Dr Pepper (2024)

We've said this a million times and we'll say it again: There's nothing like Southern food (and booze).

And there are even more food and drink brands that are either based in the South or got their start below the Mason-Dixon line that we just can't live without.

This, of course, isn't a full list -- there are just too many to name! Let us know which ones we missed out on.

Little Debbie

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(By Evan-Amos from Wikimedia Commons)

Zebra Cakes. Honeybuns. Nutty Bars. Oatmeal Creme Pies. Little Debbie. based out of Tennessee, has made every Southern childhood -- and, let's face it, our adulthood, too -- better.

Jack Daniel's

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(AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

Without Jack Daniel's, would heartbreak songs even exist?

Zapp's

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(Photo courtesy of Zapp's)

Oh, Zapp's. You're like a party to our tastebuds. Even though the brand was sold to Utz Quality Foods of Hanover, Penn., in 2011, they're still produced and packaged in Gramercy, La. -- and still taste distinctively Southern. We could go for a Crawtator now.

Coca-Cola

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(AL.com file)

Well, duh. What can I say about the pride of the South, Coca-Cola?

Moon Pie

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(AL.com file photo)

Can we really have a Southern list without Moon Pie?

Blue Bell

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(Courtesy of Blue Bell)

Ask any Southerner if they have a favorite Blue Bell Flavor, and they'll immediately respond. There are just few things more Southern than the Texas brand.

Duke's

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(Photo courtesy of Duke's)

Every Southerner has a strong preference for mayo brands, and Duke's has plenty of admirers who love that the brand is tangier than most other mayos. The brand, based in Greenville, S.C., is the third best-selling mayo in the country.

Read about Duke's military connection here.

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(Courtesy photo)

Dr Pepper was developed in the 1880s in Waco, Texas, by a pharmacist Charles Alderton, and, well, the world hasn't been the same since. Now, they're a part of the Keurig Dr Pepper.

Tony's

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(Courtesy photo)

Tony's is right when they say the Louisiana Creole seasoning is good on everything: I have yet to find any food it doesn't make better.

Conecuh sausage

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(AL.com file hoto)

If you asked people in Alabama if they had to choose between Conecuh sausage and college football, well, Conecuh wouldn't be too far behind. The brand, which is based in Evergreen, Alabama, has plenty of fans across the South, but especially in its home state. Read more about the product here.

RC Cola

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(By Xnatedawgx from Wikimedia Commons)

And because you can't mention Moon Pie without mentioning RC. The soft drink was created in 1905 in Columbus, Ga., by pharmacist Claud A. Hatcher, and it just tastes heavenly.

Goo-Goo Cluster

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(Courtesy)

The Goo-Goo Cluster has a pretty interesting history: The candy was created in 1912 in Nashville, and was sold for a long time at the Grand Ole Opry. (You can find many pictures of Minnie Pearl standing in front of advertising for the candy.) More than 100 years later, it's still delicious!

Pepsi

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(By Gee KongLawm from Wikimedia Commons)

Yep, the South just has a hold on the soft drink scene, right? Pepsi, way back in the day (you know, around 1893), was known as Brad's Drink when it was developed in New Bern, North Carolina. Now, of course, pretty much everyone around the world knows its name, because it's a magical elixir.

Blue Plate

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(Courtesy)

Another Southern mayo with a rabid following? That'd be Blue Plate. The Louisiana-based company has plenty of fans who refuse to use any other mayo.

Wickles

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(AL.com file photo)

Wickles pickles aren't just regular ole pickles -- they're pickles with a spicy kick. The Dadeville, Ala.-based company also offers a variety of relishes and pickled okra that are must-tries.

Cheerwine

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(Courtesy)

Oh, Cheerwine. You're the pride of North Carolina and for dang good reason: You're the perfect cherry-flavored drink. (Cheerwine is distributed by Carolina Beverage Corporation of Salisbury, N.C.) Find a recipe for Cheerwine and bourbon slush here.

Grapico

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Grapico, which is distributed by Birmingham, Alabama's Buffalo Rock, reminds us of childhood in a can.There's a reason it's been around for more than 100 years: It's pretty dang delicious.

Tabasco

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(Courtesy)

This list could be filled with hot sauces alone, but there's just something special about Tabasco, which was founded 150 years ago on Avery Island, La.

Dale's seasoning

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(AL.com file photo)

This soy-sauce based marinade began in Birmingham, Ala., in 1946, and now it's sold in 44 states -- and our steaks have never been the same. Read more about the company's history here.

Golden Flake

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(Photo by Haley Laurence/haley@redclaymedia.com)

Like Zapp's, Golden Flake was sold to Utz Quality Foods in recent years. However, the chips are still produced in the Bimringham, Ala., area, and the Sweet Heat are mandatory for any cookout. Read our rankings of Golden Flake flavors here.

Texas Pete

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(Courtesy of Texas Pete)

You can't help but love Texas Pete. Not only is the hot sauce delicious -- it's not overwhelming, so it just gives a little kick to your food -- but it was also developed in Winston-Salem, N.C., and got the Texas moniker because of the state's love of spicy food. Gotta love that interstate appreciation.

Ale-8-One

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(By Hunter000)47 from Wikimedia Commons)

If you ever want to impress a Kentuckian, bring up Ale-8-One, a ginger soda with citrus-y notes. The regional drink is produced in Winchester, Kentucky, and has plenty of loyal fans.

Crystal

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(Courtesy)

Last hot sauce, I promise! But I can't omit Crystal Hot Sauce, made in Metairie, La.,The hot sauce is shipped to 75 countries, and also tastes amazing on oysters.

Martha White

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(Courtesy)

Martha White flour, developed in Nashville, has such a rabid following that I've met plenty of people who refuse to bake with anything but the brand. And also, we all remember their catchphrase, Goodness gracious, it's pea-pickin' good!"

Mayfield

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(Courtesy)

The South is just good at ice cream, y'all. And Mayfield, developed in Athens, Tennessee, is the perfect summer treat.

Tito's

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(Walmart.com photo)

Tito's, based out of Texas, is some seriously stellar vodka that's beloved by folks in the U.S. and Canada.

Mt. Olive Pickles

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(Courtesy of Mt. Olive Pickles)

Mt. Olive was developed in Mt. Olive, N.C., and now it's best-selling brand of pickles, relishes and peppers in the U.S., according to their website. So thanks to Mt. Olive for spreading the Southern love everywhere.

Tom's

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Tom's, which is a subsidiary of Synder's-Lance, was created in Columbus, Ga., and now headquartered in Charlotte. And Tom's barbecue chips? They're heavenly.

Chick-O-Stick

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Chick-O-Stick may not be the prettiest food on this list, but we couldn't live without the Texas treat when we were kids.

Jim Beam

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(AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner, File)

Is it really a Southern football season without some bourbon?

Bama mayo

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(Walmart.com)

Even though BAMA foods, which consisted of jams, jellies, peanut butter and of course, mayo, hasn't been based in the Yellowhammer State since 1994, there are still plenty of Southerners who swear by the products.

Christie Cookie Co.

Christie's was voted the best cookie in the South by Southern Living, and we can't disagree: The Nashville-based treats are pretty delicious.

Dr Pepper (2024)

FAQs

Is Dr Pepper owned by co*ke or Pepsi? ›

Strangely, Dr Pepper is only owned by Coca Cola in its European and South Korean markets. Everywhere else it is sold is managed by the Keurig Dr Pepper company. Oli joined the Latest News team in 2021, taking an interest in economics, world news, and articles that build from his study of history.

Why does Dr Pepper have Dr in it? ›

Originally made in Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, the drink's unique flavor was a hit when it was first sold in 1885. Wade Morrison, the drug store owner, named it "Dr. Pepper" after Dr. Charles Pepper, a Virginia doctor who was the father of a girl Morrison was once in love with.

How is Dr Pepper different to Coca-Cola? ›

What it pretty much comes down to is the flavor components. co*ke is a cola with a very distinct cola flavor. Dr. Pepper is comprised of 23 different flavor components including cola, cherry, licorice, apricot, juniper, lemon, nutmeg, clove, and a bunch more.

Is a Dr Pepper healthy? ›

Ultimately, Dr Pepper should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it can be a tasty treat, the high sugar and caffeine content make it essential to consume responsibly.

What is the oldest soda in America? ›

Created in 1866, Vernon's Ginger Ale is the oldest soda pop in America. Vernor's is located in Michigan and was created by James Vernor. The unique flavor was actually created on accident by leaving the soda pop encased in wood while he went off to war.

What are the 23 flavors in Dr Pepper? ›

The 23 flavors are; cola, cherry, licorice, almond, vanilla, blackberry, apricot, (blackberry again), caramel, pepper, anise, sarsaparilla, ginger, molasses, lemon, plum, orange, nutmeg, cardamom, all spice, coriander, juniper, birch and prickly ash.

Did they use Dr Pepper as medicine? ›

While Dr. Pepper was, in fact, a real doctor, and the drink itself was crafted in a pharmacy, the carbonated beverage has no medicinal background or benefits (no matter what early advertisem*nts might tell you about “aiding in digestion” and “restoring vitality”).

What was removed from Dr Pepper in 1950? ›

Pepper” (the period was dropped in the 1950s). Unfortunately, the origin for the name is unclear.

What fruit is in Dr Pepper? ›

Amaretto, almond, blackberry, black licorice, carrot, clove, cherry, caramel, Cola, ginger, juniper, lemon, molasses, nutmeg, orange, prune, plum, pepper, root beer, rum, raspberry, tomato, and vanilla.

Who sells more, co*ke or Dr Pepper? ›

Since 2004, Coca-Cola Company has been the market leader, according to industry statistics. Pepsi ranks second, followed by Keurig Dr. Pepper.

Do people prefer co*ke or Dr Pepper? ›

We observed gender in soda preferences as well and concluded that women tend to prefer co*ke while men prefer Dr. Pepper. Materials and Methods: This experiment was done to discover that certain characteristics influence people's choice of selecting a specific soda or soda type.

Is one soda a day too much? ›

Sugary Beverages May Increase Heart Disease Risk

One 20-year study in 40,000 men found that those who drank 1 sugary drink per day had a 20% higher risk of having — or dying from — a heart attack, compared to men who rarely consumed sugary drinks ( 50 ).

What are some fun facts about Dr Pepper? ›

Dr Pepper is the oldest soft drink in America. Older than Coca-Cola, in fact, by a full year. It was created in 1885 by a pharmacist, Charles Alderton, in Waco, Texas. And its original name was Waco – it was served there at the soda fountain in the drugstore.

What sodas does Coca-Cola own? ›

Companies Coca-Cola owns: FAQ

co*ke owns dozens of brands in addition to its namesake Coca-Cola, including Sprite, Fanta, Powerade, Dasani, Mr. Pibb, Gold Peak tea, BodyArmor, and Costa Coffee. The company has a broad portfolio of both developed and acquired brands.

Is Mr. Pibb co*ke or Pepsi? ›

PiBB), is a soft drink created and marketed by The Coca-Cola Company. It is a kind of pepper soda with several variants. As of 2020, Pibb Xtra is sold in bottles, cans, and two-liter bottles, and is available in most Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.

What sodas are not owned by co*ke or Pepsi? ›

Though many smaller-market brands have been bought out by co*ke and Pepsi, they still qualify simply because they aren't the big two.
  • RC Cola. When's the last time you had an RC Cola? ...
  • Dublin Cane Sugar Dr Pepper. What sort of Texan would I be if the good Dr didn't make the list? ...
  • Blue Sky Soda.

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