If you’ve spent any time in Utah, one thing probably became clear pretty quickly. Coffee shops aren’t the main staple. Soda shops are.

Curiosity about their popularity in the state is common, especially for visitors who aren’t used to seeing drive-thru lines built around fountain drinks, instead of espresso machines.

Why Are There So Many Soda Shops in Utah?

These aren’t standard convenience store setups.

Most of the soda shops specialize in customized drinks, known as dirty sodas, built from a base soda and layered with different add-ins. 

You might be wondering, “What is a dirty soda?” Typically, it includes:

• A classic soda like Coca-Cola, Sprite, or root beer

• Flavored syrups like coconut, vanilla, or cherry

• A splash of cream or half-and-half

The result lands somewhere between a soda and a dessert.

Where The Trend Comes From

To understand Utah soda shop culture, you have to look at everyday habits in the state.

Utah has a large population of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many people in that community avoid alcohol and typically steer clear of coffee and tea, as well. Mormons follow a health code called the Word of Wisdom, a revelation recorded by founder Joseph Smith in 1833. It prohibits "hot drinks," which church leaders have interpreted specifically as coffee and tea.

That doesn’t eliminate their desire for a regular drink stop. It just changes how it looks. Instead of meeting over coffee, folks meet over soda. That's a big part of why soda shops took off in Utah.

How Soda Became the Go-To

Soda shops didn’t appear overnight.

They started gaining traction in the early 2010s, when a handful of small drive-thru spots began offering customized drinks in a quick, convenient format.

From there, the idea spread. Chains like Swig and Sodalicious expanded across the state, turning soda into something you grab on the way to work, after school, or during a quick break in the day.

That consistency is a big reason dirty soda has become synonymous with Utah.

More Than Just Drinks

These shops don’t just stop at soda. Many locations also offer:

• Cookies and baked goods

• Quick snack options

• Seasonal drink specials

The setup is kind of like a hybrid between a café and a fast-food stop, but with a completely different focus.

Why It Keeps Growing

The appeal is straightforward. The drinks are customizable, easy to grab and fit into a routine.

There's also a social element that keeps people coming back. These shops are casual and familiar and don't require much planning. Because the concept is simple, it's also easy to replicate and expand.

A 2012 clarification from the church helped, too. That year, church leaders noted that the Word of Wisdom doesn't prohibit caffeine, which opened the door for caffeinated favorites like Dr Pepper and Diet Coke to become staples on soda shop menus. Today, dirty soda shops have spread well beyond Utah, with locations popping up in states like Texas, Arizona and Oklahoma.

A Tasty Habit That Stuck

Utah didn’t just adopt soda shops. It built a culture around them.

What started as a workaround to certain lifestyle choices has turned into a daily habit, with its own flavors, preferences, and locations throughout the state.

Once you see how these soda shops fit into everyday life, the number of soda shops starts to make a lot more sense. Here’s hoping you get to enjoy one of these tasty treats someday! 

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