8 Sodas That Fizzled Out for a Reason And 7 Vintage Drinks We’d Love to Sip Again
Explore the fascinating world of discontinued sodas and beloved vintage drinks. From marketing mishaps to nostalgic favorites, these beverages tell unique stories. Discover eight sodas that vanished from shelves and seven drinks that evoke fond memories.
1. New Coke
New Coke’s debut in 1985 was meant to revolutionize the soda world, but it quickly fizzled out. Fans of the original Coca-Cola were baffled and disgruntled by the reformulation, which tasted sweeter and less robust. Public outcry was so intense that Coca-Cola had to revert to the original formula only 79 days later. It remains a cautionary tale in marketing history, highlighting the risks of altering a beloved product.
2. Pepsi Blue
Pepsi Blue hit the market in 2002, grabbing attention with its neon-blue hue and berry flavor. Although visually striking, the drink’s taste was polarizing, with many comparing it to cough syrup. It lacked the refreshing quality expected from a soda, and despite a strong initial launch, it struggled to maintain consumer interest. By 2004, Pepsi Blue was discontinued, remembered more for its color than its flavor.
3. Orbitz
Orbitz was more than just a soda; it was a visual spectacle. Released in the late 1990s, it featured floating gelatin balls suspended in a clear, fruit-flavored liquid. While its appearance intrigued many, the texture baffled consumers, and the taste was underwhelming. It was a beverage that looked like a science experiment, ultimately failing to quench thirst or satisfy the palate.
4. OK Soda
OK Soda debuted in 1993, targeting Gen X with its ironic marketing and edgy design. The taste, however, was another story. It was neither distinctly cola nor citrus, leaving drinkers confused. Despite its artistic packaging and unique advertising approach, it never caught on with soda enthusiasts, leading to its discontinuation after a short-lived run.
5. Coca-Cola Blāk
Coca-Cola Blāk combined coffee and cola in a single beverage. Launched in 2006, it promised a sophisticated taste experience but delivered a confusing flavor. The blend of coffee and soda was too bitter and syrupy, alienating potential fans. Despite its innovative concept, it failed to capture a lasting audience, disappearing from shelves a mere two years later.
6. 7UP Gold
7UP Gold was a bold experiment in spiced soda, introduced in 1987. It was a blend of cola and ginger ale flavors, creating a unique but perplexing taste. While some appreciated its distinctiveness, most consumers found it lacked a clear identity, leading to its short shelf life. This adventurous blend ultimately couldn’t carve out a niche in the competitive soda market.
7. Josta
Josta made history as Pepsi’s first energy soda in the mid-1990s. Infused with guarana, it was designed to boost energy and appeal to active lifestyles. While innovative, its taste didn’t quite match the excitement it promised. Though it garnered a small following, it couldn’t sustain widespread popularity and was phased out by the late ’90s.
8. Pepsi Fire
Pepsi Fire, launched in 2017, dared to challenge taste buds with cinnamon-infused cola. Its bold, spicy flavor intrigued adventurous drinkers but burned too hot for many. The combination of heat and sweetness was polarizing, and the drink struggled to find a loyal audience. Within a year, it was swept off the shelves, its fiery legacy lingering only in memory.
9. Surge
Surge, introduced in the 1990s, captured the vibrant spirit of the decade with its bold citrus flavor and energetic marketing. It quickly gained a passionate fan base, who loved its refreshing taste. Discontinued in 2003 due to declining sales, it made a triumphant return thanks to devoted fans and limited releases. Surge remains a symbol of ’90s nostalgia.
10. Clearly Canadian
Clearly Canadian, launched in the ’80s, was a pioneer in the sparkling water market. Its crystal-clear appearance and natural fruit flavors, like Wild Cherry and Mountain Blackberry, created a refreshing alternative to traditional sodas. Despite its initial success, it faded away in the early 2000s. However, its legacy endures with loyal fans and sporadic comebacks.
11. Tahiti Treat
Tahiti Treat brought tropical delight with its punchy fruit flavors. Popular in the ’70s and ’80s, it was a favorite for its vibrant and refreshing taste. Loved by children and adults alike, it embodied the carefree spirit of summer. Though it eventually disappeared from mainstream markets, its memory lingers as a symbol of carefree summer days.
12. Fresca (Original Formulation)
Originally released in 1966, Fresca’s grapefruit-citrus blend was refreshing and subtly sweet. The original formula captivated fans until changes were made in the 1980s to include artificial sweeteners. These adjustments altered its character, leading to a decline in popularity. However, nostalgic fans still crave the classic taste of the original version.
13. Squeeze It
Squeeze It drinks weren’t just beverages; they were an experience. Popular in the ’90s, these fruit drinks came in fun, squeezable plastic bottles, with flavors like Chucklin’ Cherry and Rockin’ Red Punch. Though not a traditional soda, their playful packaging and bold tastes created a wave of nostalgia. They remain fondly remembered by those who grew up during their heyday.
14. Slice (Especially Apple or Mandarin Orange)
Slice, launched by Pepsi in 1984, brought a refreshing twist with its fruit-forward flavors. Variants like Apple and Mandarin Orange were particularly cherished for their bold, juicy taste. Despite initial popularity, competition and changing tastes led to its gradual disappearance. Many still remember Slice for its vibrant flavors and cheerful branding.
15. Tab
Tab, the original diet soda introduced in 1963, became an icon with its distinct, slightly bitter taste and its place in pop culture. It garnered a cult following, becoming synonymous with ’70s and ’80s nostalgia. Despite its decline with the rise of Coke Zero, Tab’s legacy endures as a trailblazer in the diet soda category. Its quirkiness resonates with fans to this day.