What is a “Dirty Soda”? Understanding the Latest Beverage Trend and Its Health Effects.

The Rise of Dirty Sodas: A TikTok Sensation

Slurping Up a Trend

In the world of TikTok, new food and drink trends seem to emerge every week, keeping users engaged and eager to try the latest concoctions. Recently, a sweet and bubbly sensation has taken social media by storm: dirty sodas. This creative drink combines beloved soft drinks with indulgent add-ins such as cream, flavored syrups, and sweeteners, resulting in a refreshingly unique experience that has captivated taste buds across the nation.

A Flavorful Mix of Ingredients

Dirty sodas are essentially mixed drinks that marry classic sodas with creamy and colorful extras. Notable combinations that have gone viral include Dr Pepper mixed with coconut creamer and lime or Diet Coke blended with protein milk. The options are nearly endless, allowing TikTok enthusiasts to explore a plethora of flavor pairings. Some users even showcase recipes that elevate the sugary beverage into a fun, customized experience.

From Local Shops to National Fame

While the dirty soda trend began brewing a few years ago, it gained significant traction with the help of the reality series, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." This program shed light on "Swig," a Utah-based dirty soda shop that specializes in these sugary delights. After the show’s airing, social media became a hotbed of activity surrounding dirty sodas, with beverage aficionados experimenting with different recipes, filming their creations, and sharing them with followers.

Spurred by its newfound popularity, dirty soda shops have begun cropping up in other states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona, expanding the phenomenon beyond its Utah roots. A surge in online searches for "dirty soda" has spiked by an impressive 609% and for "Swig" by 222% since September 2023, according to Yelp data.

The Customizable Craze

One of the most remarkable aspects of dirty sodas is their extreme customizability. Tara Lewis, a trend expert at Yelp, emphasizes the exciting potential for creative combinations. “Recently,” she notes, “we’re even seeing new recipes that swap cream for protein shakes.” As society moves towards initiatives like Sober October, dirty sodas are embracing evolution into fun mocktails and non-alcoholic alternatives, a shift that’s reflective of a broader trend of seeking out healthier options without sacrificing enjoyment.

Nutrition Insights

With any new food trend, health experts are quick to assess its nutritional impact. Christine Byrne, a dietitian and owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition, provides insight into the "dirty" mix, stating, “There’s nothing inherently wrong with dirty soda – it’s just a sweet drink with added sweeteners and creamers.” The caloric content largely depends on whether diet or regular soda and sugar- or sugar-free syrups or creamers are used.

Liz Weinandy, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, offers a more cautionary perspective. She advises that, while there is no need to vilify dirty sodas, they should be enjoyed as an occasional treat, likening them to cake or other indulgent desserts. “Dirty soda should be viewed as an occasional treat, similar to any high-calorie, low-nutrient food or beverage,” she explains.

The Protein Twist

As the trend evolves, some variations combine sodas with protein milk or shakes. While this may not add significant nutritional value, it is generally considered harmless as long as it’s not mistaken for a meal. “If you’re replacing actual meals with dirty protein soda, that’s a problem,” Byrne cautions. Yet, when made with milk, dirty sodas can provide some protein and calcium—a welcome addition to the mix.

Aligning with Health Trends

The rise of dirty sodas coincides with growing interest in non-alcoholic beverages. With searches for "non-alcoholic drinks" soaring 64% and "mocktail" by 21% compared to the previous year, consumers are clearly leaning towards fun alternatives without alcohol. This transformation comes in the wake of growing awareness surrounding the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, amplifying the search for sodas filled with sugary syrups as an alternative.

An Eye on Balance

However, experts advise a careful approach to these sugary concoctions. Weinandy places both dirty sodas and alcoholic beverages in the "proceed cautiously" category. “Dirty soda is very high in calories coming from sugar and possibly saturated fat if the drink contains cream,” she notes. Continuous consumption of foods high in sugar and saturated fat is associated with increased health risks, including obesity and heart disease.

Moreover, the trend relies on carbonated soft drinks, which have come under scrutiny for their links to a myriad of health concerns. From higher cancer risks to heart disease, the evidence surrounding ultra-processed foods continues to evolve, urging consumers to think critically about the impact of such drinks on their health.

The Bottom Line: Enjoy Responsibly

Dirty sodas represent a fascinating twist in the beverage landscape, capturing the imagination of TikTok users and pushing the boundaries of traditional soda consumption. While these bubbly drinks can provide an exciting burst of flavor and creativity, moderation is key. Balancing indulgence with health awareness will ensure that the allure of dirty sodas remains a fun—and not detrimental—part of modern sipping culture.