The Mormon-approved soda customization trend that went from Utah drive-throughs to national phenomenon.
Origin
“Dirty sodas”—soda mixed with cream, flavored syrups, and fruit—originated in Utah’s drive-through soda shops serving non-alcoholic mixed drinks. The culture thrived in Mormon communities where alcohol is prohibited but elaborate non-alcoholic beverages are celebrated. Regional chains like Swig and Sodalicious built cult followings.
TikTok Discovery (2021-2022)
TikTok users outside Utah discovered dirty sodas in late 2021, fascinated by the elaborate customization culture. Popular combinations: Dr Pepper with coconut syrup and cream, Mountain Dew with raspberry and lime, Sprite with mango and coconut. Videos showing orders and taste tests went viral.
National Expansion
By 2022-2023, dirty soda shops expanded beyond Utah. Major brands took notice: Sonic and 7-Eleven launched dirty soda-inspired drinks. Olivia Rodrigo’s 2023 documentary featured her dirty soda obsession, further boosting visibility. The trend represented soda culture’s evolution in the post-soda-decline era.
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