Fans looking forward to a taste of the tropics will be pleased to hear that a seasonal favorite is hitting shelves sooner than expected. Dr Pepper is bringing back its Creamy Coconut soda for a short run this spring.
The flavor returns starting in April and will be sold nationwide in 12-ounce cans. It’s also coming back in a zero-sugar version.
How It Actually Tastes
Creamy Coconut first debuted as a limited-time flavor in summer 2024 (it hit shelves nationwide on May 1, 2024), created as a canned homage to the viral “dirty soda” trend popularized in places like Utah, where fans mix soda (often Dr Pepper) with coconut syrup, creamer, and other add-ins for a creamy, customized drink.
However, the official Dr Pepper version contains no actual dairy cream in the can. Instead, the company blends its signature 23-flavor Dr Pepper base with refreshing toasted coconut notes and a smooth, creamy finish to mimic that indulgent vibe without needing mix-ins.
Online reactions to Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut split into distinct camps. The packaging format seems to matter, as multiple users reported the canned version tasted noticeably better than bottles, with some crediting higher carbonation levels and fresher seals in aluminum.
Those who enjoy it often mention a surprisingly smooth, creamy texture that evokes comparisons to Malibu rum mixed with Dr Pepper, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, or even a virgin piña colada. Several self-proclaimed coconut skeptics admit that the flavor won them over, though a recurring criticism points to an artificial quality some liken to sunscreen or tanning oil.
The coconut intensity has divided drinkers, though, with coconut lovers praising its bold, authentic toasted coconut taste (more like real coconut or toasted notes than artificial sunscreen vibes) while others feel it overpowers the Dr Pepper base entirely, especially once the ice dilutes the drink.
Interestingly, the Zero Sugar version has earned dedicated followers who consider it superior to the regular formula, with one Redditor calling it a “top-5 soda ever.”
Sources: Dr Pepper, Allrecipes