LDS dietary guidelines and the rise of dirty soda trends

The consumption of soda is not prohibited by the official doctrines or teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). While the “Word of Wisdom,” found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, serves as a foundational principle for healthy living and offers guidance on dietary choices, it does not include an explicit ban on soda or caffeine.

In recent cultural trends, “dirty sodas”—a mixture of carbonated soft drinks and coffee creamer—have gained popularity, often associated with Utah and Mormon culture. At the University of Iowa, students have expressed mixed reactions to the trend. While some find the drinks intriguing, others remain skeptical of the health implications or feel that the market for specialty beverages in Iowa City is already saturated with coffee and energy drink options.