McDonald’s Introduces Dirty Soda Trend to Mainstream Menu After Viral Mormon Culture Moment

McDonald’s is expanding its menu with a nod to Mormon culture by introducing dirty soda, a beverage trend deeply rooted in Utah’s Latter-day Saint communities. On April 28, 2025, the fast-food giant announced six new drinks set to launch on May 6, 2025. Among them are three crafted sodas—Sprite Berry Blast, Orange Dream, and Dirty Dr Pepper—which combine traditional sodas with flavored syrups and cold foam.

What Is Dirty Soda? The Mormon Cultural Phenomenon

Dirty soda is more than a viral food trend; it’s a cultural staple in Mormon communities, particularly in Utah, where 42% of adults identify as Mormon. While not exclusive to Mormons, the beverage gained prominence in the state, where members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints avoid alcohol, tea, and coffee but still consume caffeine through soda.

The term “dirty soda” was trademarked by Swig, a Utah-based soda shop franchise, in 2014. However, the concept has since been adopted by numerous brands, including McDonald’s. The drink typically consists of a base soda mixed with flavored syrups and creams, creating a customized, indulgent beverage.

From Swig to Mainstream: How Mormon Culture Shaped a Trend

The dirty soda trend received a major boost in visibility after Hulu’s reality show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, premiered in late 2024. The series follows a group of Mormon influencers, known as MomTok, and features scenes of them ordering oversized, customized sodas at Swig locations.

Cast member Jessi Draper highlighted the ubiquity of soda shops in Utah, stating:

“Utah is like land of the Mormon bar, which is all the soda shops that we have. There’s one on every corner.”

Fellow cast member Demi Engemann added:

“We don’t drink alcohol or do drugs, and so it’s kind of our vice.”

Following the show’s premiere, Swig experienced a significant surge in popularity. The brand’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dylan Roeder, told PRWeek that dirty soda’s appeal extends beyond Mormon communities:

“It’s not exclusive to anyone. Everyone wants a refreshing beverage. The concept of dirty soda is still foreign and intriguing, and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives poured gasoline on that. People watch the show and think ‘I need to try this.’”

McDonald’s Joins the Dirty Soda Trend

McDonald’s is not the first major brand to embrace dirty soda. Dunkin’ Donuts also recently announced its own versions of the beverage. However, McDonald’s move underscores the growing mainstream acceptance of a trend with deep Mormon cultural roots.

Social media users quickly recognized the connection between McDonald’s new drinks and Mormon culture. Comments ranged from declarations of “the American century of Mormonism” to observations about the rise of purity culture and tradwife content among Gen Z. One user noted a “Mormon cultural takeover of America”, citing a soda shop in their hometown that saw a line of cars over a mile long for weeks after opening.

Why Dirty Soda Resonates Beyond Mormon Communities

The popularity of dirty soda reflects a broader cultural shift toward customizable, indulgent beverages. While the trend originated in Utah’s Mormon communities, its appeal has expanded due to social media, reality TV, and the universal desire for refreshing, flavorful drinks. McDonald’s decision to add dirty soda to its menu signals the trend’s transition from a niche cultural practice to a mainstream phenomenon.