Heads up, Dr Pepper fans: your zero-sugar can might not be what you think. In a surprising move, PepsiCo has issued a voluntary recall of more than 19,200 cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar—not due to health-threatening contamination, but because of a mislabeling error. The mix-up poses potential, though temporary, risks to consumers monitoring their sugar intake, especially those with diabetes.
According to PepsiCo, the issue stemmed from an isolated mislabeling incident at its Jacksonville facility. While the cans were correctly filled with a standard Dr Pepper formula, they were mistakenly packaged and labeled as the Zero Sugar version. No manufacturing defect or contamination occurred during production. The company has stated that quality assurance protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar labeling errors in the future.
How to Spot the Recalled Dr Pepper Zero Sugar
If you’re unsure whether your Dr Pepper Zero Sugar is part of the recent recall, there’s a simple way to find out. The affected cans were distributed across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina and sold in 12- or 24-pack cartons of 12-ounce aluminum cans.
To confirm whether you have a recalled product, check the packaging for the following details:
- Production Code: XXXXRS05165
- Best By Date: February 16, 2026
The recall was initiated on May 23rd, 2025, and later classified as a Class II recall by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 5th, 2025, meaning the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects.
While most of the mislabeled cans have likely been pulled from shelves, it’s wise to verify the code on any Dr Pepper Zero Sugar you’ve purchased recently. No other Dr Pepper Zero Sugar products or Dr Pepper flavors are affected by this recall.
What to Do If You’ve Purchased the Recalled Dr Pepper Zero Sugar
If your cans of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar match the recall details—and you’re managing your sugar intake for health reasons—it’s best not to consume it. While the product isn’t dangerous for the general public, it does contain unexpected sugar that may pose concerns for individuals with conditions like diabetes.
You have two options: discard the cans or return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund or replacement.
Even if you’re not affected by the sugar content, you might notice a flavor difference from what you expected. And if you still prefer the actual zero-sugar version, exchanging the mislabeled product is a simple way to get what you originally intended to buy.
Consumer reactions to the recall have been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the potential health impact, especially for individuals with diabetes or those on strict low-sugar diets. Others have taken to social media to highlight the importance of reading product labels closely—even on trusted items. While the recall is limited in scope, the incident has reignited conversations around the accuracy of food labeling and the responsibilities of major beverage manufacturers to ensure consumer safety.
Source: AllRecipes