Zero-sugar soda can be a safer way for people with diabetes to enjoy a soft drink while also being mindful of their blood sugar. As health experts estimate that more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, there’s potentially a big market for such products.

To stay healthy, many diabetics need to be mindful of their eating habits and carefully limit their sugar intake, notes the Cleveland Clinic. The Mayo Clinic also advises that artificial sweeteners are typically safe for people with diabetes, but cautions that “foods and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners may include other ingredients that could affect blood sugar.”

So, presumably, accidentally drinking a full-sugar soda could have serious health consequences. But that could now be a real possibility for some, due to a recent recall by a leading beverage company.

On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that 19,203 cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar cans have been recalled by Pepsi Beverages Company. PepsiCo Beverages North America owns brands such as Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, and Dr Pepper, according to the company website.

The report indicates that the product was recalled due to it containing the “full sugar product,” despite the label claiming to contain a “Zero Sugar” soda.

As its name suggests, Dr Pepper Zero Sugar products supposedly have zero sugar, zero carbohydrates, and zero calories, according to the brand’s website. Regular Dr Pepper products, on the other hand, contain 39 grams of sugar, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 150 calories.

The affected products were packaged in aluminum cans, and they were sold in 12- and 24-pack carton cases. The soda was then apparently distributed to retail locations in three states: Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

The FDA notice shares the following details:

  • Product: Dr. Pepper, ZERO SUGAR
  • Packaging: 12 FL OZ (355 mL) aluminum cans
  • Product quantity: 12 and 24 packs (cartons cases)
  • Production code: XXXXRS05165
  • Best by date: Feb 16, 2026
  • “PRODUCED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CB Manufacturing Company, Inc.,” based in Jacksonville, Florida, which is “licensed to manufacture Keurig Dr. Pepper branded products”

Pepsi Beverages Company apparently initiated the recall on May 23, but the FDA report was just released this week.

The FDA has classified the recall as a Class II risk, which the agency uses for “a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”

The FDA report does not state where the recalled products were sold. However, a brief online search suggests that Dr Pepper products are typically sold by Walmart, Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Family Dollar, and more.

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Emily Surpless
Emily has over a decade of experience producing digital content, working on sites focused on health, lifestyle, home, and entertainment. As the editor for The Healthy by Reader’s Digest, she focuses on pitching and optimizing content to satisfy reader curiosity and reach new users. Prior to her role at The Healthy, Emily was the Sr. SEO Manager ...
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Emily Surpless