Pepsi previously held the position since 1985.
Dr Pepper is officially the second favorite soda in the country!
According to new analytics data provided by Beverage Digest, Dr Pepper has surged past long-time runner-up Pepsi to become the second most popular soda in the U.S. in 2023, just behind the leading favorite, Coke.
Dr Pepper edged out Pepsi by a slight margin, both drinks tied with a soda market share of 8.3%. Pepsi had previously held this runner-up position since 1985, according to CNN.
However, this wasn’t enough to dethrone Coke, which remains firmly at the top with a 19.2% share of the soda market last year. Other Coca-Cola brands also held top positions, with Sprite in fourth at 8.1% and Diet Coke in fifth at 7.8%.
Dr Pepper, founded in Waco, Texas, came to life a year before Coca-Cola in 1885 and Pepsi in 1893. The soda’s rising popularity can be attributed to its rich array of flavors, strategic marketing, and strong distribution efforts, as reported by Beverage Digest.
The Digest editor, Duane Stanford, told CNN, “Dr Pepper has been gaining, [Pepsi] has been declining, and they’re meeting in the middle.”
Dr Pepper’s rise to the second spot follows the release of its 24th flavor, Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, in May.
This limited-edition flavor, available in both regular and zero sugar versions, features “layers of tropical coconut flavor and a delicious, creamy finish.” It stands out as the “only coconut-cream-flavored dark soda on the market,” according to a press release.
In a first look and taste of the new summer-inspired drink, people noted a distinct tropical scent upon opening both regular and zero sugar cans. The coconut flavor is nicely balanced, reminiscent of a virgin piña colada, with the beloved taste of Dr Pepper.
