5-hour ENERGY Introduces a Nostalgic Soda-Shop Favorite in Its Signature Energy Shot Format

From playful flavor combinations to creamy, soda-shop-inspired creations, dirty sodas are having a moment. What started as a regional favorite in Utah has become a nationwide beverage trend, with consumers embracing customizable drinks that put a fun, nostalgic spin on traditional soda. 

But where did the dirty soda trend begin? According to Eater, the concept first gained traction in Utah in the mid-2010s, when specialty shops began serving fountain sodas mixed with flavored syrups, fruit juices and creamers. The drinks emerged as a popular sweet treat among Utahns (perhaps for those who abstained from alcohol and caffeine). Like Italian sodas, dirty sodas take things a step further by incorporating familiar favorite sodas into creative, indulgent combinations. The trend helped fuel the growth of dedicated dirty soda shops, including popular chain Swig, before eventually making its way into the mainstream. 

And the momentum isn't slowing down. According to Circana, dirty soda sales at quick-service restaurants have grown 318% compared with two years ago. Meanwhile, analyses from The Food Institute and Beverage Industry show that social media conversations surrounding dirty soda have increased by more than 270% year-over-year, underscoring consumers' growing appetite for nostalgic flavors and customizable beverages. 

Now, 5-hour ENERGY® is getting in on the trend with a nostalgic flavor of its own: Cream Soda 5-hour ENERGY®, a new limited-edition flavor available exclusively at participating Circle K stores nationwide. 

Inspired by the classic soda-shop favorite, Cream Soda 5-hour ENERGY® delivers smooth, rich vanilla sweetness in the brand's signature convenient, non-carbonated, sugar-free energy shot format. It brings the familiar taste of cream soda to a new format, pairing nostalgic flavor with the signature 5-hour ENERGY® blend of caffeine, B vitamins and other nutrients. 

Whether you're a longtime cream soda fan or simply looking to switch up your usual energy routine, this limited-edition flavor offers a fresh take on a familiar favorite. Enjoy it straight from the bottle or get creative by adding it to your favorite soda or beverage for your own dirty soda-inspired creation. 

Ready to give this nostalgic flavor a try? Cream Soda 5-hour ENERGY® is available for a limited time at participating Circle K stores nationwide. Find a Circle K near you and get yours while supplies last!