Sometimes the diet option really doesn’t taste as good as the full-fat. Everyone has their preference, with each side vigorously defending their choice.
Dr Pepper Zero Sugar is proof enough that Dr Pepper, whatever it tastes of, needs some sugar to reach its full potential. It just about does the job, but it’s got a hollow quality that lets it down. If you simply must have the stuff and don’t want to imbibe a tablespoon of sugar at the same time, then have at it, but let’s not pretend it’s the same thing.
Now, 19,000 cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar have been recalled in the US after it was discovered that some cans contained the full-fat version.
The voluntary recall was issued on May 23rd 2025, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the 12-pack and 24-pack of 330ml cans affected. Regular Dr Pepper contains 39 grams of sugar per can, so if someone’s trying to avoid sugar for dietary or health reasons then it’s a pretty potent accidental dose.
On June 5th, the FDA classified the recall as ‘Class II’, meaning the affected product ‘may cause temporary or medically reversable adverse health consequences'.
If you’re one of our American readers and you’re concerned your might have some, affected cans were sold in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina having been produced by Pepsi Beverages Company in Jacksonville, Florida.
They can be identified with the product code XXXXRS05165, with a best-by date of February 16th 2026.
The FDA hasn’t issued specific instructions for people who’ve bought the mislabelled Dr Pepper, but stores will typically offer returns on recalled items. Failing that, you could always pass them on to someone who isn’t concerned about the sugar content.
Dr Pepper isn't the only brand who's had to recall a product so far this year though.
The August Egg Company, parent company of Sunnyside, Clover, Raley’s and more, has recalled 1.7 million dozen (20.4 million) over a potential salmonella outbreak.
The FDA specifically flagged August Egg’s ‘brown cage-free and brown certified organic egg’ shipped to Walmart and other grocers across California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois. For our concerned American readers, they’re marked as best-before March 4th to June 19th, with codes P-6562 or CA5330.
Featured Image Credit: typhoonski/Getty Images
Rachael Davis