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Tag: dr pepper

  • ‘I’d be upset’: Dallas couple buys pack of Dr. Pepper. Uh, what is that inside?

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    If you’re a soda drinker, you probably don’t expect anything out of the ordinary after purchasing a pack of your favorite flavor.  Except for this Texas-based couple who found a complete oddity in their Dr. Pepper box. 

    What Soda Did This Couple Find In Their Dr. Pepper Pack?

    In a video with over 134,000 views, TikTok creator Spaghetti Bandit (@thunderbuttmutt) films a lone can of Big Red counter.

    “So, we found a Big Red in our containers of Dr. Pepper,” she says, shifting he camera to her boyfriend holding a plastic container of the soda and back to the anomaly. “We’re about to see if there’s Big Red in there.”

    Then, her boyfriend cracks open the can and pours it into a cup. Instead of the burgundy liquid, bright red flows inside, an indication that it is the beloved Texas beverage, which the man sighs in disappointment.

    The content creator explains in the caption what led up to the test run: “We found a Big Red in our box of Dr Pepper from Costco and we’re curious where in production the mistake happened. I was so curious to see if there would be Big Red or Dr Pepper in the can!”

    Viewers Had Mixed Feelings 

    Division sparked among viewers in the comments section. Many resonated with Spaghetti Bandit’s boyfriend’s feelings of dismay.

    “I felt that sound of [disappointment],” one viewer commented.

    “As an avid big red drinker, I would have been so upset if I opened that and it was not big red especially if it was Dr.Pepper,” a second remarked.

    “Yuck I’d be upset. big red tastes like throw up,” a third said.

    However, some Big Red fans interpreted this as a win.

    “Big red is goated tho. Why did they sound disappointed,” one commenter stated.

    “Win! I love big red,” another concurred.

    How Could A Big Red End Up In A Dr. Pepper Box?

    In 2008, Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (now called ‘Keurig Dr Pepper’ after merging with Keurig Green Mountain ten years later) acquired a minority stake in Big Red Inc. According to Consumer Reports, Dr. Pepper ships and manufactures 80% of Big Red products, making it the largest distributor. In fact, both companies were born in the heart of Waco, Texas. Nevertheless, an alleged former Keurig Dr. Pepper employee offered an explanation.

    “I used to work at dp and if I was repacking a 12p and I was short 1 can I would throw a random one in,” they revealed.

    Since the same facilities often manufacture the beverages, a production error could have caused this regardless of intention.

    @thunderbuttmutt

    We found a Big Red in our box of Dr Pepper from Costco and we’re curious where in production the mistake happened. I was so curious to see if there would be Big Red or Dr Pepper in the can!

    ♬ original sound – Spaghetti Bandit

    The Mary Sue reached out to Spaghetti Bandit via TikTok comment and direct message as well as Keurig Dr Pepper via press email.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Melody Heald

    Melody Heald

    Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]

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    Melody Heald

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  • The Return of Nostalgic Snacks

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    The return of nostalgic snacks is here as Millennials and Gen Z rediscover childhood favorites and retro food trends.

    In an era dominated by plant-based everything, functional foods, and minimalist packaging, something unexpected is happening in grocery aisles and on social feeds: the return of nostalgic snacks. Old-school treats are back in a big way. Younger Millennials and Gen Z—groups often associated with innovation and disruption—are enthusiastically embracing the very treats their parents (and grandparents) grew up with. From neon-colored chips to retro candies and even vintage drink rituals, the past is suddenly delicious again.

    RELATED: The Best Cocktails For Holiday Day Drinking

    So why now? Part of the answer lies in comfort. After years marked by global uncertainty, rising costs, and nonstop digital noise, familiar flavors offer emotional grounding. A cheese puff that tastes exactly like it did in elementary school or a candy bar unchanged since the 1970s delivers something modern snacks often can’t: predictability. For Gen Z especially, nostalgia isn’t just about personal childhood memories—it’s also about borrowing joy from earlier eras they know through pop culture, TikTok clips, and family stories.

    Social media has poured gasoline on the trend. Vintage snacks photograph well, spark instant recognition, and encourage storytelling. A single post featuring a classic fruit chew or foil-wrapped chocolate can ignite comment sections filled with “I forgot about these!” and “My grandma always had these.” Brands, noticing the engagement, have leaned in with throwback packaging, limited-edition reissues, and even revived recipes.

    Among the snacks currently back in vogue are classic potato chips with bold, unapologetic flavors, mall-era soft pretzels, toaster pastries, and old-school candies like wax bottles, chewy taffies, and powdered sweets. Snack cakes—once dismissed as outdated—are enjoying renewed popularity as ironic indulgences turned sincere favorites. Even lunchbox staples like pudding cups and peanut butter crackers are finding new life among twenty-somethings stocking home offices instead of lockers.

    Then there’s the revival of retro drink culture, including one of the quirkiest traditions of all: Hot Dr. Pepper. Long before cold soda was the unquestioned norm, Dr Pepper promoted the idea of gently heating the soda and pouring it over a slice of lemon. Originating in colder climates and popularized in the mid-20th century, the drink was marketed as a cozy winter warmer. Today, Hot Dr. Pepper is resurfacing online as a novelty experiment—and surprisingly, many young drinkers love it. Served warm, the soda’s 23 flavors become spicier and more aromatic, blurring the line between soft drink and comfort beverage. For a generation which embraces curiosity and remixing traditions, it’s the perfect rediscovery.

    RELATED: Upgrade Your Gift Game and Avoid the Lame

    What makes this snack renaissance especially interesting is it isn’t anti-modern. Gen Z and Millennials are pairing nostalgic treats with contemporary values—sharing them sustainably, remixing them into recipes, or enjoying them as occasional indulgences rather than everyday staples. It’s not about rejecting the future; it’s about reclaiming the joy of the past.

    In the end, nostalgic snacks are back because they make people feel something real. In a world constantly pushing what’s new, there’s comfort—and a lot of fun—in opening a package tasting exactly like a memory.

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    Sarah Johns

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  • WTF Fun Fact 13727 – Hot Dr. Pepper

    WTF Fun Fact 13727 – Hot Dr. Pepper

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    Hot Dr. Pepper occupies a unique niche in the world of beverages. This drink, which originally emerged in the 1960s, has a fascinating history tied to corporate strategy and changing consumer tastes. The idea was simple: transform a fizzy soft drink into a warm winter drink.

    The transformation involves heating Dr. Pepper to about 180 degrees and serving it with a thin slice of lemon. Although it gained initial popularity in the American South, it gradually faded into obscurity.

    The Origins of Hot Dr. Pepper

    The history of Hot Dr. Pepper dates back to a time when beverage companies sought to maintain sales during colder months. Dr. Pepper recognized the dip in cold beverage consumption and cleverly marketed this warm variation. The aim was to provide customers with a comforting drink that could still deliver a caffeine kick despite being heated. The drink gained traction, especially in small Southern towns, where it developed a dedicated following. Despite its initial success, the drink never achieved mainstream appeal, and its popularity waned over time.

    Preparing and Serving Hot Dr. Pepper

    The drink is straightforward to prepare. The Dr. Pepper website suggests heating the soda in a saucepan until it reaches 180 degrees. This heating process removes the carbonation, leaving a warm, thick, and sweet beverage. To enhance the flavor, a thin slice of lemon should be placed in the drink just before serving. The thinness of the lemon slice is crucial, as too much lemon can overpower the delicate balance of sweetness and tartness in the drink.

    Modern Relevance and Appeal

    Hot Dr. Pepper deserves a revival in today’s culinary world, which has embraced retro and nostalgic foods. The drink provides warmth and comfort on cold days and serves as a unique alternative to more traditional hot drinks like coffee, tea, or cider.

    Some people add a splash of rum to their Hot Dr. Pepper, transforming it into a “Boomer,” which was a popular twist in mid-century advertisements. This variation is ideal for cozy gatherings during the winter season, adding a fun and historical touch to any social occasion.

    Though it may not be for everyone, Hot Dr. Pepper offers a glimpse into past beverage marketing strategies. The drink’s sweetness may not suit all palates, but it’s worth trying at least once. If you can get your hands on sugar-sweetened, glass-bottled Dr. Pepper, the drink may taste even better, providing a more authentic retro experience.

    Hot Dr. Pepper is quite the conversation starter. Whether you drink it straight or with a splash of rum, it’s worth a try.

    — WTF fun facts

    Source: “Have You Ever Tried Hot Dr. Pepper?” — Serious Eats

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    WTF

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