A Creamy Coconut Dr Pepper Shake Could Be Coming Soon

The internet is buzzing after a leaked promo image hinted at two soda-inspired milkshakes — but no fast food chain has claimed them.

A pair of Dr Pepper-branded milkshakes may be arriving this fall — one classic, one Creamy Coconut — and they’ve already stirred up curiosity across the internet. Snack influencer @snackolator shared a leaked promo image earlier this week, revealing the two flavors and noting that they’re “set to roll out in August.”

The kicker? No fast food chain has been linked to the product — at least, not yet. “Set to roll out in August, but no confirmed chains/locations as of today as per my conversation with them at the National Restaurant Show,” @snackolator wrote, referencing the annual industry event where brands often preview upcoming food service innovations.

The teaser quickly fueled a wave of online theories. While some commenters assumed the shake belonged to Wendy’s — citing the color scheme and styling reminiscent of past Frosty campaigns — others suggested Whataburger, Arby’s, Jack in the Box, or even McDonald’s. 

“This whole ad feels like Wendy’s,” wrote @kozmobandz, while @chrissythesagittarius added, “Hopefully McDonald’s. Ugh, it would be heavenly with their vanilla soft serve.” For now, no brand has claimed the drink, but fans are already imagining where (and how) it might appear.

A flavor that makes sense

Even without a confirmed chain, the flavors themselves feel like a strategic move. Dr Pepper recently announced the return of its limited-edition Creamy Coconut soda, a variation that debuted last year and quickly gained a following. Pairing that flavor — and its original counterpart — with a milkshake format could offer fans a new way to enjoy the soda’s flavor profile while expanding its visibility during a high-traffic season.

Dr Pepper’s cultural cachet is on the rise, particularly among younger consumers. According to Piper Sandler’s Spring 2025 Taking Stock With Teens survey, Dr Pepper was ranked as Gen Z’s favorite soft drink, surpassing both Coca-Cola and Pepsi. And it’s not just a generational trend—last year, Dr. Pepper was officially named the second most popular soda in America, edging out Pepsi in national rankings. The soda has also experienced a quiet resurgence on TikTok, where DIY drinks and flavor mashups frequently feature Dr Pepper as the base.

What frozen drinks say about fast food now

While this particular shake remains a mystery, fast food chains have increasingly embraced the power of limited-time desserts. From McDonald’s Grimace Shake to seasonal Sonic Slushes and Jack in the Box Oreo-style mashups, frozen drinks have become a reliable way to capture attention — and generate viral interest.

Dr Pepper shakes, in particular, aren’t unprecedented. Whataburger has offered a seasonal Dr Pepper shake in the past, and fans in the comment section were quick to compare notes. But the addition of Creamy Coconut introduces a new spin — and if it’s as good as the early testers claim, it may not remain a secret for long.

What we know (and don’t know)

For now, the rollout remains unofficial. Neither Dr Pepper nor its parent company, Keurig Dr Pepper, has named a chain partner. The only confirmed detail is that the milkshakes are expected to debut in August, based on @snackolator’s conversation at the National Restaurant Show — an annual event where brands and suppliers preview upcoming product launches for the food service industry.

Whether it’s Wendy’s, Whataburger, or a completely different contender, one thing is clear: this summer’s most talked-about frozen drink may already be in testing.

The return of a fan-favorite soda and a mystery milkshake? That’s peak limited-edition energy.