Remember the days when a cold glass of Passiona was the height of refreshment? Well, hold onto your hats, because there’s a new bubbly beverage in town that’s causing quite a stir.
If you thought Australia’s beverage scene was all about flat whites and iced lattes, think again! There’s a fizzy new trend bubbling up Down Under, and it’s got social media users, market-goers, and sweet tooths in a spin.
Say hello to ‘dirty soda’—the quirky, customisable drink that’s taken the US by storm and is now making its mark on Australian shores.
If you haven’t heard of dirty soda yet, you’re not alone. This sugary sensation first made waves in the US, especially among the Mormon community, where coffee and alcohol are off-limits.
Instead, they turned to soft drinks—think Sprite, Coke, or Dr Pepper—mixed with flavoured syrups, fruit purees, and creamy add-ins like coconut cream or half-and-half. The result? A decadent, dessert-like drink that’s as fun to make as it is to sip.
The name ‘dirty soda’ comes from the idea that these drinks are so loaded with sweet syrups and creamy toppings, they’re considered ‘dirty’ compared to your standard soft drink.
But don’t let the name fool you—these concoctions are all about indulgence and creativity.
The dirty soda trend was catapulted into the spotlight by US reality shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and the viral world of ‘MumTok’ (that’s Mormon mums on social media, for the uninitiated).
Now, thanks to a few enterprising Australians, you can get your hands on these fizzy treats right here at home.
Madi and Will, the duo behind Queensland’s first dirty soda shop, What’s Poppin, brought the idea back from a trip to Utah.
After years of planning and sourcing the right ingredients (with a focus on natural, Australian-friendly options), they opened their business at local markets and events. The response? Australians are loving it—so much so that 60% of their customers keep coming back for more!
Talisha, owner of Fizz (another Queensland-based dirty soda pop-up), was inspired to start her own business after realising she wanted a fun, non-caffeinated alternative to coffee.
With a background as a barista, she saw a gap in the market for a drink that’s playful, customisable, and perfect for those who want something different from the usual tea or energy drink.
It’s not just the novelty—dirty soda is all about personalisation. You can mix and match your favourite soft drink with a rainbow of syrups, fruit purees, and creamy add-ins.
Whether you’re after something tropical and tangy or rich and dessert-like, there’s a dirty soda for everyone.
As the dirty soda trend begins to bubble up in Australia, it’s clear that these sweet, fizzy concoctions are stirring curiosity and conversation among locals.
Whether you’re familiar with the concept or hearing about it for the first time, it’s an interesting addition to the growing diversity in the beverage scene.
What are your thoughts on dirty soda? Have you tried one—or would you be open to it? Do you see it becoming part of Australia’s afternoon drink culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: A sip too sweet? Study links sugary drinks to higher risk of mouth cancer
