If you’re new to Utah—or even just browsing listings and planning a move—you might find yourself wondering:
What’s with all the soda shops?
It’s a fair question.
Here in Utah, the morning line outside Swig can rival your favorite city’s best brunch spot. Whether it’s 7 AM on a Monday or 9 PM on a weekend, locals flock to drive-thru windows for “dirty sodas”—custom fountain drinks like Dr. Pepper with coconut cream, Diet Coke with lime and raspberry puree, or Mountain Dew mixed with mango and blood orange.
What Are Dirty Sodas, Exactly?
A “dirty soda” is a fountain drink mixed with flavored syrups, creams, or fruit purees to create a customized, often indulgent beverage. The term “dirty” refers to the add-ins that transform a plain soda into something more complex and flavorful. Think of it as a non-alcoholic mocktail with a Utah twist—fizzy, sweet, and endlessly customizable. Popular combinations include Diet Coke with coconut and lime (a Swig classic) or Sprite with peach and vanilla cream. These drinks are often served over pellet ice, which Utahns swear by for its soft, chewable texture.
Why Soda Shops Are So Popular in Utah
The rise of soda shops can be traced back to 2010 when Swig, the first major player, opened its doors in St. George, Utah. The concept was simple: offer a fun, social alternative to coffee shops with a focus on customizable drinks and a drive-thru model for convenience. The trend caught on quickly, especially in LDS communities where members abstain from coffee and tea due to religious dietary guidelines.
The soda shop trend started picking up in the early 2010s and has exploded in popularity, particularly in areas with strong Latter-day Saint (LDS) communities, where coffee is less popular. These spots offer a kind of social, caffeine-adjacent experience—without the espresso.
Lately, TikTok has brought national attention to the trend—especially through #MomTok and the Hulu show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. You may have seen Utah-based creators showing off their Swig orders or counting the number of soda shops on their morning commute. Dirty sodas have become as much a pop culture phenomenon as they are a local staple.
But don’t let the cultural stereotype fool you. Utah’s beverage scene is broader than you’d expect.
You’ll find coffee shops, boba cafes, and juice bars around almost every corner in Salt Lake City and across the state.
So whether you’re curious about “dirty sodas” or just looking for something cold, sweet, and caffeinated to get you through the day—there’s something here for everyone.
The Cultural Roots of Utah’s Soda Obsession
Why has the soda shop craze taken such deep root in Utah? Beyond the LDS influence, it’s about community and creativity. Soda shops are more than just places to grab a drink—they’re social hubs where teens, families, and even date-night couples can hang out without the bar or coffee shop vibe. The drive-thru format fits Utah’s car-centric suburban lifestyle, and the ability to customize drinks appeals to a younger generation that loves personalizing everything, from their Starbucks order to their Instagram feed. Plus, the sheer variety—hundreds of flavor combinations—keeps customers coming back to try something new.
Top Soda Shops to Try in the Salt Lake City Area
If you’re ready to see what the hype is about, here are some of the most popular soda shops you’ll spot around the valley (and beyond):
Swig
Multiple Locations
The OG of Utah’s soda scene. Swig is famous for its “Dirty Dr. Pepper,” sugar cookies, and long drive-thru lines. If you want the full Utah experience, this is where you start. Try the “Beach Babe” (Mountain Dew with raspberry, peach, and vanilla cream) or the “Texas Tab” (Dr. Pepper with vanilla and coconut cream) for a taste of their most iconic drinks.
https://www.swigdrinks.com
Location near The Citizen: 1855 S 700 E (7-minute drive from The Citizen)
Fiiz Drinks
Locations in North Salt Lake, West Valley City, and more
Known for fun combos and quirky drink names, Fiiz offers soda, energy drink mixes, and snacks. Great for late-night cravings and kids. Their “Drama Mama” (Mountain Dew with green apple, raspberry, and strawberry) is a fan favorite, and their energy drink-based “Boosted” line appeals to those needing an extra kick. Check their seasonal specials for limited-time flavors like pumpkin spice syrup in the fall.
https://fiizdrinks.com/
Location near The Citizen: 34 Eaglegate Drive, North Salt Lake (13-minute drive from The Citizen)
Sodalicious
Millcreek + Herriman, Orem, American Fork, etc.
Another early pioneer of the soda trend. Sodalicious keeps the menu creative with mix-ins like half-and-half, coconut, and fruit purées. Bonus points for a solid cookie lineup. Their “Extra Dirty” drinks, with double the flavor shots, are perfect for bold palates. Try the “I Love Lucy” (Coke with cranberry and raspberry) or pair your drink with their famous frosted sugar cookies for the full experience.
https://www.mysodalicious.com/
Location near The Citizen: 3667 Highland Drive, Millcreek (15-minute drive from The Citizen)
Quench It!
Multiple Suburban Locations
A favorite among locals outside the urban core. Expect generous flavor add-ins, unique branding, and classic small-town vibes. Known for their blended drinks and dirty sodas, Quench It! is a great spot for families. Their “Beach Bum” (Pepsi with coconut and pineapple) is a must-try for tropical flavor fans.
https://www.quenchitsoda.com/
Location near The Citizen: Herriman
More Than Soda: Coffee and Boba in Salt Lake City
Yes—people do drink coffee in Utah. And the local coffee and tea culture in Salt Lake City is growing fast.
You’ll find standout spots like:
- Three Pines Coffee (popular coffee shop located on 2nd & Main)
- The Rose Establishment (chic café with killer pastries)
- Boba World, Tea Zaanti, and dozens of K-pop-inspired boba joints
So if you’re planning a move and worried that your mornings might only include Sprite with strawberry puree—don’t worry. Whether you’re team cold brew or team “Dirty Coke,” Salt Lake City has you covered.
