Dr Pepper has been around so long (1885!) it probably deserves a more prestigious moniker. I don’t know what that would look like, though. General Dr Pepper? Doctorest Pepper? Something tells me those names won’t help sell soda. But the company’s newest product will, because Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream is a delicious drink for those seeking a liquid dessert.
Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream is not a limited-edition drink. It’s the latest product to earn a “permanent” spot in the soda’s lineup. The company says it’s also the only cola on the market offering this flavor combo. The soft drink features the “original 23 flavors of Dr Pepper swirled with layers of refreshing strawberry flavor and a smooth, creamy finish.” And I can attest that’s exactly what it tastes like since Dr. Pepper provided Nerdist with a sneak peek taste.
As a diet soda drinker I opted for the can of Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Zero Sugar. To get the full experience I poured mine into a large glass with ice. There was nothing especially noteworthy about the color, but the aroma was instantly recognizable. As was the taste. Unlike many flavored colas, whose unique elements come alive at the end of a sip, this is a flavor-forward drink. You get the strawberries and cream immediately. (The finish leans more towards a typical Dr Pepper taste.)
I expected this soda to mostly taste like a strawberry Dr Pepper, but that prediction was way off. You really get the cream. In fact, it’s the the more dominant element. That’s exactly why this is so good. It tastes like a dessert soda, but it’s not cloying. The cream and strawberry combo keeps everything from being too sweet. You can enjoy an entire can without feeling like you just ate an entire cake.
However, I likely wouldn’t drink one with a meal (or even dessert). This soda works best alone. I enjoyed it much more by itself than when I tried it between bites of lunch. And despite being a new product in 2023, the drink feels like a throwback. I’m guessing it wouldn’t be out of place in a ’50s soda shoppe. It’s just really enjoyable and a pretty great option if you’re looking for something sweet to drink.
And despite my best attempts at a promotion, the fact this tastes good is a much better selling point than a new moniker for Dr Pepper ever could.
Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Regular arrives in stores nationwide this month in 12-ounce 12 packs and 20-ounce bottles. Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Zero Sugar will come in 12-ounce 12 packs.
