The dirty soda craze began as a quirky Utah staple, but it didn’t stay local for long. With its fizzy soda base, creamy swirl, and sweet flavor mix-ins, this fully customizable drink has captured attention from coast to coast. What started as a niche regional favorite is now a full-blown cultural trend. So how did this unique drink rooted in Utah pop culture turn into a national sensation? Here’s a closer look at its origins, viral rise, and how brands like Ziggi’s are helping to take it mainstream.
Dirty Soda’s Mormon Pop Culture Roots
The dirty soda craze didn’t begin in big cities or trendy cafes—it started in Utah, deeply rooted in the state’s unique blend of culture and community habits. Particularly tied to Mormon lifestyles, where coffee and tea are often avoided, soda became a creative and acceptable alternative for a daily pick-me-up.
In the early 2010s, local soda stands began serving fizzy drinks with a twist: regular sodas like Diet Coke or Sprite were combined with sweet syrups, citrus flavors, and creamy add-ins like half-and-half. These custom drinks were dubbed “dirty sodas,” and they quickly became a staple in Utah neighborhoods.
For families in the region, grabbing a dirty soda became as routine as stopping for coffee elsewhere. It was flavorful, fun, and most importantly—culturally fitting. What started as a local favorite quickly became a point of cultural pride, setting the stage for the dirty soda craze that’s now spread across the country.
How Dirty Soda Went Viral
The dirty soda craze truly took off once it landed on social media. While it started as a regional favorite in Utah, platforms like TikTok and Instagram helped launch it into the national spotlight. Videos of creamy, colorful sodas being mixed with coconut syrup, lime juice, and other vibrant add-ins quickly gained millions of views.
What made the trend so shareable? It was all about customization and visuals. People loved showing off their favorite combinations and naming their signature drinks. Whether it was a “Dirty Diet Coke” with coconut and lime or a cherry vanilla Sprite topped with cream, everyone had a version they swore by.
Celebrities also played a big role in fueling the dirty soda craze. When Olivia Rodrigo posted about her Swig order, fans rushed to try it for themselves. Suddenly, what had been a Utah go-to became the internet’s favorite fizzy treat, spreading fast across the country. If you’re curious about how Ziggi’s took this trend to the next level, check out The Ultimate Guide to Ziggi’s Dirty Soda for a full breakdown of flavors, fan favorites, and how to find them near you.
National Brands Embracing the Trend
As the dirty soda craze spread beyond Utah, national brands quickly took notice. What started in small-town soda shacks became a major beverage trend, prompting both soda-focused shops and coffee chains to jump in. Chains like Swig, Sodalicious, and Fiiz Drinks led the charge by opening new locations in Arizona, Texas, and even parts of the Midwest.
These brands saw the growing demand for customizable, fun, and photo-worthy drinks—and delivered. Dirty sodas became more than just a drink; they became a brand identity, often paired with quirky names, themed menus, and matching treats like cookies or muffins.
Even outside the soda shop world, restaurants and cafes began crafting similar offerings. While they might not always call them “dirty sodas,” the formula is familiar: soda base, flavored syrup, and cream. This expansion made the dirty soda craze even more mainstream, turning it from a local favorite into a nationwide go-to.
Where Ziggi’s Fits In
Ziggi’s Coffee has become a key player in the growing dirty soda craze, offering customers a place to explore this fizzy favorite alongside their usual coffee order. While many know Ziggi’s for its espresso drinks and lattes, the chain has embraced dirty sodas as a permanent part of the menu—making it one of the few national coffee brands to do so.
At Ziggi’s, you can start with a soda base like cola or lemon-lime, then build your own drink with flavor shots, cream, or non-dairy alternatives. This approach fits right in with the customization culture that’s driven the dirty soda craze from the start.
The brand’s baristas often create local favorites or off-menu combos, giving fans of the trend even more ways to experiment. Whether you’re already into soda or just getting curious, Ziggi’s lets you enjoy a custom dirty soda without skipping your go-to coffee stop.
FAQs About the Dirty Soda Trend
What exactly is in a dirty soda?
A dirty soda is a custom-made drink that starts with a familiar soft drink—like cola, Diet Coke, or lemon-lime soda—and adds layers of flavor through syrups, fruit juice, and a splash of cream or non-dairy milk. Popular add-ins include coconut syrup, vanilla, lime, or raspberry, giving each drink a unique taste. It’s the mix of carbonation and creamy smoothness that really sets it apart. This signature mix is what helped fuel the dirty soda craze that’s taken off across the country.
Does dirty soda contain caffeine?
It depends on the soda base you choose. If you build your dirty soda with cola, Diet Coke, or Dr. Pepper. Pepper, it will likely contain caffeine. But if you opt for caffeine-free options like Sprite, root beer, or a diet lemon-lime soda, your drink can be completely caffeine-free. One of the reasons the dirty soda craze has taken off is the flexibility—it works for both caffeine lovers and those avoiding it.
Can you make a dirty soda at home?
Yes, making a dirty soda at home is easy and part of the fun behind the dirty soda craze. All you need is your favorite soda—like Diet Coke or Sprite—plus flavored syrups such as coconut or vanilla, and a splash of cream or non-dairy milk. You can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix. It’s a simple way to enjoy the trend without a trip to the shop.
Is dirty soda healthier than coffee drinks?
Not always. While dirty sodas may seem lighter than sugary coffee drinks, they can still pack a lot of sugar and calories—especially when made with regular soda, full-sugar syrups, and cream. However, the dirty soda craze also includes low-calorie versions using diet soda, sugar-free syrups, and non-dairy milk. So, it really depends on how you build it. Like coffee, dirty soda can be customized to fit your taste and dietary goals.
Where can I find dirty soda near me?
Thanks to the growing dirty soda craze, more spots across the country are now offering this fizzy favorite. Popular chains like Swig, Sodalicious, and Fiiz Drinks originated in Utah but have expanded into other states. Coffee shops like Ziggi’s also serve dirty sodas as part of their regular menu. Even if there’s not a dedicated soda shop nearby, some local cafes or drive-thrus may offer similar custom soda drinks—just ask if they mix flavors and cream into soft drinks.
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