Mr. Pibb Is Back—And I’m Here for It

Some flavors never really die. They just wait for the right moment to rise again. Mr. Pibb is one of those.

I remember catching flashes of it growing up. The red logo, the wild fonts, that random presence at McDonald’s fountain machines in the 90s. It wasn’t Coke or Dr Pepper. It was this spicy, slightly chaotic soda that felt like it had a chip on its shoulder. I can’t totally recall the exact taste, but I remember the energy. Mr. Pibb always felt like the underdog with something to prove.

Fast forward a few decades, and I’ve been a Pibb Xtra fan for years. It’s the one I grab when I want something bold, sweet, and fiery. But at the same time, I’ve always had respect for Dr Pepper. It’s the OG. Smooth, layered, and proudly Texan. Dr Pepper has that mysterious 23-flavor blend that nobody can quite figure out. Pibb Xtra came later with a louder cherry and cinnamon vibe. Different energy, same flavor lane. And truthfully, I buy both. My fridge usually looks like a peace treaty between Waco and Atlanta.

Now the story’s coming full circle. Coca-Cola is officially bringing back Mr. Pibb under its original name after more than two decades behind the “Xtra” label. The new formula packs around 30 percent more caffeine, sitting at roughly 54 milligrams per 12 ounces compared to Dr Pepper’s 41. It’s described as a sweet cherry flavor with hints of caramel and a spicy finish. It sounds like the grown-up version of the soda that lived in mall food courts and movie theaters during our childhood.

Here’s a bit of history. Mr. Pibb actually started as “Peppo” in 1972 until Dr Pepper sued Coca-Cola for trademark infringement. Coke had to change the name but kept the mission the same: compete directly with Dr Pepper. Through the 80s and 90s, Mr. Pibb built a small but loyal following with its own style and attitude. In the mid-90s, it rolled out the “Put It in Your Head” campaign that hit hard across fast food and movie theater fountains. Then in 2001, Coke rebranded it as Pibb Xtra, tweaking the formula to give it more spice and edge. That’s the version most of us know today.

Now nostalgia is back in full force. Coca-Cola knows there’s power in reviving a name that hits old memories. Dr Pepper has owned this flavor category for decades, but the market is shifting. People want more caffeine, more kick, and a little more attitude in their soda. Mr. Pibb’s return feels like Coke saying, “We’re back, and this time we’re serious.”

Flavor-wise, Dr Pepper will always be smoother and more complex. Mr. Pibb leans sharper, with cherry sweetness up front and a warm, spicy finish. With more caffeine and a fresh brand push, it could easily shake up Dr Pepper’s dominance once the national rollout hits in 2026.

For me, this is personal. I’m not picking sides. Dr Pepper is the classic that defined a whole generation. Mr. Pibb is the comeback story that refuses to stay forgotten. I’ll be first in line when it drops in Texas, grabbing both and running my own taste test.

Bring back the red can. Bring back the bite. Mr. Pibb is coming home, and I’m ready for it.

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