Insolite
Care for a dirty soda? How this drink trend became a US obsession
In 2009, Nicole Tanner founded Swig in Utah, selling customizable "dirty sodas" - fountain drinks mixed with syrups, cream, and purees.
Ce qu'il faut retenir
- Nicole Tanner founded Swig in St. George, Utah, in 2009 to provide for her family during the Great Recession.
- The LDS church clarified in 2012 that caffeine is not prohibited, helping make customizable fountain drinks a socially accepted indulgence in Utah.
- Swig and Sodalicious settled a high-profile branding and recipe lawsuit in 2017.
- Swig has expanded to more than 160 locations across 16 states.
- Major beverage brands and fast-food chains are entering the dirty soda space with their own cream add-ins and ready-to-drink items.
In 2009, Nicole Tanner founded Swig in Utah, selling customizable "dirty sodas" - fountain drinks mixed with syrups, cream, and purees. The concept became a massive regional hit, particularly among LDS church members seeking socially acceptable, non-hot caffeinated treats. After surviving a fierce 2017 trademark lawsuit with rival Sodalicious, the trend went viral on social media in the early 2020s. Today, dirty soda has evolved into a national beverage category, with Swig expanding to over 160 locations across 16 states, while major fast-food brands and beverage giants rush to launch their own versions.
Leurs propres mots
“What they say is that there are no places to go and that asking anyone to hang out seems like a lot these days. That’s what a third place solves: It removes the ask.”
“I definitely prefer going to my local shop over fast food. I think small businesses are always a little more personable and have better food and drinks.”
Les chiffres clés
- 2009
- Year Nicole Tanner conceived the fountain drink business
- 70+
- FiiZ Drinks locations nationwide
- 160+
- Swig locations across 16 states
- 250 to 400
- Calories in an average dirty soda
- 500+
- Calories in a fully loaded large dirty soda
Le fil des événements
- Nicole Tanner conceives the Swig fountain drink business
- LDS Church clarifies caffeine itself is not prohibited
- Swig files for a dirty soda trademark
- Swig and Sodalicious settle their branding legal dispute
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Questions fréquentes
- Que s'est-il passé avec the rise of dirty soda from a Utah regional curiosity to a national US beverage trend ?
- Nicole Tanner founded Swig in St. George, Utah, in 2009 to provide for her family during the Great Recession.
- Où puis-je lire le rapport d'origine ?
- Retrouvez le rapport complet sur al_jazeera.
