Findings
Dirty soda, a trending non-alcoholic drink, involves mixing traditional sodas with syrups, juices, or creams to create custom, flavorful combinations. Initially popularized by Utah-based soda shops like Swig and Fiiz, dirty soda has since expanded across the U.S., gaining widespread attention through social media and pop culture.
Olivia Rodrigo is often associated with the rise of the dirty soda trend because she inadvertently popularized it by posting a photo of herself holding a Swig cup (a popular soda shop known for dirty sodas) on Instagram in 2021. This simple post went viral, leading her fans and followers to try dirty sodas and share their own experiences on social media platforms like TikTok.
Key Takeaway
Dirty soda is evolving from a regional trend into a nationwide phenomenon, driven by customizable drink options and viral social media appeal.
Trend
The key trend is the customization of beverages, allowing consumers to personalize soda with add-ons like flavored syrups, juices, and creams to create a unique, indulgent experience.
Consumer Motivation
Consumers are motivated by the desire for personalization, indulgence, and experimentation. The opportunity to create unique soda combinations and share them on social media drives consumer engagement.
What is Driving the Trend
The trend is fueled by social media platforms like TikTok, celebrity endorsements (e.g., Olivia Rodrigo), and the expansion of specialty soda shops offering customizable, Instagram-worthy drinks.
Who Are the People the Article is Referring To
The article refers to young, social media-savvy consumers, primarily Gen Z and Millennials, who are attracted to novelty, customization, and shareable experiences. It also highlights the Latter-day Saints community, where soda serves as a non-alcoholic social vice.
Description of Consumers Product or Service Article is Referring To and Their Age
Dirty soda primarily appeals to younger consumers (teens to 30s) who seek fun, customizable drink experiences. The drinks are offered at specialty soda shops that resemble fast-food chains, where consumers can select sodas and mix-ins to their preference.
Conclusions
The rise of dirty soda signals a shift toward customizable beverage experiences, blending flavors and textures in creative ways. As dirty soda expands across the U.S., its appeal lies in its novelty and adaptability.
Implications for Brands
Beverage brands should explore customization options by offering syrups, creamers, and flavor add-ins that allow consumers to personalize their drinks. This could be leveraged through partnerships with soda shops or at-home beverage products.
Implications for Society
The trend highlights a societal desire for personalized, shareable experiences. In an era of social media, food and drinks that can be customized and posted online are gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers.
Implications for Consumers
Consumers are looking for creative, indulgent drinks that they can easily customize. Dirty sodas cater to the desire for experimentation and the need to find new ways to enjoy familiar beverages.
Implications for Future
The future of beverages will likely see an increase in customization as brands and soda shops continue to cater to consumer demands for creative control and unique drink combinations.
Consumer Trend
A growing trend is the rise of personalized drinks, where consumers can experiment with different flavors and textures to create custom soda experiences.
Consumer Sub-Trend
The popularity of non-alcoholic alternatives in social settings, where customized sodas replace traditional alcoholic drinks, particularly within the Latter-day Saints community.
Big Social Trend
The growing influence of social media and viral culture on consumer behavior, where visually appealing and customizable beverages like dirty sodas gain traction through platforms like TikTok.
Local Trend
The trend began in Utah, where soda shops are as common as coffee shops, particularly among the Latter-day Saints community.
Worldwide Social Trend
A global movement toward customization in food and beverages is becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek unique and personal experiences.
Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article
Personalized Beverage Customization: The trend of creating unique, customized drinks that reflect personal tastes and preferences.
Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article
Social Media-Driven Consumption: The viral nature of drink trends, where custom, visually striking beverages gain popularity through social media.
Social Drive
The desire for personal expression and creativity in food and beverages, paired with the influence of social media, drives the dirty soda trend.
Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025
Emphasize Customization: Brands should offer customizable options with syrups, creams, and juices that allow consumers to mix and match to create their perfect drink.
Leverage Social Media: Encourage consumers to share their custom soda creations online, offering incentives or featuring user-generated content.
Collaborate with Soda Shops: Partner with specialty soda chains like Swig or Fiiz to promote unique flavor combinations and seasonal offerings.
Expand Product Lines: Introduce ready-to-use dirty soda kits or flavor boosters that consumers can purchase for at-home use.
Final Sentence (Key Concept)
In 2025, customization and personalization will continue to dominate the beverage industry, with brands capitalizing on consumers’ desire to create unique, shareable experiences through creative mix-ins and custom drink options that appeal to younger, social media-driven audiences.
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