Dr Pepper Tops Pepsi As Second-Best Selling Soda In America

Pepsi held the title of "America's second-favorite soda" since 1985. But that is the case no longer.

This week, Beverage Digest released data about the Soda Wars. The headline: Dr Pepper edged out Pepsi as the 2nd-best-selling soda in the U.S. by capturing 8.3 percent of the soda market, topping Pepsi by a few decimals. 

Duane Stanford, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest, attributed Dr Pepper’s rise to a growth in "multicultural and spice-loving consumers." He added that PepsiCo. has focused less on marketing its flagship soda in favor of its "zero sugar portfolio" 

Fair enough. Pepsi Zero Sugar is worth the hype. 

"Dr Pepper has distinguished itself through effective marketing campaigns that emphasize its unique flavor and individuality," Andrew Dickow, managing director of Greenwich Capital Group and national leader of its food and beverage practice, told Food Institute. "

Dickow highlighted Dr Pepper’s 40 percent increase in brand value compared to Pepsi’s "relatively stagnant performance." He noted that many consumers – specifically Gen Z and millennials – want "something different from the conventional cola flavor."

"This strategy resonates particularly well with younger demographics seeking alternatives to traditional cola drinks."

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, Coca-Cola still reigns supreme, holding down 19.2 percent of the market share.

Sprite also raised eyebrows with its 8.1 percent share of the market. Pepsi and Dr Pepper are about to hear footsteps… 

Diet Coke (7.8 percent), Mountain Dew (6.3 percent), Coke Zero (3.8 percent), Diet Pepsi (3.5 percent), Fanta (2.9 percent) and Canada Dry Ginger Ale (2.2 percent) round out the top 10.

How is Mountain Dew fifth? We wondered that, too. Per the eye test, far more Americans walk around with a bottle of Mountain Dew than Diet Coke.

Granted, I live in the Midwest where we call soda "pop." 

Also, all those commercials and Coke Zero can't crack the top 10?

(Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

My official pop (yes, pop) ranking:

1. Pepsi Zero Sugar

2. Sunkist

3. Squirt

4. Mountain Dew

5. Dr Pepper

What say you?