In his solo hit “Heart of the Matter,” Don Henley famously sang that “if you keep carryin’ that anger, it’ll eat you up inside.” While I’m all for forgiveness where deserved, I’m also all about holding a grudge when necessary. Do you remember the first time that you were lied to as a consumer? You’d better believe that I do, and I can sum it all up in two words: New Coke. Product variations and revisions are risky, and I’ve been hurt a few times over the years.
Today, we’re going to talk about the new limited edition offering of Heritage Dr. Pepper, but before we get there, I feel like I should give you a personal rundown of how I became a Dr. Pepper fan. To do this, we’re going to chart my soda drinking history, brand-by-brand.
Before I became a Pepper, I was originally a Coke guy, or Mr. Pibb if I could get it. I loved going to work with my dad, because they had a pop machine at the office that served up nice cold bottles of my favorite beverages, and I could always get my dad to lend me a few coins to pick one up. For me, there was nothing better than an icy cold bottle of Coca-Cola, one of the true pleasures in life that was just as good as the commercials that you saw on television. Unlike the fast food sandwiches that you saw on television that looked completely different in person (read: gross), the experience of drinking a Coke was as advertised, completely awesome. Coke was it.
1985 came around, and Coca-Cola had the brilliant (insert sarcasm here) idea to change the formula of their classic soft drink, setting off one of the largest marketing disasters of all time with the introduction of “New Coke.” Reaction was quick, and it was negative, and worst of all, I could no longer get my favorite drink. It was New Coke, or no Coke at all for the 11 year old me. So I chose “no Coke” as my option, and moved to drinking Mr. Pibb exclusively. Eventually, Coca-Cola tried to save face with the introduction of Coca-Cola Classic, but even that tasted somehow different from the original Coke that I had once known and loved.
When we moved to Ohio, Mr. Pibb was not widely available at local grocery stores, and it was at that point that I officially met Dr. Pepper, my beloved drink which many have come to associate as a signature part of my personality.
While I’ve consistently been a Dr. Pepper drinker since the late ’80s, I am always interested in soda developments as they come and go, although I never quite got up the nerve to try Jolt Cola – their marketing ploy of “all of the sugar and twice the caffeine” made my head hurt, just thinking about it.
Some other beverage thoughts:
Diet beverages, i.e. Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper, Coke Zero – “taste just as good as the original.” Um, not quite. Further, Coke Zero is complete flavorless crap. It really is truth in advertising – Coke Zero= taste that is zero, and enjoyment that rates at zero. Yuck.
Soda Myth: When ordering a beverage in a restaurant that does not serve Pepsi products, root beer is an acceptable substitute for Dr. Pepper.
Truth: Not even close. Waiters and waitresses, please take note and stop lying to us.
Speaking of root beer though, Mug Root Beer allegedly sent the foam straight to the end user’s brain – and while I can not specifically comment on that, Mug Root Beer was delicious, and I miss it. Although it’s apparently still in production, I can’t find it in Ohio. Boo.
Cherry-vanilla Dr. Pepper – while this seems like a good idea on paper, ultimately it tasted like a flat Dr. Pepper that had been left out on the kitchen counter overnight. I hear that the newer Cherry Dr. Pepper is better, with a more pronounced cherry taste – something that I’ll look forward to trying. I refused to try the “Berries and Cream” version of Dr. Pepper that was briefly available in 2006/2007 – that just sounded gross to me.
Which brings us to Heritage Dr. Pepper, a product that began appearing in stores this past November. Made with real sugar, instead of the high fructose corn syrup that the company has been using since the ’70s, Dr. Pepper fans can finally drink (albeit, for a limited time only) a version of Dr. Pepper that is likely as close to the “original stuff” as you’ll ever taste, unless you’re willing to import the original formula from Dublin, TX (or unless you live in the UK, where they apparently also get the full sugar experience).
I was interested to sample Heritage Dr. Pepper for myself, and finally got the chance when I tracked down my own twelve pack of the hallowed beverage at Christmastime. After icing it down in the refrigerator for several hours, I opened my first Heritage Dr. Pepper and took a sip. The taste was definitely different, although not necessarily in a positive way. I found that the use of “real sugar” actually took away some of the traditional flavor, rather than the enhanced flavor that I was expecting/hoping for. In fact, the expected taste that I was hoping for was far enough removed from what I’m normally used to, to the point that it almost had a bit of a diet taste to it, lighter than the current formula. Old school (read: older than me) Dr. Pepper drinkers have said that the sugar taste is an adjustment for anyone used to normally drinking beverages fueled by the high fructose corn syrup.
Whatever the case might be, I’ll stick to the more familiar blend of Dr. Pepper that I know and love. The authentic blend of 23 flavors might not be quite what the doctor ordered for some soda fans, but for me, it’s just right. I’m inclined to believe that whether it is made with sugar or high fructose corn syrup, you’re really splitting hairs to say that there is a significant difference in the taste. Sorry guys, I’m just not that much of a beverage snob. I will definitely argue that the taste of any brand of soda will always be superior when it comes from a glass bottle. The soda drinking experience lost a lot when they moved to packaging them in plastic bottles and cans – it just doesn’t taste the same.
However, my curiosity has been piqued, and I will add Dublin Dr. Pepper to the list of things that I will plan to try in 2010, along with Mexican Coke, which I’m also very curious about. There are at least subtle differences between Heritage Dr. Pepper and Dublin Dr. Pepper – HDP uses a cane and beet sugar mix, while DDP uses pure cane sugar. The difference? We’ll have to wait and see on that one.
Who knew that drinking a simple soft drink could be so complicated? I did learn a few things along the way, including the significance of the numeric sequence of 10-2-4 that once could be found on containers of Dr. Pepper. In the ’20s, Dr. Walter Eddy discovered in his studies at Columbia University that all of us experience a natural drop in energy at 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm. He also discovered that people are able to avoid that energy drop with a quick snack or drink at 10, 2, and 4. And hence, Dr. Pepper had a marketing strategy on their hands that famously targeted the beverage as the 10-2-4 solution to avoid the energy drop. And with this bit of gained knowledge, I’ve finally learned something that I’ve been trying to convince many of for years – Dr. Pepper really is good for you!
I’m kidding. Kind of.
Tags: 80's, Adventures in Bad Marketing, Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Don Henley, Dr. Pepper, Dr. Walter Eddy, Growing up was hard sometimes, Jolt Cola, Mean Joe Green, Mr. Pibb, Mug Root Beer, New Coke
[...] Product Review: Heritage Dr. Pepper | Popdose [...]
I was just thinking about this very subject this weekend. I had a dublin Dr Pepper and was wondering if they planned on doing the “throwback” soda like PEPSI is doing. I personally prefer the sugar flavoring vs hfs; but I do agree that they are different tastes. JOLT is awesome and not really that “jolty” it tastes like a really sweet RC. And Mexican Coke is soooo good, I think they taste just like Coca-cola's did back in the day.
The 'real sugar' drinks are welcomed only if they don't try pulling the crap of pretending they're healthier. A real sugar soda is just as bad as it ever was, even though sugar is technically a 'natural' product. I'm constantly bemused by how companies have tried to spin their products into this new understanding. If Pepsi and Coke just go on the record as trying to sell a “classic taste” then so be it. Still ain't health food though (not that you ever inferred they said it was.)
As you can imagine, I think that products like this, and the “throwback” Pepsi and Mountain Dew are more for the purposes of nostalgia, hence their “limited edition” status. Plus, it gives the old-timers something to talk about, or bitch about, depending on the specific old-timer that you encounter
Archie – “I remember when you ate corn off the cob, not drinkin' it in your soda!”
Edith – “And I remember life before they cut off my gangrenous toes!”
Archie & Edith – “Those were the days!”
Awww. I'm sorry you didn't like it. Yes it is different from what you're used to. I liked “Heritage” quite a bit. I'm a Pepsi drinker. (People– don't tell me coke is the same. It's not.) And I hoarded Pepsi Throwback when it came out last Easter. I can't drink the regular stuff anymore. So now I am hoarding more Throwback… Hopefully they will bring these back a couple of times a year. I'm running out of room.
Aside from thinking the diet stuff is fucking revolting, I don't really care about soda one way or the other — but I have a 12-pack of Pepsi Throwback in my basement, along with some Mountain Dew Throwback.
I'm with James…Dublin Dr. Pepper (with Imperial pure cane sugar) and Mexican Coke are both awesome. In large parts here in central Texas, you can pretty easily find both of them in most gas stations, convenience stores, etc. (the Mexican Coke even comes in glass bottles!) Or, you can stock up on cases of cans at the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco…always a fun stop for any DP fan. I haven't seen any of the Heritage product here yet, though. Maybe that's just for areas beyond the Dublin distribution reach.
So when I finally run out, I can take yours? Thanks.
No way, Beavis. I was just sharing your love of all things Throwback.
After a couple of years, you forget about how the diet sodas taste metallic. Then the canary in your gut drops dead…
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by popdose: Dr. Pepper ditches the high fructose corn syrup, and @mwardlaw guzzles a 12-pack: http://bit.ly/54962A...
I'll agree – Pepsi definitely isn't the same as Coke. I'm a Coke guy btw, except for Dr. Pepper…I'm okay with all Coke products in general, especially bottled Coke, which I'm craving now.
Any love for Royal Crown Cola (RC) here?
Until I wrote this, I wasn't aware of the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco…believe me, it's definitely on the travel list now! I'll be ordering up some Dublin Dr. Pepper via mail order, and Mexican Coke is most certainly on the agenda, no worries!
Matt, Thanks for the informative article and mentioning the beet sugar / cane sugar blend in the new Heritage Dr Pepper. Having had Dublin Dr Pepper (cane sugar) and trying the new Heritage Dr Pepper, I can say there is a huge difference. Dublin is better. Heritage tastes a little strange to my taste buds but it's still way better than HCFS Dr Pepper.
That's interesting…I like RC (as mentioned down below before I saw your mention up here)….perhaps I'll have to add Jolt to the list if I can find it anywhere….I thought they stopped making it?
Rusty, it's on like Donkey Kong…I will be mail ordering some DDP asap!! Thanks for the info!
I saw Mexican coke in bottles at the Marc's at Kamms BTW. And also at Costco in Avon. Haven't tried it.
Apparently they're still bottling Coke with sugar right here in Bedford, OH – which would make me think that the bottled stuff that you buy in Giant Eagle grocery stores here, should be the stuff from Bedford…I'm planning to find that out.
[...] Product Review: Heritage Dr. Pepper | Popdose [...]
I tried the heritage formula today. It tastes like cream soda, not Dr. Pepper. I'm old enough to remember when soft drinks were all made with cane sugar, and drank Dr. Pepper and Fanta cream soda as a kid, and I swear this drink tastes more like Fanta cream soda. It doesn't have much of a “pepper” flavor as I recall Dr. Pepper always having. There really shouldn't be that much difference between sugar and corn syrup versions of drinks, since I've had cane sugar Coke from Mexico and corn syrup Coke made in the US, and there is not as much difference in flavor as between those and the Dr. Peppers. I think they tinkered with the formula to convince people they're better off with the corn-sweetened version.
Oh, and by the way, Wardlaw — Dr. Pepper is disgusting no matter what it's sweetened with. Blech.
Jeff – that is blasphemy!!
Conspiracy theory! Thanks for sharing your thoughts…I'll agree with your perspective…
Cool…you won't be disappointed!
[...] enjoy checking out my recent interview (+ "outtakes") with David Lowery of Cracker, and also my thoughts on that new-fangled Heritage Dr. Pepper [...]
Hello Gang, well if you have not tried the Dublin Dr. Pepper you are in for a real treat. We “imported” it from Dublin TX to IL all summer. The problem is shipping. WOW! It cost so much, and the UPS guy hates lugging the 50 six packs of bottles up to our house. ANYWAYS..it's well worth it. Oh, we stocked up on Pepsi Throwback, however, there is something fishy that happened since last summer…even though the can has the same exact ingredients, the flavor seems a bit off since last year. I called Pepsi and they said, “Nothing has changed at all”. NOT. It is still good, but wonder what they were up to over there at Pepsi. Have not seen the DR Pepper H. anywhere here in Central IL. I will start looking for it now that I hear it's out! Also, last but not least. Why don't they make soda in glass bottles anymore???? The taste is exceptional!!
I'm right there with you on people associating Dr. Pepper as a signature part of my personality. I always carry a 20 oz. bottle in my purse, for chrissakes.
Hell yeah! As you should!
Hello Gang, well if you have not tried the Dublin Dr. Pepper you are in for a real treat. We “imported” it from Dublin TX to IL all summer. The problem is shipping. WOW! It cost so much, and the UPS guy hates lugging the 50 six packs of bottles up to our house. ANYWAYS..it's well worth it. Oh, we stocked up on Pepsi Throwback, however, there is something fishy that happened since last summer…even though the can has the same exact ingredients, the flavor seems a bit off since last year. I called Pepsi and they said, “Nothing has changed at all”. NOT. It is still good, but wonder what they were up to over there at Pepsi. Have not seen the DR Pepper H. anywhere here in Central IL. I will start looking for it now that I hear it's out! Also, last but not least. Why don't they make soda in glass bottles anymore???? The taste is exceptional!!
I'm right there with you on people associating Dr. Pepper as a signature part of my personality. I always carry a 20 oz. bottle in my purse, for chrissakes.
Hell yeah! As you should!
I drank Coke and Dr. Pepper in the early sixties. If it is close, it'll be good to have the old flavor back again. Coke left it (flavor) in the 70's and it isn't what it used to be. The carbonation seemed better and had more bite. They are what they are and it won't change things to complain. The beginning of something is better than the end of it. Just look at Coke, Dr Pepper or anything for that matter.
If you find yourself in Cleveland, I've confirmed that the Coke here is indeed still made with real sugar. There's a definite difference that I don't taste in Coke in other states.
I LOVE Dr. Pepper. (I can't stand Coke/Pepsi flavor). You could say it's part of my personality too. After spending my first summer in Europe last year, I'm done with soft drinks make with HFCS. I believe there is definitely a difference, not only in taste, but also how you feel after drinking a can. That is why I'll always prefer Heritage over the other stuff. However, Dublin Dr. Pepper is the best. I'm drinking my first Heritage now, and I think Dublin is different and better.
HFCS is way worse for people than sugar. I know, sugar isn't great either but at least our kidneys can handle it better.
I have not tried Heritage. I may look for it and try it. I am actually trying to wean myself off DP (and soda in general). People keep telling me to try diet because “diet dr. pepper tastes just like regular”. uhm, yeah, if your taste buds are broken or you love that sevin dust tasting aftertaste it leaves you with. I'd rather go without.
Mexican coke can be found in a lot of places. In Atlanta, I can find it in grocery stores that cater to hispanics. It tastes different than the HFCS coke, but I like it better.
Your taste buds have been assaulted for years with high fructose corn syrup. If you switch to cane sugar sodas, (Mexican Coke is terrific, btw, and available at Costco) you will find that you actually drink less than you would with diet or the standard HFCS sodas. We have been lied to for years. HFCS also causes cravings for carbohydrates and actively leaches calcium from your body, but it's cheaper than sugar, so they don't care. Enjoy, whichever “regular” soda you wish, but AVAOID DIET ANYTHING AT ALL COSTS, ESPECIALLY IF IT CONTAINS ASPARTAME. Please read about it. http://dorway.com Good luck to you and yours, ASPARTAME=DEATH
It's in no way healthy, but HFCS is worse.
Hi all,
I got my first taste of Heritage Dr. Pepper a few days ago. I didn't even know it existed. I grabbed a bottle of Dr Pepper at the “Roach Coach” (food & drink truck) that comes around to an auction I regularly attend, and went in to the auction. I didn't notice it was a different formula until I opened it up and took a swig. Then I actually looked at at the bottle and read the ingredients. I had always wanted to try the real sugar version they sell in Dublin, TX, but have never had the chance. I thought this was my lucky day.
It first I was slightly disappointed. The taste was definitely different, but not better, and maybe not even as good as the HFCS Dr. P. I was used to. By the time I finished the bottle though, I was liking it. I wanted more (for research purposes), and I wanted to find out where I could buy some. The roach coach was gone by then though. I haven't had any luck finding stores stocking it locally. I'll ask the guy where he buys his soda the next time I see him.