Dr Pepper is one of the oldest and most beloved soda brands in the US. Created by pharmacist Charles Alderton and first served in 1885, Dr Pepperâs secret recipe consisting of 23 ingredients has quenched the thirst for something a little different from colas and fruit-flavored sodas.
But why are there so many âfakeâ Dr Peppers? Unlike cola or fruit flavors, there is no generic term for Dr Pepperâs taste. Alt-peppers canât use a trademarked name to express their soda’s identity. Because of that, they have to get creative in describing their private-label drink just enough to let consumers know that itâs an approximation of the original without stepping on anyoneâs intellectual property.
The good doctor has inspired many impersonators among private labels and other soda brands thanks to its immense popularity. Due to the consolidation of retailers, many private-label alt-peppers have permanently retired, but there are still dozens of examples on store shelves.
