- Date Issued: May 23, 2025
- Company: Pepsi Beverages Company (Jacksonville, FL)
- Product: Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar (12 FL OZ cans)
- Issue: Full-sugar soda packed in Zero Sugar-labeled cans
- Pack Sizes: 12-packs and 24-packs
- Affected Areas: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina
- Action: Do not drink or distribute; return or discard
- Quick Tip: Look for product code “XXXXRS05165” and best-by date “Feb 16 2026”
Wanna know more about what happened with your fizzy favorite? Stick around—we’re breaking it all down.
What Happened?
On May 23, 2025, the Pepsi Beverages Company voluntarily recalled over 19,000 cases of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar after discovering the soda inside the cans wasn’t quite so “zero” after all. That’s right—what was labeled as a guilt-free, sugarless sip was actually the full-sugar version.
The recall was classified as Class II, meaning the health risk is moderate and reversible, but still worth acting on—especially for folks who avoid sugar due to medical reasons.
Here’s the lowdown:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC/Product Code | Best By Date | Issue |
Dr. Pepper | Zero Sugar (Aluminum Cans) | 12 FL OZ (355 mL), 12- and 24-pack cartons | Prod Code: XXXXRS05165 | Feb 16, 2026 | Mislabeled – contains sugar |
The mishap was discovered during internal quality control. Luckily, no illnesses have been reported, and the company is working with the FDA to resolve the issue.
What Caused the Issue?
This recall centers around mislabeling—a case where what’s inside the can doesn’t match what’s printed on the outside. Instead of a sugar-free formula, some cans labeled Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar actually contain the full-sugar version of the soda.
This may seem like a harmless mistake, but it’s more than just a mix-up in marketing. For individuals managing health conditions, it can pose serious challenges. While the recall is categorized as Class II—meaning the chance of serious harm is low—there are very real health implications for certain consumers.
Why It Matters
Drinks labeled “Zero Sugar” are often chosen by people with specific dietary needs, such as:
- Individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- People on low-carb or ketogenic diets
- Those trying to manage weight or blood sugar levels
- Consumers who are sensitive to rapid changes in glucose
Ingesting full-sugar soda without expecting it can cause:
- Blood sugar spikes, especially dangerous for people with diabetes
- Dizziness or fatigue due to sugar intake
- Digestive issues like bloating or discomfort
- Mood swings or energy crashes from the sugar rush and drop
- Interruption of medical dietary regimens, potentially affecting medication balance
While no adverse events have been reported so far, the risk is real for vulnerable groups who rely on accurate labeling for health and safety.
10 Common Customer Questions and Answers
1. Q: Is it dangerous to drink this mislabeled Dr. Pepper if I don’t have diabetes?
A: For most people, it’s not harmful, though you’ll be consuming unexpected sugar and calories.
2. Q: I have diabetes. What should I do if I drank one of these sodas?
A: Monitor your blood sugar and consult your healthcare provider, especially if you feel unwell.
3. Q: How can I tell if my Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar is affected?
A: Check the product code “XXXXRS05165” and the best-by date “Feb 16 2026.”
4. Q: Can I return the recalled product?
A: Yes, return it to the store where you purchased it or safely dispose of it.
5. Q: Are all Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar cans affected?
A: No, only select batches with the specific product code and best-by date.
6. Q: Is this a manufacturing error or a labeling error?
A: It’s a mislabeling issue—sugar-containing soda was incorrectly labeled as Zero Sugar.
7. Q: Will I be refunded for the recalled product?
A: Most retailers will offer a refund or exchange. Check with the place of purchase.
8. Q: Is this the first time Dr. Pepper or PepsiCo has had a labeling recall?
A: It’s not the first time in the industry. Labeling errors happen, though they are taken seriously.
9. Q: What are the symptoms to look for if I’ve consumed it unknowingly?
A: Look for elevated blood sugar (thirst, fatigue, blurred vision), stomach discomfort, or headache.
10. Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: PepsiCo Consumer Relations at 1-800-433-2652.
Here’s What You Should Do
Got a pack of Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar with a sweet surprise? Here’s how to handle it:
- Do not drink it. Discard or return to the place of purchase.
- Check the code. Look for product code XXXXRS05165 and best-by date Feb 16 2026.
- Where was it sold? Retailers in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
- Have questions? Contact PepsiCo Consumer Relations at 1-800-433-2652.
Behind the Brand
Dr. Pepper is part of the PepsiCo family, produced under CB Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida. Though the brand enjoys wide popularity, it’s no stranger to scrutiny. In the last year, the beverage industry has seen several labeling errors, including:
- On June 3, 2025, Camerican International, Inc. voluntarily recalled its Casa Mamita Churro Bites Filled with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream after discovering they may contain undeclared milk.
- On May 31, 2025, the FSIS issued a public health alert (not a recall) for frozen not-ready-to-eat ham croquettes produced by Croquetas La Mary LLC due to misbranding and undeclared soy and sesame allergens
- On May 22, 2025, the FSIS issued a public health alert for certain ready-to-eat chicken soup products under the Signature SELECT brand because of misbranding and undeclared allergen (wheat).
- On April 2, 2025, Hearthside Food Solutions, LLC, recalled nearly 490,000 pounds of its ready-to-eat (RTE) sausage and bacon breakfast sandwiches due to undeclared sesame.
- On January 28, 2025, La Fiesta Food Products, LLC., issued a recall for its La Fiesta brand Breadcrumbs (Unseasoned and Seasoned) due to the presence of undeclared sesame.
“Label accuracy isn’t just a technicality—it’s critical for safeguarding consumers with health concerns like diabetes. Even a simple mix-up can put people at risk and undermine trust across the supply chain.” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Check out our previous recall roundups for more updates on mislabeling and food safety.
Ensuring Safe Eats
In a world where consumer trust is king, ingredient transparency is a non-negotiable. Whether you’re a co-manufacturer, private label brand, or ingredient importer, a mislabeled product can quickly ripple across the supply chain, impacting consumer health and brand reputation.
Here’s how the industry can respond:
- Strengthen traceability systems
- Implement a recall checklist for importers and manufacturers
- Practice supplier due diligence
- Improve recall communication protocols
Let this recall serve as a reminder—consistency and compliance are everything.
Still sipping on your quality sourcing goals? Talk to our team about high-integrity ingredients, reliable traceability, and building safer supply chains from the ground up. Let’s chat!
