What’s your favorite soda?
Everyone has a different answer to that question. Sales numbers say that the favorite sodas among Americans are Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Dr Pepper—but there’s always someone who insists their favorite fizzy drink is a Fanta or Sprite.
For those who love Dr Pepper, actually getting that tasty drink might get a little bit more difficult in the coming months. On a recent visit to a Panda Express in Los Angeles, one TikToker explains why this is the case.
What’s Happening to Dr Pepper?
In a video with over 2.1 million views, TikToker Christian Mata (@mgmatafy) shows a soda machine. After showing the various sodas on offer, he lands upon the Dr Pepper dispenser.
“[Expletive], boys. It’s happened,” he starts. “Dr Pepper is officially gone.”
As he says this, he presses the button for Dr Pepper to come out. Instead of the soda, he receives carbonated water.
In the caption, he explains why Dr Pepper will be disappearing from many soda fountains in the coming months.
“RIP Dr. Pepper,” he writes. “[Coca] Cola no longer has distribution rights to Dr. Pepper, owned by 7-Up, and they will be replacing it with Mr. Pibb. It was a good run.”
Is Coca-Cola Really Getting Rid of Dr Pepper?
If you live in California or Nevada, you may see changes. Specifically, your local Coke machine may have its Dr Pepper replaced by Mr. Pibb.
Back in July, a judge ruled that Dr Pepper could end its partnership with Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling in California and Nevada. According to Bloomberg, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Inc. used to control the bottlers that produced Dr Pepper. However, ever since Keurig merged with Dr Pepper in 2018, the company has made an effort to put its bottling under its own control.
That ruling stated that the license agreement between Dr Pepper and Reyes Coca-Cola “is and shall be terminated effective October 27, 2025.” Now, that date has come to pass—and consequently, some Coca-Cola machines will no longer carry Dr Pepper.
Can I Still Get Dr Pepper From My Soda Machine?
That depends on your location.
If you are located in areas the Reyes Coca-Cola partnership previously covered, you might notice Dr Pepper disappearing from your soda machine. In its place, you will likely find Mr. Pibb. The impacted area includes parts of California and Nevada.
However, if you are located outside of the Reyes Coca-Cola area, you will not notice any change in your ability to get Dr Pepper. All cans, bottles, and fountains should be available as normal.
That said, it’s uncertain how long that will be the case. Keurig Dr Pepper appears set on trying to make Dr Pepper a mainstream competitor to Coca-Cola and other major soda brands. The company has already found success; Dr Pepper came in second in terms of sales behind Coca-Cola in 2024.
@mgmatafy RIP Dr. Pepper ?️ Coco Cola no longer has distribution rights to Dr. Pepper, owned by 7-Up, and they will be replacing it with Mr. Pibb. It was a good run. ? #drpepper #cocacola #mrpibb #pandaexpress #ripdrpepper ♬ original sound – Christian Mata
Commenters Share Their Disappointment
In the comments section, some users expressed their disappointment that they could see Dr Pepper going away.
“THIS BETTER BE JUST THIS LOCATION,” wrote a user.
“In n out is never gonna be the same for me…they had the best Dr Pepper in my opinion,” said another.
Others countered that they wouldn’t miss the bubbly beverage.
“doctor pepper from soda fountain doesn’t taste the same anyways,” shared a user. “it’s always better in a bottle.”
“Pibb is better anyway,” stated a second.
The Mary Sue reached out to Dr Pepper via email and Mata via Instagram and TikTok direct message.
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