Does regular Mr. Pibb still exist? The truth about its 2025 comeback

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

First introduced as 'Peppo' in 1972 before being renamed Mr. Pibb, the soft drink has a long and complicated history marked by significant changes. While the original Mr. Pibb soda was officially discontinued and replaced by Pibb Xtra over two decades ago, a new beverage surprise for fans was announced in late 2025.

Quick Summary

Original Mr. Pibb was discontinued in 2001 and replaced by a new formula called Pibb Xtra. In 2025, Coca-Cola is re-launching a new Mr. Pibb, replacing Pibb Xtra with a different recipe and packaging.

Key Points

The original is gone: The classic Mr. Pibb formula was discontinued in 2001.
Pibb Xtra took its place: It was replaced by a bolder, spicier, more cinnamon-forward Pibb Xtra.
A new Mr. Pibb is coming: Coca-Cola is reintroducing the Mr. Pibb name in late 2025, with a brand new formula and higher caffeine content.
The formula is not the same: The newly released Mr. Pibb is not a return of the original recipe, but a further evolution of the Pibb brand.
Competition drove the changes: The rebranding reflects decades of competitive strategy and market shifts involving Dr. Pepper.
Restaurant fountain machines may be confusing: Some restaurants never updated their labels from Mr. Pibb, but for years have been serving Pibb Xtra, and now will serve the new Mr. Pibb.

The End of an Era: Original Mr. Pibb is Gone

To put it plainly, the original version of Mr. Pibb that many remember from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s no longer exists. The Coca-Cola Company made the strategic decision to discontinue the original formula and replace it with a new one called Pibb Xtra, which was rolled out in 2001. This was a significant move, as Pibb Xtra wasn't just a rebrand; it was a reformulation designed to offer a different taste profile than its predecessor. The final stocks of original Mr. Pibb syrup were used up by mid-2003, and the classic flavor was officially gone from production.

The Rise of Pibb Xtra and the Flavor Change

Pibb Xtra was marketed as a bolder, spicier, and more flavorful version of Mr. Pibb. Where the original Mr. Pibb was a direct competitor to Dr. Pepper with a comparable, if slightly different, flavor profile, Pibb Xtra leaned into a more cinnamon-forward, 'spicy cherry' taste. Coca-Cola aimed to give its 'pepper-style' soda a more intense profile to stand out in a crowded market.

Key differences between Pibb Xtra and Mr. Pibb:

Flavor Profile: Pibb Xtra had a more intense, 'spicy cherry' flavor with prominent cinnamon notes compared to the original's milder, classic flavor.
Market Position: Pibb Xtra was an evolution of the brand, aiming for a bolder identity rather than merely being seen as a Dr. Pepper alternative.
Branding: The name change to Pibb Xtra and updated packaging helped signal a break from the past.

The Story Behind the Name and Formula Evolution

Mr. Pibb's history is full of corporate strategy and legal battles, primarily with Dr. Pepper. Here is a timeline of its journey:

1972: The Birth of 'Peppo'. Coca-Cola first introduced the soda as 'Peppo' to compete directly with Dr. Pepper.
1974: The Name Change to Mr. Pibb. After a lawsuit from Dr. Pepper over trademark infringement, Coca-Cola changed the name to Mr. Pibb.
1980s: Formula and Branding Updates. The formula was reformulated in 1980 with a 'New Taste' label, and the brand saw several packaging revisions throughout the decade.
2001: The Transition to Pibb Xtra. Coca-Cola replaced the original formula with Pibb Xtra, a bolder, cinnamon-forward version.
2025: The Reintroduction of a New Mr. Pibb. Amidst shifting distribution rights for Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola announces it will retire Pibb Xtra and bring back the Mr. Pibb name with a new formula, higher caffeine, and updated branding.

The New Mr. Pibb for a New Generation

In a surprising move announced in October 2025, Coca-Cola confirmed it is bringing back the name Mr. Pibb. However, this is not a return of the original 1970s formula. The new 2025 version will feature a refreshed recipe with increased caffeine and a new look, effectively replacing the Pibb Xtra brand. This strategic rebranding is largely seen as a response to changes in Dr. Pepper's distribution rights, which will see Coca-Cola lose a major revenue stream. By revitalizing and focusing marketing efforts on its 'pepper-style' offering, Coke hopes to capture some of the market share it will lose from Dr. Pepper. For consumers, this means a new taste to discover and a familiar name back on store shelves.

Comparison of Pibb Formulations


Feature	Original Mr. Pibb (Pre-2001)	Pibb Xtra (2001-2025)	New Mr. Pibb (2025+)
Flavor Profile	Classic spiced cherry	Bolder, spicier, more cinnamon-forward	Refreshed, spicy cherry, higher caffeine
Caffeine Level	Regular	Regular	Increased
Availability	Discontinued	Discontinued, replaced by new Mr. Pibb	Rolling out to replace Pibb Xtra
Branding	Classic 'Mr. Pibb'	'Pibb Xtra'	Updated 'Mr. Pibb' name and logo
Competitor Focus	Direct rival to Dr. Pepper	Intense alternative to Dr. Pepper	Stronger competitor due to distribution shifts

A Final Word on Mr. Pibb's Legacy

While many longtime fans of the soda might be disappointed that the exact flavor of regular Mr. Pibb is not coming back, the brand's resilience and evolution are noteworthy. From its humble beginnings as 'Peppo,' through its identity as the familiar 'Mr. Pibb,' and its bolder phase as 'Pibb Xtra,' the brand has constantly adapted to market demands and competitive pressures. The 2025 relaunch of a new Mr. Pibb signals a renewed focus from Coca-Cola on this once-secondary brand, giving consumers a new twist on a classic favorite. Fans craving the original taste, however, will have to rely on their memories. More information on the new formula can be found at the Coca-Cola Fandom Wiki.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the original Mr. Pibb formula was different from Pibb Xtra. Pibb Xtra was a reformulation introduced in 2001 with a bolder, spicier, and more cinnamon-forward flavor profile.

Mr. Pibb was reformulated and rebranded as Pibb Xtra in 2001. The transition was completed over the next year or two as old stock was depleted.

The rebranding was a strategic effort to give the soda a bolder, more contemporary image and to signal a more intense, distinct flavor profile compared to the original. It also helped further distance the product from its main competitor, Dr. Pepper.

No, the new Mr. Pibb launching in late 2025 is not the original recipe. It will feature a refreshed formula with increased caffeine, replacing the Pibb Xtra brand.

For years, restaurants that displayed 'Mr. Pibb' on their fountains were actually serving Pibb Xtra. Now, they will transition to serving the new 2025 Mr. Pibb, so the original flavor is not available.

The 2025 re-launch is tied to a major shift in distribution rights for Dr. Pepper. With Coca-Cola losing revenue from distributing Dr. Pepper, it is revitalizing its own 'pepper-style' offering to boost sales in that category.

Compared to the original Mr. Pibb, Pibb Xtra has been described as having a spicier cherry flavor with stronger cinnamon notes. Many perceive its flavor as more 'intense' overall.