3 min read
LIST OF DR PEPPER CAN DESIGNS
- The Original (1958-1963)
- The White Cream (1963-1971)
- The 12 Fl Oz (1971-1984)
- The Retro Diagonal (1984-1997)
- The New Era (1997-2011)
- The Vintage (2011-2015)
- The Modern (2015-present)
THE ORIGINAL
Dr Pepper’s 1958 aluminum debut was a seismic shift in beverage packaging.
Red and yellow stripes cut bold horizontal lines across the aluminum surface, while the oval logo commanded attention at the center.
The words “The Original” and “the friendly Pepper-Upper” spoke directly to consumers, positioning Dr Pepper as a refreshing companion during America’s prosperous post-war years.
THE WHITE CREAM
Dr Pepper’s 1963 “White Cream” can was a deliberate design shift.
The white background elevated the red oval logo, while a gold arrow provided visual movement.
The design embraced 1960s minimalism and it kept the familiar “friendly Pepper-upper” slogan.
THE 12 FL OZ
In 1971, Dr Pepper unveiled its “12 FL OZ” can design, a big change from earlier packaging.
The design featured a solid brick red background with white lettering.
At its center, an oval contained the Dr Pepper logo in bold, modernized typeface.
Gone was the traditional slogan, replaced by the simple volume measurement “12 FL OZ.”
THE RETRO DIAGONAL
The Retro Diagonal design featured a bold red can with the Dr Pepper logo stretched across its surface in a dramatic slant.
The angular positioning of the text commanded attention, while the simplicity of the color scheme heightened visual impact.
THE NEW ERA
In 1997, Dr Pepper unveiled “The New Era” design, focusing on clean, modern aesthetics.
The design retained the brand’s signature brick red but reimagined its presentation.
Gone was the traditional oval; in its place, a diagonal logo sat above a faded red stripe, creating visual momentum.
This streamlined look defined Dr Pepper’s identity from the late 1990s through the 2010s.
THE VINTAGE
In 2011, Dr Pepper celebrated its 125th anniversary with “The Vintage” design, returning to its visual roots.
The packaging featured the brand’s 1930s logo and signature slogan “At 10-2 and 4 o’clock,” connecting modern drinkers to the company’s past.
Art deco flourishes, including an illustration of founder Mr. Alderton and a “made with real sugar” emblem, reflected both authenticity and craftsmanship.
THE MODERN
The 2015 redesign of Dr Pepper’s “The Modern” can balances innovation with heritage.
The deep red backdrop frames a streamlined white logo, its curved letters speaking to contemporary design while preserving brand recognition.
The can’s base carries “Est. 1885,” anchoring the design in the company’s history.
At the center, an oval holds the number 23 alongside “Authentic Blend of 23 Flavors”.
