Texas shopper goes to H-E-B. Then they realize that it’s taken 24 years—but the original Mr. Pibb is back

A famous, nostalgic drink called Mr. Pibb is back on store shelves for customers. But is it truly available nationwide?

TikTok content creator Radioguy (@radioguy04) posted a video that received more than 61,000 views. There, he highlighted how the previously discontinued beverage is back on H-E-B store shelves. 

He panned toward the drink in his video, which had a listed price of $5.97 for a package of 12 individual sodas. Next to the classic was Mr. Pibb Zero Sugar, which had the very same price. Then the content creator discussed the drink’s newest rollout. 

“So it only took 24 years to get the original Mr. Pibb back,” he said. “It does have extra caffeine, but at least the original Mr. Pibb from 1972 is back after [it] was discontinued in 2001.”

But commenters said that they had trouble finding the drink at their local grocers. So, is Mr. Pibb truly available across the country?

The history of Mr. Pibb

Coca-Cola describes Mr. Pibb as a “spicy cherry soda.” It was released in 1972 and was considered a direct alternative to Dr. Pepper. It even had the slightly familiar name, “Peppo,” only to change to Mr. Pibb after facing a lawsuit from the Dr Pepper Company. 

There were only two versions of Mr. Pibb from then until the 21st century: Mr. Pibb and Diet Mr. Pibb.

Eventually, though, a rebrand brought significant change to the market. In 2001, the original recipe was discontinued. In return, a new form of Mr. Pibb called “Mr. Pibb Xtra” hit shelves. Diet Mr. Pibb was also rebranded and changed to Pibb Zero. 

@radioguy04 #mrpibb #DRPEPPER #HEB ♬ original sound – Radioguy❌️

Is Mr. Pibb really back?

Around 24 years after the discontinuation of the original drink in 2001, the soda returned. The Coca-Cola Company announced on Oct. 31, 2025, that it would roll out the drink to select areas of the country—Florida, Chicago, Las Vegas, Michigan, and California. Later, in 2026, the soda made its official return across the country. 

The new soda “features 30% more caffeine and a bold, spicy cherry taste with hints of caramel,” according to the Coca-Cola Company. Alongside it, Coca-Cola introduced a new slogan: “Bold Kick of Cherry,” which reflects the drink’s “intense sweet cherry flavor with hints of caramel and a lingering spicy finish.”

Viewers of Radioguy’s video expressed their excitement about the popular beverage.

“Honestly i love Pibb more then Pepper… dont come for me please,” one viewer said. 

But some commenters said they struggled to find it in their Texas cities. 

“Wish they had it in Austin,” another commenter said. 

Another commenter added, “Which heb?!? Because in San Antonio it’s so hard and rare to find …I love Pibb.”

Radioguy responded, “Seguin, luling, Gonzales.” Other commenters said the nostalgic beverage is available in Kerrville, Texas, and Houston, Texas. 

It appears, then, that the soda hasn’t rolled out to every H-E-B in Texas, nor every grocery store across the country. Fans, however, are eagerly waiting for it.

The Mary Sue reached out to Radioguy via TikTok direct message, as well as H-E-B and Coca-Cola Company via email for comment.

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