Apr 17, 2024 - Food and Drink

Utah seizes on Dr Pepper's new coconut soda

Erin Alberty

Two cans of Dr. Pepper Creamy Coconut on a wood table. — Image courtesy of Dr. Pepper on X.

Dr Pepper's new "Creamy Coconut" soda is bringing pride and joy to Utah, where coconut-flavored soda is, informally, the state's signature drink.

The big picture: "Dirty" sodas — originally cola mixed with coconut syrup — are widely considered a Utah innovation, spawning an array of soda shop chains that mix flavors in enough elaborate concoctions to support Stanley's entire cup production line.

Driving the news: Dr Pepper announced the new, limited-release flavor Tuesday, with regular and diet options.

Zoom in: Coconut is key to Utahns' enthusiasm, with diet cola and sugar-free coconut syrup earning extra affection here.

Cherry cola is, of course, a flavor pairing that long predates Utah's coconut craze.

What they're saying: "Huge day for Utah," Method Communications' executive Tyler Monson posted on X.

Reality check: Coca-Cola briefly released a coconut-infused variety in its "Creations" line last year.

Yes, but: It's now out of production, the company's website states.

Context: Flavor-mixed sodas are a good fit in a market where the dominant religion eschews coffee, tea and alcohol.

Meanwhile, Dr Pepper also is selling a coconut-lime "dirty soda creamer" in partnership with Coffee Mate.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to remove the period from Dr Pepper.

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Utah seizes on Dr Pepper's new coconut soda

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