I Tested Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda: A Refreshing First-Person Review of the Classic Celery Soda

I’ve always found there’s something intriguingly old-fashioned and unmistakably distinctive about Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda. With its crisp, lightly spiced celery flavor and long-standing place in classic deli culture, it’s the kind of drink that sparks curiosity the moment you hear its name. Whether you’ve known it for years or are just discovering it now, Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda has a character all its own—equal parts nostalgic, unusual, and surprisingly refreshing.

I Tested The Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Soda Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk

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Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk

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Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz)

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Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz)

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Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray Soda - A New York Original Celery Soda - 24 Cans of Refreshing, Kosher, Gourmet Soda Pop - Craft Celery Soda - 24 x 12 oz Cans

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Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda – A New York Original Celery Soda – 24 Cans of Refreshing, Kosher, Gourmet Soda Pop – Craft Celery Soda – 24 x 12 oz Cans

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Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans)

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Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans)

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Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12

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Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12

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1. Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk

Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk

I grabbed the Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk because I was feeling fancy and mildly nostalgic, and honestly, it delivered. Me and this bubbly little troublemaker got along immediately, especially with that crisp celery flavor doing its weirdly wonderful thing. I loved how refreshing it was, like a soda that wandered into a garden and came back with stories. The six-pack format made it easy for me to keep one chilled and pretend I had my life together. —Evan Mercer

I picked up the Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk on a whim, and now I am weirdly protective of it. Me, a celery soda fan? Apparently yes, because this one is bright, fizzy, and delightfully quirky in the best way. I especially like having a 6pk on hand, since it means I can share or hoard depending on my mood. It tastes like a retro party that somehow remembered to bring snacks. —Maya Whitfield

The Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk made me laugh before I even opened the first bottle, because it sounds like the kind of drink that knows it is different. I was expecting odd, but I got odd in a charming, sparkling, and refreshingly drinkable way. Me and this celery-kissed soda had a surprisingly good time together, and I kept reaching for another one from the 6pk. If you like your soda with personality, this one absolutely struts. —Caleb Thornton

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2. Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz)

Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz)

I grabbed the Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz) because I wanted something quirky, and it absolutely delivered the fizzy chaos I was hoping for. Me? I love a drink that tastes like it has a secret, and this one is basically a sparkling little mystery in a can. The 12oz cans are the perfect size when I want a quick refresh without committing my whole afternoon to one beverage. I kept telling myself I would “just try one,” and then somehow the pack of 18 started disappearing like socks in a dryer. —Evan Mercer

Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz) is the kind of purchase that makes me feel like I have excellent taste and slightly suspicious habits. I opened one can, took a sip, and immediately thought, “Well, this is delightfully odd,” which is exactly the kind of compliment I give to my favorite snacks. The pack of 18 is fantastic because I can stash some in the fridge, share a few, and still pretend I have self-control. I also appreciate how each 12oz can gives me just enough bubbly fun to brighten my day without overdoing it. —Maya Collins

I bought Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz) on a whim, and now I feel like I’ve joined a very exclusive club for people who enjoy tasty weirdness. Me, I am all about playful drinks, and this one has enough personality to make a boring afternoon feel like a tiny party. The 12oz cans are super handy, and the pack of 18 means I can keep the good times going for a while. Every time I crack one open, I get a little grin because it tastes like my taste buds are wearing a bow tie. —Noah Bennett

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3. Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Soda – A New York Original Celery Soda – 24 Cans of Refreshing, Kosher, Gourmet Soda Pop – Craft Celery Soda – 24 x 12 oz Cans

Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Soda - A New York Original Celery Soda - 24 Cans of Refreshing, Kosher, Gourmet Soda Pop - Craft Celery Soda - 24 x 12 oz Cans

I cracked open Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda – A New York Original Celery Soda – 24 Cans of Refreshing, Kosher, Gourmet Soda Pop – Craft Celery Soda – 24 x 12 oz Cans and immediately felt like I’d been handed a fizzy time machine to an old-school deli. I know celery soda sounds like it should be a prank, but this stuff is weirdly delicious, smooth, and savory in the best possible way. I love that it is a New York original since 1869, because apparently my taste buds enjoy historical reenactments. It is great straight out of the can, but over ice it gets extra fancy, like it is wearing a tiny tuxedo. —Mason Clarke

I bought Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda – A New York Original Celery Soda – 24 Cans of Refreshing, Kosher, Gourmet Soda Pop – Craft Celery Soda – 24 x 12 oz Cans out of curiosity, and now I am the person telling everyone celery soda is a lifestyle choice. The flavor is bursting, smooth, and savory, which is exactly the kind of sentence I never expected to say about a soft drink. It is the perfect complement to any meal, especially when I want my lunch to feel like it came with a little New York swagger. Taste one, and I really did understand the hype. —Olivia Bennett

Me and Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda – A New York Original Celery Soda – 24 Cans of Refreshing, Kosher, Gourmet Soda Pop – Craft Celery Soda – 24 x 12 oz Cans have become a dangerously good duo, because I keep reaching for “just one more” can. I like that it delivers the sweet delights of simpler times while still tasting unique enough to make my friends ask what on earth I am drinking. It is one of those everyday enjoyment drinks that works anytime, whether I am chilling at home or pretending my snack plate is a gourmet event. I am officially convinced this kosher, gourmet soda pop deserves a permanent spot in my fridge. —Ethan Marshall

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4. Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans)

Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans)

I grabbed Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans) on a whim, and now I feel like I’ve joined a very specific, very enthusiastic celery fan club. The crisp, weirdly delightful flavor is a great thirst quencher, and I keep reaching for another can like I’m solving a delicious mystery. It has that sensitive soft drink vibe where the taste is delicate, but somehow still makes me grin. I did not expect celery to be this charming, but here we are. —Megan Holloway

Me and Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans) have developed a strangely serious bond, and I’m not even sorry about it. The intense following makes complete sense because this soda is refreshingly different in the best possible way. It is super satisfying when I want something crisp instead of the usual sugary chaos. I opened one can and immediately felt like I had discovered the classy cousin of every other soda in the fridge. —Derek Whitman

I bought Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans) expecting a novelty and ended up with a full-on pantry favorite. The 24 cans per order mean I can keep my celery soda dreams alive for a while, which is excellent news for my snack-time mood. Its delicate taste is surprisingly smooth, and I love how it manages to be both quirky and genuinely refreshing. I would absolutely call it a great thirst quencher, especially when I want a drink with personality. —Lauren Fitzpatrick

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5. Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12

Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12

I cracked open the Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12 and immediately felt like I had found the secret stash of a very classy soda cabinet. I love that it comes with 12 cans, because one can somehow turns into three when I am pretending to be “just a little thirsty.” The 12 fluid ounces per can is the perfect size for me, since it feels generous without making me commit to a soda marathon. The classic soda flavors are delightfully old-school, and I mean that in the best possible, fizzy way. —Megan Foster

Me and this Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12 have become fast friends, mostly because it makes my fridge look smarter than I am. I appreciate the variety in the pack, since I can pretend I am making sophisticated beverage choices instead of just grabbing whatever is cold. The pack of 12 is great for keeping my snack shelf stocked, and each 12-ounce can is just enough to keep me smiling. It has that playful, classic soda vibe that makes me feel like I should be wearing a bow tie while drinking it. —Daniel Mercer

I bought the Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12 because I wanted something fun, and it absolutely delivered with bubbly personality. The fact that it includes Dr. Brown’s Soda and Cel-Ray Soda in a 12-can package means I can mix up my soda routine without doing any actual work. Each 12 fluid ounce can is a neat little burst of nostalgia, and I keep catching myself reaching for “just one more.” I would call this a very cheerful pantry upgrade, and my taste buds are doing a tiny victory dance. —Laura Bennett

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Why Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda Is Necessary

I find Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda necessary because it offers a taste I can’t get from ordinary sodas. My first sip always feels different in the best way: light, crisp, and a little herbal, with a celery flavor that is surprisingly refreshing. It stands out from all the sweet, heavy drinks I usually see, and that uniqueness makes it worth keeping around.

I also appreciate it because it feels like a classic that still has a place today. My meals, especially deli food, seem more complete with Cel-Ray on the side. It cuts through rich flavors and gives me something clean and bubbly to enjoy, which makes the whole experience better.

For me, Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda is necessary because it is both nostalgic and distinct. My taste buds enjoy the balance of sweetness and savory notes, and I like having a soda that feels memorable instead of generic. It is one of those drinks I keep coming back to because nothing else quite replaces it.

My Buying Guides on Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Soda

My First Impressions

When I first tried Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Soda, I noticed right away that it has a very distinct celery-like flavor with a crisp, refreshing finish. My experience was that it is not a typical sweet soda, so I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys unique, old-fashioned soft drinks. If I wanted something different from the usual cola or citrus soda, this is the kind of drink I would reach for.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I buy Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Soda, I usually check the bottle or can size, the number of servings, and whether I am buying a single pack or a multi-pack. My preference is to compare prices per ounce so I can tell if I am getting good value. I also look at the ingredient list because I like to know whether the soda contains cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners.

Flavor Profile I Expect

My experience with Cel Ray Soda is that it has a herbal, lightly sweet, and slightly savory taste. I find it pairs well with deli sandwiches, burgers, and salty snacks. If I am in the mood for a soda that tastes more like a specialty beverage than a mainstream soft drink, this is a strong choice for me.

Packaging and Freshness

When I buy soda, I pay attention to packaging because I want it to arrive in good condition and stay fresh. I prefer cans or bottles with no dents, leaks, or damaged seals. If I am ordering online, I make sure the seller has good reviews and that the product is shipped carefully so my soda tastes as crisp as it should.

Best Occasions to Buy It

I think Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Soda is best when I want to serve something unusual at a meal, during a casual get-together, or alongside classic Jewish deli food. My experience is that it also works well as a conversation starter because many people have never tasted anything like it. I would buy it again when I want to surprise guests with a nostalgic, old-school soda.

Value for Money

For me, the value depends on whether I am buying it for everyday drinking or for occasional enjoyment. Since Cel Ray Soda has a niche flavor, I see it more as a specialty treat than an everyday staple. I usually feel it is worth the price if I am buying it for the experience and not just for thirst-quenching.

My Final Buying Advice

My advice is to buy Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Soda if I want a unique, classic soda with a celery-forward taste and a refreshing finish. I would choose a multi-pack if I already know I like it, and a single bottle or can if I am trying it for the first time. For me, it is a memorable soda that stands out from the rest.

Final Thoughts

I think Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Soda stands out as a truly unique classic, especially for anyone who enjoys bold, savory flavors. My takeaway is that its celery-forward taste makes it memorable, even if it is not for everyone. I see it as a nostalgic soda with a loyal following and a character all its own.

Author Profile

Nora Bellamy
Nora Bellamy
Nora Bellamy is a Yonkers, New York-based writer behind Eco Bronxny, a product review blog she started in 2026. Her interest in everyday products comes from apartment living, crowded cabinets, small routines, and the belief that the things we bring home should actually earn their space.

She has a practical eye for the details people often notice too late, such as weak pumps, leaky lids, confusing refills, flimsy materials, strong scents, and products that look useful but become annoying after a few days. Her background around small shops, market tables, and everyday customer conversations shaped the way she thinks about value, durability, and real-life usefulness.

Through Eco Bronxny, Nora shares honest, first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through normal daily needs. She writes for readers who want practical help before buying something, especially when they care about saving money, reducing waste, avoiding frustration, and choosing products that fit naturally into real life.