The Real Reason You Can't Find Dr Pepper In Stores

If you're a fan of Dr Pepper and have recently been having trouble procuring cans of your favorite flavor, you're not alone. CNN reports that this specific soda shortage is being seen in multiple regions throughout the United States. The outlet believes that coronavirus is partly to blame for the scarcity, saying that the shortage is being caused by customers purchasing extra canned beverages at the beginning of the pandemic to offset their consumption that would normally happen in bars and restaurants. Fearing potential lock-downs or illness, many consumers overbought products, leading to shortages in things like toilet paper, meat, and yeast.

In a statement posted to the brand's Twitter account, Dr Pepper confirmed that shortages are being seen nationwide across all of their products, including newcomer Dr Pepper & Cream Soda. The company's website lists 11 permanent flavors of the soda in total. In their statement, Dr Pepper thanks fans for their patience and understanding as the brand works through the accessibility problem with their distribution partners while continuing to prioritize workers' safety. They encourage customers to "contact your local retailer directly for the most up-to-date availability of Dr Pepper products."

While Keruig Dr Pepper (the parent company of Dr Pepper) is simply blaming the soda shortage on the fact that the brand has seen consistent growth over the past four years and is now working on catching up with the rising demand, CNN posits that Dr Pepper's stocking issue may be linked to the aluminum can shortage which has been reportedly causing problems for the beer industry. The company did not respond to CNN's question if they felt the two issues were related.

The American Beverage Association, a trade association that represents many popular companies involved in the production and sales of non-alcoholic drinks, did offer a statement on the possibility of the aluminum can shortage affecting the soda industry. They informed CNN, "Beverages in convenient take-home packages like aluminum cans are particularly popular right now, and beverage company employees are doing all they can to make sure store shelves remain fully stocked." CNN also reached out to PepsiCo to inquire if they were feeling the effects of the aluminum can shortage, but has yet to receive a response. PepsiCo represents popular soda brands Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and 7UP, among others.