‘Heavy soda’ trend explained: Super sweet fountain drinks spark buzz

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A customer fills a cup at a soda fountain machine inside a convenience store. A new trend called "heavy soda," which adds extra syrup to fountain drinks for maximum sweetness, has sparked debate online.  (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

A new drink trend is bubbling up across social media, and health experts aren’t impressed.

Known as "heavy soda," the fountain option boosts syrup levels for an ultra-sweet taste designed to outlast melting ice. The drinks have been spotted at some gas stations in southern Missouri, with machines labeled "heavy" for popular sodas like Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Dr Pepper.

The sugary craze has sparked a wave of online chatter, with some calling it nostalgic and others calling it a dental nightmare.

What is heavy soda?

The backstory:

The idea is simple: increase the syrup-to-carbonated water ratio, so the drink stays sweet even after the ice melts. Some online commenters compared it to the famously stronger flavor of McDonald’s Coke, which is mixed with extra syrup for consistency.

Unlike the more elaborate "dirty soda" trend, which mixes soda with creamers, fruit purées or syrups, heavy soda keeps things simple — it’s all about maximum sweetness and stronger flavor.

What they're saying:

Much of the buzz started on Reddit and TikTok, where people shared photos and opinions about the drinks.

"Not going to lie — that sounds gross," one person wrote on the subreddit r/Soda. Another added, "This would take me out, I fear."

Some Missouri residents admitted they had never heard of the trend, while others insisted it had been around for years. "Must be very southern MO," one commenter said. "I’ve lived in Missouri 43 years and never seen it."

Others recalled nostalgic versions. "In my memory, movie theaters growing up had that heavy Cherry Coke. I miss it," one person wrote. Another explained the logic behind it: "It’s for people who buy a big soda in the morning; as the ice melts all day, heavy ends up tasting normal instead of watery."

Health concerns from dentists

The other side:

Dr. Jeremy Manuele, a Las Vegas orthodontist and author, told Fox News Digital he understands the appeal of heavy soda but cautioned against the risks.

"The extra syrup gives it extra flavor, and it feels like even more of a little treat," Manuele said.

However, he warned that higher sugar levels mean a greater risk for cavities, gum inflammation and enamel erosion. "Some of the same bacteria linked to gum disease have also been connected to heart disease and other health issues," he added.

Manuele said the trend also reminds him of the super-sized soda era of the 1980s and 1990s, when portion sizes and sugar intake surged.

Regional soda tweaks aren’t new. Restaurants and convenience stores have long adjusted syrup levels to keep drinks tasting fresh, and some customers say the "heavy" option simply makes sense for those who sip one drink over several hours.

But the trend’s rise on TikTok and Reddit has pushed it into the spotlight, fueling curiosity — and concern — far beyond Missouri.