‘Dirty Soda’ is Taking Over

Once a quirky Utah specialty, dirty soda has surged into the mainstream. With its creamy, syrupy twist on soda, the drink has leapt from Mormon culture into TikTok virality. Now, fast-food giants and beverage titans like PepsiCo are racing to cash in, making dirty soda one of 2025’s most surprising beverage phenomena.

What Is Dirty Soda?

At its core, a dirty soda is simple: a base of cola or other soft drink mixed with cream and flavored syrups. Popularized by soda shops like Swig, the drink can be customized endlessly — from coconut-lime Dr Pepper to raspberry-vanilla Diet Coke.

From Mormon Culture to TikTok Fame

Dirty soda first gained traction in Utah, especially within the Mormon community, which avoids alcohol but embraces creative alternatives. Its rise exploded with the help of viral TikTok videos and the popularity of the Hulu reality TV show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, cementing its role in the viral drink trend cycle.

Not Exactly New

Despite its branding, dirty soda isn’t entirely original. Drinks like Italian sodas, egg creams in New York, doodh soda in South Asia, and even classic Coke or root beer floats share similarities. But unlike floats, which use ice cream, dirty soda uses cream and syrups, setting it apart as a distinct beverage style.

Gen Z as the Driving Force

Fun, colorful, and customizable, dirty soda is tailor-made for Gen Z. A LinkedIn trend report shows that younger consumers are driving demand for Instagrammable drinks with nostalgic yet novel twists, a key reason the trend has exploded beyond Utah.

Fast-Food Chains Race to Catch On

Major chains are moving fast. Taco Bell has launched beverages inspired by the craze, while Papa Johns introduced its exclusive “Cini Dirty Soda.” Even McDonald’s is testing flavored cold brews and dirty sodas to win Gen Z customers.

PepsiCo and Big Soda Enter the Chat

When the big players get involved, you know a trend is real. PepsiCo has invested in soda-shop concepts, and Mountain Dew is debuting new flavors inspired by the craze. With industry backing, dirty soda is poised to move from novelty to staple.

Health and Nutrition Concerns

Of course, not everyone is celebrating. Experts warn that the calorie, sugar, and cream content of dirty sodas can rival milkshakes. A Food Network analysis even questioned whether it’s possible to order a “healthy” version at all.

Why It Feels Ubiquitous Now

The surge isn’t just about one drink. Fast-food chains have been expanding their beverage menus for years, realizing that fun, flavored drinks drive loyalty and repeat visits. Dirty soda is simply the latest and loudest example.

A ‘Dirty’ Future?

Whether dirty soda remains a fad or cements itself as a permanent category, it speaks to a larger cultural shift. The craze blends nostalgia, customization, and viral energy—proving that even something as ordinary as soda can be reinvented. The question now: will dirty soda be remembered as a fleeting TikTok moment, or the foundation of America’s next big beverage boom?