Dr Pepper

What it is

Dr Pepper is a carbonated soft drink created in the 1880s by American pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco, Texas. It was first marketed nationally in the United States in 1904. The beverage is manufactured and distributed by different companies depending on the country: Keurig Dr Pepper produces it in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; The Coca-Cola Company in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Japan; and Suntory in most European territories. Variants include a diet version and, beginning in the 2000s, a range of additional flavors.

Key facts

What it is

brand source

Made by

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Szentkirályi Hungary source

Created

1885 source

Country of origin

United States source

Origin and history

The name "Dr. Pepper" was first used commercially in 1885. It preceded the introduction of Coca-Cola by one year. Dr Pepper was introduced nationally at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. In 1951, Dr Pepper sued the Coca-Cola company for $750,000 (equivalent to $7.73 million in 2024), asserting that 6.5-oz. Cokes were sold below cost and were a restraint of trade. "In 1966, the Food and Drug Administration formally declared Dr. Pepper not to be a cola, allowing Dr. Pepper to use cola bottling franchises off limits to other colas, because of licensing arrangements which provide for exclusive cola territorial assignments."

The story behind the name and label

Theories about the origins of the soft drink's name abound. One possible reason that the name was chosen was the practice, common at the time of the drink's creation, of including Dr. in the names of products to convey the impression that they were healthful. A theory often cited is that the drink was named after an actual doctor, one Charles T. Pepper of Rural Retreat, Virginia. "Dr Pepper Time", according to one promotion, was at 10, 2 and 4 o'clock. During World War II, a syndicated radio program, The 10–2–4 Ranch (later titled 10–2–4 Time), aired in the Southern United States and other areas where Dr Pepper was distributed. The show featured the Sons of the Pioneers and Dick Foran.