A fast-growing beverage trend that has exploded across TikTok and across the Mountain West is making its way into San Diego County, bringing with it a menu built around customizable sodas, indulgent mix-ins, and a playful, dessert-like approach to soft drinks.
Soda Pop’n, a concept rooted in Utah’s “dirty soda” culture, is preparing to debut in San Diego’s North County city of Oceanside, introducing a style of beverage that blends traditional fountain sodas with additions like flavored syrups, cream, fruit, and candy. While still unfamiliar to many in Southern California, dirty soda has developed a massive following in Utah and surrounding states, where dedicated shops have become part of everyday culture.
At its core, a dirty soda starts with a base like Coke, Dr Pepper, or Sprite and is customized with add-ins ranging from coconut syrup and lime to cream and fruit purees, creating drinks that are equal parts soda and dessert. The trend first took off in Utah around 2010 and has since grown into a nationwide phenomenon fueled by social media and highly shareable drink combinations…