Dirty Soda QSR Swig Continues to See Growth
February 2026 visits to the chain were 137.9% higher than in February 2023, said Placer.ai.
Mar 19, 2026
Utah-based Swig, a drive-thru beverage QSR concept that coined the term “Dirty Soda” back in 2010, has become one of the fastest-growing beverage chains in the country, foot traffic research firm Placer.ai said in a recent report. “Known for mixing classic soft drinks with flavored syrups, creams and fruit add-ins—alongside cookies and pretzel bites—the brand has expanded well beyond its Mountain West roots.”
The report noted that Swig’s growth is fueled by significant online hype, with new locations often generating lines that leave some customers waiting over an hour for a drink. While Swig has expanded its footprint, it has also grown its overall traffic. In February 2026, visits to the chain were 137.9% higher than in February 2023, and up 30.7% year-over-year compared to February 2025.
“The data also shows the emergence of a clear seasonal pattern, with visits to Swig peaking each year in the summer as people seek out cool soda treats to beat the heat. Notably, the magnitude of the summer peak in 2025 was larger than ever before, suggesting that as the chain becomes more mainstream, its seasonal appeal may be increasing. But the dramatic increase in off-season visits as well shows that Swig is successfully building a loyal customer base that craves its offerings year-round,” Placer.ai wrote.
“As Swig continues its transition from a niche favorite to a broad staple, it will inevitably face the challenges of sustained growth, such as maintaining unit-level productivity and operational consistency. However, for now, the data and the visible excitement surrounding new openings suggest that the dirty soda pioneer still has plenty of fizz left,” Placer.ai said.
Keurig Dr Pepper recently rolled out a lineup of more than 35 new drink varieties across its brands. The company said it is leaning into dirty soda culture and nostalgic flavors for its limited-time soda options, including its Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut. At the time of the announcement, the company said: “A decadently ‘dirty’ fan-favorite returns—Dr Pepper's iconic 23-flavor blend combined with refreshing, summery coconut flavor for a smooth, creamy indulgence available for a limited time starting in April.”
Read about how c-stores are implementing experiential beverages in the August 2024 issue of NACS Magazine feature “Beyond Taste.”
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