Dirty soda trend hits Portland scene
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Utah transplants or fans of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" may already be aware of the concept of "dirty soda" — and lucky for them, it's landed in Portland.
The big picture: For the uninitiated, dirty soda is a fountain soda drink mixed with flavored syrups, cream and other toppings.
- It's been a stronghold in the Latter-day Saints community (much of which doesn't drink alcohol or caffeine) for decades and recently surged in popularity on social media platforms like TikTok thanks to the reality TV show.
- Cast members share their go-to orders from Swig, a Utah chain that claims to have invented the concept in 2010.
Zoom in: That's how Veronika Sakhashchik was influenced to open her dirty soda shop Fizz N Sip in Portland's Overlook neighborhood in February. She watched the show, and corresponding craze online, and thought Portland was missing out.
- "We have such a broad culture of food, so I felt like dirty soda would be a great addition to that," she told Axios.
- It took the 25-year-old, who has a bachelor's degree in business and marketing, a few months to find a property owner to give her a lease "because we didn't have experience."
State of sip: At Fizz N Sip, customers choose a base — like Sprite, Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, or one of two Stubborn flavors (root beer or vanilla) — and then pick from among nearly two dozen flavored syrups, plus add-ons like marshmallow fluff, coconut cream and fruit purees.
- There's also a handful of rotating signature concoctions, many named after Oregon landmarks, such as Punch Bowl Falls, Alvord and Hood River — the latter is a blend of Red Bull, peach puree, passionfruit and white chocolate.
What she's saying: Sakhashchik sees the sugary sensation as a simple way for people to have a small, affordable indulgence.
- "Having a dirty soda is like a fun little treat that gets you through the week," she said. "We appreciate a small little moment, even if it is just a little soda."
Between the lines: Many Pacific Northwest roadside espresso stands have been offering variations of dirty soda for years. A soda-focused stand, Thirst Trap Soda Shack, opened in Battle Ground in 2024.
- Plus: Dutch Bros, an Oregon staple, routinely updates its menu of sparkling sodas and colorful energy drinks, too.
What's next: Sakhashchik has gained some social media traction herself and sees it playing a big role in expanding the business.
- She hopes to open another location in Portland in the next year.