You pull out your flowery Anthropologie glass, grab your Dr. Pepper, and pour your vanilla cream and peach syrup into the mixture. You are set for success in crafting the perfect dirty soda that is not only flavorful and delicious, but sure to hop onto the trending craze all over social media.
The famous dirty soda drinks that became widely popular all over TikTok are a combination of a soda base, flavored syrup, puree, and cream, becoming more or less “dirty” based on the additions of the consumer. They continue to dominate the beverage market with their endless flavors, styles, health-options, and growing accessibilities into northeastern territories.
The roots of dirty soda originate in Utah, and by the 2010s have expanded all throughout western states. The most popular and first ever dirty soda shop, Swig, coined the term in 2010, and their shop has grown to over 140 locations across 16 states, according to nbcnews.com.
Junior Sienna Greco tried Swig back in July 2022 and said, “I got the Texas Tab which is Dr. Pepper, coconut cream and vanilla, and it was really good.” Greco highlighted what a privilege it is to try Swig, as it is a delicacy only available to those in southern and western areas, permitting her to have it during her trip to Idaho.
From the depths of dirty soda rooted in Utah, specific Mormon cultures claim to take part in its growing popularity. Celebrities from reality television show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, such as Taylor Frankie Paul and Layla Taylor, appear in TikToks and video clips demonstrating how to create the perfect dirty soda, contributing to the popularity of the drinks on social media.
Greco said, “I think [the growing popularity] is good for the world because it gives people options other than coffees, seltzers, or juices. For adults, not everybody is into drinking alcoholic beverages, so this gives them another option for something fun to drink.” Connecting to the Mormon religion’s restriction to alcohol and caffeine, dirty sodas open up additional drink opportunities that are both convenient and creative.
Manager of Consumer and Customer Market Insights from Torani syrups Andrea Ramirez spoke about their own social media strategies shifting with the rise of dirty soda, and how they have handled their content creation with the public’s new interest in the beverages. Ramirez said, “We have a lot more how-to type of content, like how to make a drink, or showing off different recipes. We are also working on what your shopping cart might look like, if you want to set up your own dirty soda bar.”
Although some view this newest craze as an exciting addition to beverage culture, there are also health hazards and nutritional risks that are present with the consumption of dirty sodas. Health Education Teacher Susan Kolesar said, “You’re taking something that’s already unhealthy and adding more syrup, sugar, calories, and fats, so [dirty sodas] are not a good thing.”
Kolesar expressed her love for Diet Coke to her students by describing it as her “drug of choice,” and believes it should remain unaffected due to the introduction of dirty soda. Kolesar said, “I don’t need to adulterate [Diet Coke] or change anything about it. It’s wonderful the way it is.”
Ramirez addressed the health concerns of Torani syrups and spoke about the different lines their company has created to assist people who are skeptical about the unhealthy ingredients going into dirty soda. She said, “We have a line called Pure Made which does not use artificial colors or preservatives. It’s our clean, natural line of flavors.” She also spoke about the additional two lines of sugar free syrups that have gained popularity among the health and wellness ends of social media and marketing.
Although dirty soda did not originate in New Jersey, it continues to grow rapidly in the northeast, opening up small business shops selling dirty sodas and other flavored beverages.
Coming to downtown Westfield this December, Fizzy Pop will take the space of the long-standing Claire’s and will sell dirty sodas, alongside other beverages and additional snacks and treats.
Co-owner of Fizzy Pop, Chris Medina said, “Wherever there are a lot of people walking around, they would probably love a dirty soda, either to stop in, sit down and have a snack with it, or to just grab a soda and continue on with their day.”
According to their Instagram, @fizzypopwestfield, they hope to “Create a safe, fun place to hang out for the next generation of Westfield young adults and families.”
As this trending craze continues to spread worldwide, more people throughout the nation will be able to try dirty soda where the options are endless, and the creativity and customization allows for an unforgettable and tasty experience.