Quick facts
| Founded | 1885 in Waco, Texas by Charles Alderton |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Made by | Keurig Dr Pepper (USA); Coca-Cola (UK distribution) |
| Dietary status | Vegan-suitable; contains caffeine; American versions use HFCS |
About Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper is the oldest major soft drink brand in the United States, invented in 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas. The brand's signature 23-flavour blend has never been officially disclosed, making the exact recipe one of the longest-running trade secrets in the soft drink industry. Dr Pepper is owned by Keurig Dr Pepper in the US (since the 2018 merger). In the UK, distribution is handled by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. The American imports we stock include flavour variants like Cherry, Vanilla Float and Cream Soda that aren't part of UK Coca-Cola distribution.
The Dr Pepper range we stock
Six American Dr Pepper variants covering the variants not reliably stocked in UK supermarkets.
| Variant | Profile |
|---|---|
| Dr Pepper Original 355ml (USA) | The classic American recipe with HFCS. Sweeter than UK Dr Pepper |
| Dr Pepper Cherry 355ml | The classic 23-flavour blend with added cherry flavour. A long-running American variant |
| Dr Pepper Vanilla Float 355ml | Vanilla cream notes inspired by the American root beer float dessert |
| Dr Pepper Cream Soda 355ml | Cream soda variant with vanilla and richer mouthfeel |
| Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream 355ml | Recent American variant with strawberry and cream notes |
| Dr Pepper Zero Sugar 355ml (USA) | Sugar-free version with the American recipe profile |
Ingredients and allergens
Standard American Dr Pepper ingredients include carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel colour, phosphoric acid, natural and artificial flavours, sodium benzoate (preservative) and caffeine (around 41mg per 355ml can). The 23-flavour blend is the brand's signature trade secret and has never been officially disclosed. All variants are vegan-suitable (no animal-derived ingredients). Contains caffeine, so not suitable for caffeine-restricted diets and not recommended for very young children. Not formally halal certified but contains no obviously haram ingredients. Always check the back of each individual can for the most accurate allergen and dietary information.
Who Dr Pepper imports are for
Cherry and cream variant fans: the Cherry, Vanilla Float, Cream Soda and Strawberries & Cream variants are American-only releases. UK supermarkets carry only the standard Dr Pepper and Zero versions, so import is the only route to the cream and cherry lines.
Sweeter-taste American soda fans: the American HFCS recipe tastes meaningfully sweeter than UK Dr Pepper. Shoppers who travelled in the US and remember the taste come specifically for the American can rather than the European reformulation.
Soda pick-and-mix builders: the 355ml American can format works for variety packs and American hamper assembly. Pair with our Fanta imports and Arizona iced teas for full American drinks selections.
Caffeinated soda fans: Dr Pepper contains around 41mg of caffeine per can, more than UK Pepsi (32mg) but less than Coca-Cola (34mg) per equivalent volume. Lighter than energy drinks but a more functional caffeine hit than most flavoured sodas.
Buy Dr Pepper imports online in the UK
Build your basket from across the Dr Pepper range and our wider imported drinks selection to qualify for free UK delivery over £20. Dr Pepper pairs especially well with our American Fanta imports and Monster Energy ranges. Order before our daily cut-off for same-day dispatch.
Dr Pepper USA: frequently asked questions
What are the 23 flavours in Dr Pepper?
The exact 23 flavours in Dr Pepper have never been officially disclosed and are one of the longest-running trade secrets in the soft drink industry. Flavours frequently speculated by enthusiasts include cherry, vanilla, almond, blackberry, ginger, juniper, licorice, lemon, plum, nutmeg, root beer, prune and tomato, among others. Dr Pepper has consistently declined to confirm or deny any speculation.
Is American Dr Pepper different from UK Dr Pepper?
Yes. American Dr Pepper uses high fructose corn syrup and carries the full American flavour intensity. UK Dr Pepper was reformulated to drop below the 5g/100ml sugar tax threshold in 2018, switching to mixed sugar and sweeteners. The American version tastes sweeter and more concentrated. American Dr Pepper also has variants (Cherry, Vanilla Float, Cream Soda, Strawberries & Cream) that aren't sold in UK supermarkets at all.
Is Dr Pepper a cola?
No. Dr Pepper is its own category of soft drink, sometimes called a "pepper-style" soda. It is not a cola (no cola nut), not a root beer, not a cherry soda. The brand has always marketed itself as a unique 23-flavour blend distinct from the Coca-Cola and Pepsi cola category. Dr Pepper is older than both: the brand was invented in 1885, a year before Coca-Cola (1886) and 13 years before Pepsi (1898).
Does Dr Pepper contain caffeine?
Yes. Standard Dr Pepper contains around 41mg of caffeine per 355ml can, similar to Coca-Cola but lower than Mountain Dew or energy drinks like Monster. The caffeine content is the same across the Cherry, Vanilla Float, Cream Soda and other flavoured variants. Caffeine-free Dr Pepper exists in the US but is rarely imported to the UK.