Move over bubble tea and cold brew—Canada has a new fizzy obsession. It’s sweet, creamy, colorful, and loaded with personality. Enter the dirty soda, a quirky, non-alcoholic drink that’s exploding in popularity, thanks in part to TikTok, Instagram, and the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
From the U.S. Southwest to suburban streets in Alberta and B.C., dirty soda in Canada is having a moment. But what exactly is this eye-catching concoction, and why are Canadians suddenly lining up for it?
What Is Dirty Soda?
The name might sound suspicious, but dirty soda is innocent—and customizable. At its core, it’s a soda base (usually Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, or Sprite) mixed with flavored syrups, cream (like coconut cream or half-and-half), and sometimes a splash of citrus.
Imagine a cherry vanilla Diet Coke with coconut cream and lime. Or a root beer with caramel syrup and sweet cream. The possibilities are endless—and that’s part of the appeal.
Where Did Dirty Soda Come From?
The dirty soda trend originated in Utah, where many members of the Mormon community abstain from hot caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. But they don’t typically shy away from sugar or cold soda, so soda shops became the go-to social spot.
Chains like Swig and Sodalicious grew popular for offering custom drink combinations—and a “dirty” soda became the term for a soft drink with added flavors and cream.
The trend simmered quietly in Utah for years until 2022, when celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo were spotted with dirty sodas. But things took off when The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a Hulu reality show, began showcasing the drink on-screen.
Why Is Dirty Soda Trending in Canada Now?
Canadian audiences binge-watching Mormon Wives couldn’t help but notice the quirky drinks the cast members sipped in nearly every scene. And soon enough, Canadian entrepreneurs saw an opportunity.
Now, dirty soda shops and pop-up trailers are appearing across the country. In Edmonton, Sip Soda Co. is leading the charge. In British Columbia, sisters Mikayla and Brooklynn Cantelon launched Pop Culture Dirty Soda, a mobile soda bar that lets customers create custom drinks or try pre-built celebrity-inspired options.
The drink’s appeal? It’s nostalgic, fun to make, and endlessly Instagrammable.
What Goes Into a Dirty Soda?
Here are the typical dirty soda ingredients:
- Base Soda: Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Root Beer
- Flavored Syrups: Coconut, vanilla, raspberry, cherry, peach
- Cream: Coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half
- Extras: Fresh lime, whipped cream, fruit purées, even marshmallow fluff
It’s the kind of thing you’d invent at a sleepover or in a diner on a dare—but somehow, it works. And the combinations are only limited by your creativity.
Not Just a Fad: Why Canadians Are Loving It
A few reasons this viral drink trend in Canada is catching fire:
- Social Media-Ready: Bright colors, aesthetic layers, and foam toppers make dirty sodas ideal for Instagram and TikTok.
- Customizable: Customers get to play mixologist. Every order is unique.
- Alcohol-Free Fun: These non-alcoholic drinks feel like a treat without being boozy—perfect for families or anyone looking for a fun sober option.
- Affordable Indulgence: With inflation hitting restaurants and groceries, a $6 soda feels like a luxurious yet budget-friendly treat.
The Role of Reality TV and MomTok
The influence of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives can’t be overstated. The show features modern Mormon women balancing religion, family, and business—all while sipping dirty sodas.
Combine that with TikTok’s #MomTok community—where Mormon moms, especially in the U.S., have turned soda sipping into a lifestyle—and it’s easy to see why Canada is catching on.
These drinks are playful, creative, and community-building—fitting perfectly into the current mood of post-pandemic self-expression and indulgence.
Who’s Getting in on the Trend?
Besides small local businesses, even big players are entering the space. Cookie chain Crumbl has launched dirty soda options in some of its Canadian locations. And with Starbucks and Tim Hortons constantly innovating their drink menus, it’s only a matter of time before we see more mainstream soda-spinoff beverages.
But Is It Healthy?
Not exactly.
Many dirty sodas are loaded with sugar, syrups, and cream. A single drink can easily top 300–500 calories and include 40+ grams of sugar. That said, some shops offer sugar-free syrups, low-calorie sodas, or lighter versions.
If you’re watching your intake, consider skipping the cream, using diet sodas, or simply treating it as an occasional splurge.
How You Can Try It
Want to get in on the dirty soda trend in Canada? Here’s how:
At a shop:
- Visit places like Sip Soda Co. in Alberta or Pop Culture Dirty Soda in B.C.
- Look for pop-ups at farmers’ markets, food truck events, or local fairs.
At home:
Try this quick DIY recipe:
- 1 can of Diet Coke
- 1 tbsp coconut syrup
- 1 tbsp vanilla creamer
- Juice from ½ a lime
- Ice
Mix it up, pour it over ice, and enjoy your very first dirty soda at home.
Final Sip: A Fad or the Future?
Time will tell if dirty soda sticks around or fizzes out like many other drink trends. But for now, it’s having a sparkling moment in Canada—fuelled by nostalgia, TikTok, and the influence of Mormon culture on pop media.
So if you haven’t tried one yet, now’s your chance to grab a straw, get creative, and see what all the fuss is about.
