Dr. Pepper has been killing it this summer. Starting it off with their newest limited-edition flavor, Creamy Coconut, the drink has now surpassed Pepsi in national polls for America’s second favorite soda. For Pepsi, having been hot on Coca-Cola’s heels for years, this must be a devastating blow. So, how exactly did this happen? I believe it's because Dr. Pepper truly is the better beverage, in every way.
The Poll
The data that determined this defeat was collected by Beverage Digest, a company that analyzes the data and marketing decisions behind your favorite drinks. While Coca-Cola is still far ahead of both brands, Dr. Pepper dethroned Pepsi from the rank it has held since the mid-80’s.
Pepsi hasn’t done anything particularly newsworthy since its release of Pepsi Nitro two years ago. While the innovation in soda was exciting, especially with a vanilla option, the company has stayed pretty much silent since. While it has released some specialty flavors, namely its Peeps tie-in, nothing has caught the attention of the public in the same way. As a soda aficionado, I hadn’t even heard of this Peeps soda until now! The brand seems to be more focused on their very diverse portfolio of other labels, frankly, such as Lay’s potato chips and Quaker.
Dr. Pepper on the other hand…
Pepsi’s failings aren’t the only reason for this, however. Dr. Pepper’s marketing is on point. Instead of Pepsi’s strategy to become the alternate Coke, Dr. Pepper is proud of its differences and unique mix of flavors. The brand has leaned into that in the past year, making waves with its Strawberries and Cream flavor. To follow that up, it recently rolled out Creamy Coconut, in short supply.
Personally, Dr. Pepper defined last summer for me, and is on track to do the same this year. I was constantly buying 12 packs of the Strawberries and Cream soda, the perfect, refreshing pick -me-up. When Creamy Coconut was announced, I set everyone in my life out on the same mission: find me that soda! Finally, I’ve secured my own dozen, and I can confirm — this is my drink of the summer. The flavor is just light enough that, paired with the spice of the Dr. Pepper blend, I feel myself transported to a tropical beach, drinking it out of a coconut shell.
I also really appreciate the dedication to offer zero-sugar options for all the flavors. While brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have added exciting syrups of their own, it can be difficult to find, say, mango, without copious amounts of artificial sweeteners. But it was just as easy to find a twelve pack of zero sugar Creamy Coconut than the regular version.
Dr. Pepper has absolutely earned its new status, and I hope it uses this momentum to keep innovating! If you need your own drink of the summer, dear reader, I think you know what my suggestion would be.
Dr. Pepper has absolutely earned its new status, and I hope it uses this momentum to keep innovating! If you need your own drink of the summer, dear reader, I think you know what my suggestion would be.