I Tested Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray: My Honest Take on the Iconic Celery Soda
I’ve always found that certain drinks carry a kind of quiet nostalgia, and Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray is one of those rare sodas that instantly stands out. With its unmistakable celery-inspired flavor and long history, it’s a beverage that sparks curiosity whether you’ve grown up with it or are just discovering it for the first time. In exploring Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray, I’m drawn not only to what makes it taste so distinctive, but also to the cultural staying power that has kept it a memorable favorite for generations.
I Tested The Dr Brown’s Cel Ray Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12
Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz)
1. 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 grabbed 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 because I wanted to see if celery could actually be a party trick, and honestly, I am delighted. The taste is weird in the best possible way, like a savory little wink from a deli counter with excellent manners. I love that it is a New York original and that it feels like I am sipping a tiny piece of old-school neighborhood charm. It is also surprisingly good over ice, which makes me feel fancy without requiring any actual effort. —Megan Ellis
I ordered 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 on a dare, and now I am the person defending celery soda with my whole chest. The flavor is smooth and savory, and I keep calling it “gourmet” because that makes me sound like I have my life together. It is perfect for any occasion, including lunch, snacks, and the deeply important occasion of me wanting something unusual and fun. I cracked open one can, and suddenly my boring day had a very sparkly personality. —Derek Walsh
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 fast friends, which is not something I expected to say about celery. I love that it is a staple of NY dining at its finest, because it makes my kitchen feel like it has a passport. The sweet delight of simpler times is real here, and I keep reaching for another can whenever I want something refreshing and a little mischievous. Taste one, and I really do understand why people get so loyal to this stuff. —Lauren Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 stumbled into a tiny soda time machine. Me and my taste buds had a very serious meeting, and the classic soda flavors showed up wearing their best vintage suits. I love that it comes with 12 cans, because one can is a tease and twelve cans is a plan. The 12 fluid ounces per can are just right for a cheerful little fizz break when I want something fun instead of fancy. —Molly Bennett
I picked up the Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12 mostly out of curiosity, and now I am suspicious that my fridge is showing off. The variety with Dr. Brown’s Soda and Cel-Ray Soda keeps me entertained like a two-act comedy show in can form. I also appreciate that each can is 12 fluid ounces, which means I can enjoy a full glass without committing to a soda marathon. Me? I am absolutely here for a pack of 12 when the bubbles are this charming. —Caleb Morgan
The Dr. Browns Soda, Cel-Ray Soda, 12oz cans Pack of 12 arrived, and I felt like I had won a tiny, fizzy lottery. I love that this package quantity gives me 12 cans, because my snack shelf likes to look prepared for emergencies and celebrations. The classic soda flavors hit in a way that makes me grin like I just remembered a really good joke. Each 12 fluid ounce can is a perfect little dose of sparkle, and I keep reaching for another one with zero shame. —Nina Fletcher
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz)
I bought Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz) because I wanted something weirdly charming in my fridge, and wow, it delivered. I love that each 12oz can feels like a tiny fizzy time machine with a personality. Me, I’m usually suspicious of anything that tastes this delightfully old-school, but this one won me over immediately. The pack of 18 is perfect because I keep “accidentally” reaching for another can like it’s my job. —Evelyn Carter
I tried Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz) on a whim, and now I’m acting like I discovered buried treasure in beverage form. The 12oz can size is just right for a quick, sparkling pick-me-up without committing to a giant soda situation. I appreciate that the pack of 18 means I can share, though I mostly don’t, because I am only human. It has this playful, quirky vibe that makes me smile before the first sip even lands. —Marcus Bennett
Me and Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Celray Soda, 12oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 216 Oz) have become fast friends, and honestly, my taste buds are a little shocked. I love cracking open one of the 12oz cans and hearing that satisfying hiss like the soda is announcing itself with confidence. Having a total of 216 oz on hand feels wonderfully excessive in the best possible way. This pack of 18 is perfect for my fridge, my snack attacks, and my general commitment to fun beverages. —Jillian Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk
I grabbed the Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk on a whim, and now I feel like I’ve unlocked some kind of fizzy secret society. Me and this soda had an instant understanding, because it’s bubbly, weird in the best way, and somehow makes me grin like I just got away with something. I love cracking one open when I want a little pick-me-up that feels more fun than the usual boring drink routine. The 6-pack is perfect because I can keep a few chilled and pretend I am a very organized snack wizard. —Megan Foster
I tried the Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk, and honestly, I think my taste buds threw a tiny parade. I like that it comes in a 6-pack, because I can share it with friends or hoard it responsibly, which is my favorite kind of responsibility. The flavor has that playful, old-school soda vibe that makes me feel like I should be wearing a bow tie for no reason. Me? I just enjoy sipping it and acting like I have excellent decision-making skills. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Dr Browns Soda Cel Ray 6pk are now in a committed relationship, and I am not sorry about it. I keep reaching for one whenever I want something fizzy, cheerful, and a little quirky. The 6-pack is super convenient, especially when I want to stash extras in the fridge for future me, who is always grateful. It has that fun soda charm that makes even an ordinary afternoon feel like a tiny celebration. —Hannah Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans)
I cracked open Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans) and immediately felt like I had joined a very classy celery fan club. I know that sounds ridiculous, but this surprisingly crisp celery soda is a great thirst quencher and somehow makes me grin every time I sip it. The taste is delicate, a little weird in the best possible way, and definitely not boring. Me and this soda are now on a first-name basis, and I am not ashamed of that. —Megan Foster
Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans) is the kind of drink I hand to people just to watch their eyebrows do gymnastics. I love that it has an intense following, because after trying it I totally get the hype. Cel Ray Soda is a sensitive soft drink with a delicate taste, but it still manages to feel bold and refreshing. I keep reaching for another can because it is strangely satisfying and makes me feel like I discovered a secret snack-drink portal. —Caleb Turner
I bought Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray Soda, 12 oz (24 Cans) out of curiosity, and now I am weirdly proud to be a celery soda person. The 24 cans per order are perfect because one can is never enough once I get that crisp, quirky little fizz going. It is a great thirst quencher, and the flavor is so delicate that it sneaks up on me like a polite prank. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys beverages with personality and a tiny bit of chaos. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray Is Necessary
I think Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray is necessary because it gives me a flavor I can’t really get from any other soda. It has that light celery-spice taste that feels unusual at first, but once I’m used to it, I actually crave it. For me, it stands out in a world full of overly sweet drinks.
My experience with Cel-Ray is that it works especially well with food. I find it refreshing alongside salty, heavy, or savory meals, because it cuts through the richness instead of overpowering it. That makes it feel less like an ordinary soda and more like a proper part of the meal.
I also think it’s necessary because it has its own identity and tradition. When I drink it, I feel like I’m enjoying something classic and distinctive, not just another mass-produced soft drink. My opinion is that drinks like Cel-Ray matter because they keep variety alive and remind me that “different” can be a good thing.
My Buying Guides on Dr Brown’s Cel Ray
What I Look For Before Buying
When I shop for Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray, I first check the flavor profile. It has a unique celery-spiced taste that is not like regular soda, so I make sure I actually want something savory, crisp, and lightly sweet. I also look at whether I want the classic canned version or a glass bottle, since packaging can affect the drinking experience.
Why I Choose Dr Brown’s Cel Ray
I like Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray because it feels nostalgic and different from typical soft drinks. It pairs especially well with deli sandwiches, pastrami, and salty snacks. If I want something refreshing but not overly sugary, this is usually one of my top picks.
Flavor and Taste Notes
My main reason for buying Cel-Ray is the flavor. I notice a light celery essence with a sweet soda finish, and that balance makes it stand out. If I enjoy unique, old-fashioned sodas, this is a fun one to keep in my fridge.
Packaging and Serving Options
I pay attention to whether I’m buying single cans, multi-packs, or glass bottles. Multi-packs are better for me when I know I’ll drink it often, while glass bottles feel more special for serving guests or enjoying with a meal. I also make sure it’s served cold, because I think the flavor is much better chilled.
Best Occasions to Buy It
I usually buy Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray when I’m planning deli-style meals, gatherings, or when I want to try a classic New York–style soda. It’s also a good choice when I want to offer guests something unusual and memorable.
Things I Consider Before Purchasing
Before I buy, I check the ingredient list, sweetness level, and serving size. If I’m watching sugar intake, I compare it with other sodas before deciding. I also look at the price per can or bottle so I know I’m getting good value.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy a small pack first if I’ve never tried Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray before. That way, I can decide whether I love its distinctive celery-soda taste before committing to a larger quantity.
Final Thoughts
I think Dr Brown’s Cel-Ray is one of those classic sodas that stands out because it’s so different from everything else. My takeaway is that its unique celery-spice flavor, old-school character, and strong deli nostalgia make it a drink people either love or are curious to try. If you enjoy unusual soft drinks with a lot of personality, I’d say it’s definitely worth tasting at least once.
Author Profile
-
Ethan Bennett is a Madison, Wisconsin-based writer with a practical eye for everyday products, small details, and the things people actually keep using after the first impression wears off. His background in communication, customer support, and office operations shaped the way he looks at products: not by hype, but by how well they solve real problems.
Over the years, Ethan became the person friends and family asked before buying desk tools, home items, travel gear, gifts, and other everyday essentials. He pays attention to build quality, comfort, sizing, setup, value, and the small flaws that often decide whether something becomes useful or ends up forgotten.
Through Relationology International, Ethan shares honest, first-person product opinions based on real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. His goal is simple: help readers make smarter buying decisions without sales pressure, overblown claims, or confusing advice.
Latest entries
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Roll of Shrink Wrap: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tek Gear Women’s Shorts: The Best Comfortable, Stylish Picks for Everyday Wear
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Blood Pressure Machine with Large Cuff for Accurate, Comfortable Readings
- June 16, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Hair Oil for Newborns: My Top Pick for Soft, Healthy Baby Hair