Dr. Pepper and root beer, specifically the A&W brand, represent iconic soda choices; however, Dr. Pepper should serve as people’s top choice. The majority of the U.S. prefers Dr. Pepper over root beer, as Dr. Pepper moved quickly into the number two soda bought in the country in 2024. Since the creation of Dr. Pepper in 1885, the soft drink has lived on as the number one soda.
With multiple disagreements on whether Dr. Pepper or root beer should hold the title of number one, the general public does not realize that multiple recipes include Dr. Pepper, from brownies and cakes to drinks and savory food, as its main source of liquid. With its blend of 23 flavors, people can use the drink in diverse creations, creating a bolder flavor. The A&W company, a prominent root beer bottler, does not hold an extended variety of flavors, causing recipes that include root beer to become obscure.
“I chose Dr. Pepper over root beer because its blend of 23 flavors creates a taste that’s both unique and refreshing. Unlike root beer, which can be one note, Dr. Pepper offers a delightful complexity that keeps me coming back for more… Dr. Pepper is just more enjoyable and satisfying than root beer,” freshman Julian Stephens said
The flavors of Dr. Pepper remain a top priority of the company, as they continue to invent new and improved tastes for any season. In April of 2024, the Dr. Pepper company announced a limited edition summer flavor: Creamy Coconut. Dr. Pepper described the Creamy Coconut Soda as a tasteful mix of the original flavors with a hint of tropical coconut and a creamy finish. Dr. Pepper flavors continue to overpower root beer due to the variety of flavors, creating beyond a single flavor, something root beer can not do.
While the history of Dr. Pepper shows a rocky path, multiple individuals feel astonished when finding out the story. With its origins in Waco, Texas, scientist Charles Alderton unknowingly invented the soda in a store; unfortunately, Dr. Pepper started causing a significantly high demand which started manufacturing shortages. Due to the public buying out Dr. Pepper in local stores, the company could not package and deliver on time to markets to meet customer demands. Robert S. Lazenby, owner of a ginger ale soda company, expressed interest in the growth of Dr. Pepper and partnered up with the original creators — causing an expansion in the soda’s production.
Although Dr. Pepper stands as the general public’s first choice, A&W soda exists as a healthier, caffeine-free drink and three percent of the U.S. soda market. In the early 1840s, root beer existed as a medical treatment, consisting of simple homemade remedies that incorporated the non-carbonated extract from root teas. In the 1850s, entrepreneur George Twitchell created a syrup that allowed people to choose whether they use root beer as a medical treatment or soda. Root beer follows Dr. Pepper in the top 10 sodas produced and sold nationwide.
Even though root beer poses benefits, Dr. Pepper continues to stand as societally advantageous. In college football, Dr. Pepper persistently serves as a sponsor since 2014, closely following the soda brand people associate with the National Football League (NFL). With Dr. Pepper promoting football games, the sports industry in return helps the soda company expand in revenue, raising sales prices by 50%, in 2024 alone. The Dr. Pepper campaign will start again in the upcoming season, for the seventh year in a row. Starting in 2021, Dr. Pepper created a brilliant storyline about high school drama featuring Friday night lights in a fictional town obsessed with football games, continuing to do partnerships with popular football players to help promote the company and football players.
“I choose Dr. Pepper over root beer any day just because I prefer the taste more. Dr. Pepper is sweeter and I like how carbonated it is, but root beer is kinda bland. I also like Dr. Pepper’s cherry flavor but root beer is just kinda boring. Dr. Pepper overall tastes better and pairs better with more things which is why it’s my favorite,” sophomore Gavin Brillinger said.
Dr. Pepper should continue on as the U.S. citizens’ favorite soda due to the excellent refreshment the carbonated drink provides. Root beer’s marketing strategies can not compare to Dr. Pepper’s, displaying why Dr. Pepper stands as the dominant soda in the U.S., Between its diverse flavors and iconic story, Dr. Pepper’s status as a loved beverage continues to last.
