Why Is Dr. Pepper Sold in Two and Sometimes Three Different-Shaped Bottles?

I don't drink many sodas. I will occasionally have one and call it a "treat," and it's not exactly what some folks might call a treat since I would opt for a "Zero Sugar" variety. But it's a treat to me.

I have no idea why Diet Coke, for example, tastes so different from Coke Zero. There's only one additional sweetener, acesulfame potassium, in the latter. But the difference is immense. Also, I'm not a fan of consuming large amounts of these sugar substitutes, so I relegate these beverages to "special occasion" status. By the way, the same flavor disparity exists in Diet Dr. Pepper an Dr. Pepper Zero, the latter of which tastes more closely like original Dr. Pepper than Coke Zero does original Coke.

Dr. Pepper Bottles

And if you're a lover of either of those Dr. Pepper varieties, or any of the many others, you might be surprised to see your favorite soda in two differently-shaped bottles. Maybe you've never noticed it or maybe, if you have, it didn't resonate with you. Both scenarios could apply to me.

Dr. Pepper Bottled by Coke and Pepsi

The reason is that Dr. Pepper, while being its own company (Keurig Dr. Pepper), relies on the kindness of rivals for its bottling and distribution needs from time to time. Keurig Dr. Pepper does have its own facility, despite what a source or two might report, but Coke and Pepsi jump in when called upon. And that would explain why you might find a third shape while shopping, like, for example, on Walmart's commerce site.

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Last summer, Dr. Pepper surpassed Pepsi as the nation's second-most popular soda. That popularity might explain why more people are noticing the bottles' difference in shape.