The internet loves a good rumor, and when it involves beloved beverages, it spreads faster than fizz in a shaken soda bottle. Recently, whispers have resurfaced, questioning, are they discontinuing Dr Pepper? The claim suggests that the iconic 23-flavor soda is facing the chopping block, possibly due to a takeover by beverage giant Coca-Cola. But before you start stockpiling your favorite cans, let’s pop the lid on this rumor and see what’s truly bubbling beneath the surface.
The idea that Dr Pepper is being discontinued, particularly due to Coca-Cola’s intervention, is not a new one. A viral hoax circulated online several years ago, most notably in 2016, proclaiming the supposed demise of Dr Pepper. This fabricated announcement, often shared on social media platforms like Facebook, declared with faux-solemnity: “An American Classic Says Goodbye!” It falsely stated that Coca-Cola had acquired the rights to Dr Pepper and would cease production by the summer of that year.
This hoax even concocted a reason for the supposed discontinuation, alleging that Dr Pepper could no longer compete due to cheaper ingredients used by other soda producers. The message tugged at heartstrings, lamenting, “Dr Pepper you will be truly missed by millions of Americans!” Accompanying these dramatic pronouncements was often an image designed to lend credibility to the false claim.
Dr Pepper cans on a shelf, illustrating the ongoing availability of the popular soda despite false rumors of discontinuation.
However, the truth is far less dramatic. Dr Pepper is not being discontinued. It remains a popular and widely available soft drink, produced by its parent company, Keurig Dr Pepper (formerly Dr Pepper Snapple Group). Crucially, Dr Pepper has not been bought by Coca-Cola, nor has Keurig Dr Pepper announced any plans to halt production of this flagship soda.
To clarify further, Dr Pepper and Coca-Cola are separate entities, operating independently in the beverage market. While it’s true that Coca-Cola bottlers do distribute Dr Pepper in some regions of North America, this is purely a distribution agreement and does not signify ownership or control by Coca-Cola over the Dr Pepper brand. This arrangement exists because Dr Pepper, unlike Coca-Cola, does not possess its own extensive bottling and distribution network. This partnership allows Dr Pepper to reach consumers effectively without relinquishing its brand independence.
Adding to the confusion, some may recall the story of “Dublin Dr Pepper.” Produced for over a century in Dublin, Texas, this version was beloved for using pure cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. The Dublin plant did cease producing Dr Pepper in 2012 due to a dispute, which might have fueled some misunderstanding. However, this closure was specific to the Dublin bottling plant and did not impact the overall production and availability of Dr Pepper across the country. Furthermore, even cane sugar versions of Dr Pepper are still available from other bottlers.
In conclusion, the rumors of Dr Pepper being discontinued are simply untrue. The soda remains in production, owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, and there are no credible indications of its impending disappearance. So, rest easy, Dr Pepper fans. Your favorite fizzy beverage is here to stay. The next time you encounter such online claims, remember to verify the source and consider that not everything you read on the internet is the real deal, especially when it comes to beloved soda brands.
