worldwide craze in the not-so-distant past.
Other Brands Rising to Meet the Occasion
Other brands that are hopping on the trend include TGI Friday’s which recently added dirty soda to a limited-time summer menu. The fast food giant that is McDonald’s is also testing different soda flavors. Taco Bell, which is known for serving Mountain Dew Baja Blast, also dropped a limited-time dirty soda version of this fan-favorite.
Conclusion
As these major brands hop onto the trend, it is clear that Swig started something of a revolution in the dirty soda world. Swig CEO Alex Dunn stated, “I think we’re doing for soda what Starbucks did for coffee”. One potential reason for the high popularity is the customizability. Customers can choose whatever soda, flavor, and milk or cream combination they want, allowing for a completely unique and individual treat.
