By Amber Raiken

Copyright independent

A new ‘heavy soda’ trend is emerging in the US, where convenience store soda fountains dispense drinks with a higher syrup-to-water ratio, resulting in a much sweeter taste.

The trend has been spotted at gas stations, particularly in Missouri, though its prevalence across the Southern US is debated among social media users.

Some consumers suggest the increased syrup content is designed for those who purchase large drinks in the morning, ensuring the flavor remains strong as ice melts throughout the day.

Health experts, including orthodontist Dr. Jeremy Manuele, have expressed concerns, warning that the extra sugar increases the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and enamel erosion.

This development follows other attempts to make soft drinks more appealing, such as McDonald’s and Crumbl Cookies testing ‘dirty sodas’, which combine base sodas with various syrups or creamers.