The Doctor's In: A Look at the Most Devoted Soda Fans

It's no surprise that one of the most unique sodas have the most unique fans. Many enjoyers of Dr Pepper are prideful in their choice of soft drink, and some are more than that. The 23 flavor combination works so well together, having hints of vanilla, cherry, and more. There are many fans of Dr Pepper out there, myself included. There are different levels of fans, some more occasional drinkers, and some who could be a President of a fan club. Fans have gone as far as creating a whole Wiki page for it, and even decorate their homes with various merchandise. However extreme, many people still like to show off their favorite soda.

Join The Pepper Pack

One of the ways many fans show their devotion is applying to become a member of the "Pepper Pack", an official fan club organized by Dr Pepper. To obtain a membership, you must fill out a 23-question application, and be accepted. These questions test your love and devotion to Dr Pepper. According to the Dr Pepper web page that displays the Pepper Pack application, "only the most devoted, most passionate, most 23-flavor-loving Dr Pepper fans are encouraged to enter beyond this point". The Pepper Pack began back in 2017 as the first brand advocacy program for Dr Pepper. According to many fans, for members' birthdays, a 6-pack of exclusive Birthday Cake flavored Dr Pepper will be sent to their homes to enjoy (1 & 4). During my research, the most recent noting of the Pepper Pack exclusive was in 2021, so it is unsure if this treat is still a birthday specialty, however, there has been no word of its discontinuing. There is very little word on the taste of the soda, but fans are still crazy for it, along with the Pepper Pack program overall. Many people wait anxiously for applications to reopen, and as soon as they do, I will be one of many to submit. 

So. Much. Merch.

Dr Pepper fans have nothing to fear when looking for a way to show off their love for the oldest soft drink on the market. On the Dr Pepper website, and other stores like Amazon and Etsy, members of the fandom can find a plethora of goodies.  People want to represent Dr Pepper so much, they may even buy a $500 remote control cooler. Yes, remote control cooler, for $500. Along with that, there is a giant selection of cups, bags, coolers, shirts, shoes, and more. Theres even a Funko Pop of Lil' Sweet, Dr Peppers mascot for the fabulous Diet Dr Pepper. Don't believe people would really want something like that? Think again. As a reward for racking up enough Pepper Perk points, (another program made by Dr Pepper, where you can earn points by buying Dr Pepper), an option to redeem those points for is said Funko Pop. And wouldn't you know, it is sold out. As a proud owner of two Dr Pepper shirts, and a future owner of much more merchandise, I can honestly say that if I had the money, I'd be proud to sport a variety of coolers, bags and such with the Dr Pepper name on it, as to which many others agree.



Devotion to the Doctor

Okay, so hearing about merchandise and goodies enjoyed by fans is one thing, but what do these fans look like? For one, according to adweek.com, the biggest Dr Pepper fan's name is Andy Williams, who is an average 9-5 employee by day, but is a lead guitarist by night in his band, Every Time I Die (3). The article describes Williams as one who suffers from a "debilitating addiction" to the soda, needing it throughout the day, and before each set to fuel him. Williams is not the only hardcore fan of Dr Pepper, as many people are highly dedicated to it. The iconic Dr Pepper Lip Smacker lip balm, originally made almost 50 years ago, was recently discontinued, to the shock of many. This balm was so iconic, that celebrities like Gwen Stefani, Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman) and Rachel Bilson have all said they've worn it during interviews. Allure also wrote a whole obituary for the product, because of how much pf a beauty staple it was (2). This is also a product I own, and love very dearly. Its my favorite lip balm in my ridiculous collection. 

Trust Me, I'm a Doctor

In every fandom, there is always one super-fan, or someone who needs the thing to survive. In one case, Dr Pepper is one woman' secret to survival. In 2015, a story came out about a 104 year-old woman named Elizabeth Sullivan celebrating her birthday, and revealing her secret to a long healthy life (5). She says drinking 3 Dr Peppers a day has kept her alive and well. She even reported that one doctor told her that her Dr Peppers would kill her. However, 10 years later, he died first. For her 104th birthday, the CEO of Dr Pepper at the time sent her a gift of more Dr Peppers, some merchandise, and even a birthday cake shaped like a can of Dr Pepper. Elizabeth lived to the age of 106, and passed away back in 2017. 





References

(1) Burginger, Lyndsay. “Dr Pepper's New Birthday Cake Soda Is Here (for Now!).” Wide Open Eats, 21 May 2021, https://www.wideopeneats.com/dr-pepper-birthday-cake/.


(2) Lodi, Marie. “The Obituary Dr Pepper Lip Smacker Deserves.” Allure, 15 July 2022, https://www.allure.com/story/dr-pepper-lip-smacker-discontinued.


(3) Marshall, Bob. “Dr. Pepper's Biggest Fan Is Apparently a Straight-Edge Metalcore Guitarist.” AgencySpy, AgencySpy, 2 Apr. 2013, https://www.adweek.com/agencyspy/dr-peppers-biggest-fan-is-apparently-a-straight-edge-metalcore-guitarist/47564/.


(4) Sidekick), Jessica (Hip'. “Love Dr. Pepper? Join the Pepper Pack to Score Freebies (like Birthday Cake Dr. Pepper!).” Hip2Save, 18 July 2019, https://hip2save.com/2019/07/18/dr-pepper-pack-freebies-exclusive-items/.


(5) Tuder, Stefanie. “104-Year-Old Woman Rang In Her Birthday with Lifelong Medical Advisor: Dr. Pepper.” ABC News, ABC News Network, https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/104-year-woman-rang-birthday-lifelong-medical-advisor/story?id=29792502.









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