Dr Pepper, the iconic soda that’s neither cola nor root beer, has always been known for its adventurous spirit when it comes to flavors. Boasting a unique blend of 23 flavors, Dr Pepper consistently surprises us with creative variations, from the spicy kick of Hot Take to the nostalgic warmth of the bourbon-inspired (non-alcoholic) version. So, when the new Dr Pepper Blackberry hit the shelves, my curiosity was instantly piqued. Just like with Coca-Cola Starlight and 7Up Shirley Temple, any new and bubbly beverage is worth a try, especially when it comes from a brand as innovative as Dr Pepper.
Tasting the Blackberry Dr Pepper Experience
Two cans of Dr Pepper Blackberry, one regular and one Zero Sugar, positioned next to a glass filled with the soda and ice, all set on a wooden table against a soft beige backdrop
The combination of blackberry and Dr Pepper sounded like a match made in soda heaven. Dr Pepper already possesses a subtle berry undertone that distinguishes it from other sodas like Coke and Pepsi. Blackberries, with their unique tart-sweetness, offer a flavor profile that’s less common and arguably more sophisticated than the usual strawberry or cherry.
Dr Pepper Blackberry is available in both regular and zero-sugar options. Naturally, I had to sample both to give a comprehensive review. I started with the Zero Sugar version. Upon opening the can, I was greeted by a pleasant and distinct blackberry aroma, which was promising. Pouring it over ice, the initial scent was even more pronounced. However, the taste was a different story. While my husband likened it to cough syrup, my take was slightly different, yet equally negative. The zero-sugar Dr Pepper Blackberry tasted overwhelmingly artificial, like a concoction of harsh chemicals. The potent artificiality and lingering aftertaste completely overshadowed any hint of natural blackberry flavor. It left my mouth puckering with each sip, and I honestly questioned how this flavor made it past the development stage.
Thankfully, the regular Dr Pepper Blackberry offered a much more enjoyable experience. The fragrant blackberry aroma was still present, but the inclusion of sugar significantly mellowed the overall taste. Crucially, the unpleasant artificial sweetener aftertaste was completely absent. However, don’t expect an intense blackberry explosion upon your first sip. In a blind taste test, I might even struggle to pinpoint blackberry as the dominant flavor. Instead, it evokes more of a melted red Jolly Rancher candy flavor than the authentic sweet and tartness of a fresh blackberry. Despite this, the regular Dr Pepper Blackberry is a pleasant and intriguing flavor. I could definitely envision it as a base for a creative cocktail, mixed with your preferred spirit for an added kick.
Dr Pepper Blackberry: Availability and Permanence
Unlike some limited-edition soda flavors that disappear as quickly as they arrive, Dr Pepper Blackberry is here to stay. It’s a new permanent addition to the Dr Pepper flavor lineup, joining popular choices like Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream and Dr Pepper Cherry.
I found 20-ounce bottles of Dr Pepper Blackberry in my local store as early as February 1st, even though the official launch date was set for February 5th. While the 20-ounce bottles are currently available for a limited time, 12-packs of 12-ounce cans are expected to be widely available at retailers nationwide soon.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Dr Pepper Blackberry?
The regular Dr Pepper Blackberry is undoubtedly a fun and interesting soda to try. It’s worth picking up a pack to experience this new flavor profile, especially for casual enjoyment or even to have on hand for gatherings. It’s a definite step up from the Zero Sugar version, which I would not recommend. If you’re looking for a subtle, sweet, and slightly berry-flavored soda that’s different from the usual, the regular Dr Pepper Blackberry is worth exploring. However, if you prefer a strong and authentic blackberry taste, you might find this flavor a bit too subtle. For zero-sugar soda drinkers seeking blackberry flavor, it’s best to steer clear of this particular Dr Pepper offering and hope for future improvements in the formula.
