Shoppers are calling for the return of the Dr Pepper dupe after it disappeared from shelves

ALDI shoppers are begging for the return of a popular soft drink after it disappeared from stores without warning.

Professor Peppy is Aldi’s dupe for Dr Pepper, which some fans said tasted better than the original.

It was also cheaper: a two-litre bottle cost 55p at Aldi, while a bottle of Dr Pepper of the same size cost £2 at Tesco.

But it has been missing from shelves since January, with Aldi customers left stunned and saddened by its disappearance.

One said: “Is Professor Peppy out of business? I haven’t seen him in a shop in Northampton for over a month? I miss it!”

Another added: ‘Any idea what happened to Professor Peppy?

“My husband, his brother and I have searched many Aldi’s in Kent for this amazing drink but it has been out of stock for weeks.

‘We need our solution, but it doesn’t seem to exist anywhere. Is there a shortage?’

Aldi responded to the many people asking that Peppy is a ‘seasonal drink’ and will only be available at certain times of the year.

But the answer left me disappointed. One fan even started a Change.org petition this week to bring back the drink.

They wrote: “There’s something about that unique flavor that hits the spot when I need a fizzy fix. It even surpasses the taste of regular Dr Pepper!

“However, my beloved Professor Peppy is not available at Aldi all year round and that needs to change.”

An insider has revealed to The Sun that the much-loved drink will make a return in the coming weeks.

Tom Church, co-founder of shopping site LatestDeals.co.uk, said: “It is common for retailers to use the ‘seasonal’ strategy.

‘It creates anticipation and excitement, leading to an increase in purchases when it returns.

“Seasonal products are also a way for Aldi to efficiently manage inventory and shelf space.

“For example, they may currently want more shelf space for Mother’s Day products.

“An additional reason to make a product seasonal is that consumers end up buying more of it, fearing its future scarcity.

“If you’re afraid your favorite product will disappear, you’ll stock up.

However, there are other alternatives to Dr Pepper and Professor Peppy, he added: “ASDA sells Dr Pop, a sweeter version.

“And Dr. Faygo is known as an American alternative that can be found in some convenience stores.

“Home Bargains and B&M often sell the real deal Dr Pepper for lower prices, and places like Costco and Bookers may sell it cheaper if bought in bulk.

“But a word of warning: Dr Pepper is not just Cherry Cola! The secret ingredient is almond, which Cherry Cola does not contain. So skip them to avoid disappointment.”

Aldi is known for misleading major food and drink brands, but has found itself in legal trouble for its copycat tactics.

M&S previously accused the German discounter of launching counterfeit versions of its Colin the Caterpillar cake and its light-up Christmas gin bottles.

M&S reached a settlement agreement with Aldi in the first Cuthbert dupe case, and won the second case after Aldi’s appeal was dismissed this week.

In January, drinks manufacturer Thatchers lost a trademark battle in the High Court after claiming that supermarket chain Aldi had “copied” its Thatchers Cloudy Lemon Cider.

It was claimed the supermarket had gained an “unfair advantage” by copying the drink in both “taste and appearance”, but a judge dismissed the case.

Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.