Remember those sodas that were once everywhere but have disappeared from our shelves?
Let’s take a look back at 25 forgotten sodas that will bring back memories of the past! These beverages were not just drinks; they were a part of our childhood, a staple in every convenience store.
From vibrant colors to unique flavors, these sodas had it all. While they might not be on store shelves today, they’ll always have a place in our hearts and memories. Who knows, maybe they’ll make a comeback!
1. Pepsi Blue
Pepsi Blue was a blast of berry flavor that hit the shelves in the early 2000s. Its vibrant blue hue made it stand out among other sodas, marketed as the ‘cool’ new drink for the younger crowd. The bold taste and striking color made it a short-lived but memorable taste experience.
Despite its initial popularity, Pepsi Blue was discontinued, leaving fans reminiscing about its unique flavor. Many still recall the excitement of trying something so visually and gustatorily different.
2. Crystal Pepsi
This variation of Pepsi created quite the frenzy when it was released in the early ‘90s. This clear cola looked different but retained that classic Pepsi flavor, offering a novelty that was both intriguing and refreshing.
People were fascinated by the idea of a see-through cola, making it a conversation starter at parties and gatherings. Although its time was short-lived, it became a pop culture phenomenon, remembered fondly as one of the quirkiest soda experiments of the decade.
3. Surge
Surge was the energizing soda choice for many during the late ‘90s. With its zesty citrus kick and bright green can, it was a favorite for those needing a burst of energy.
Marketed as a competitor to Mountain Dew, Surge carved out its niche with bold advertising and an unforgettable flavor. It became synonymous with youth culture, from skate parks to gaming sessions. Though it disappeared from shelves, its legend lives on.
4. Josta
It was the first energy drink marketed by a major soda company in the mid-‘90s. It featured a unique blend of guarana and caffeine, offering a distinct taste that was both sweet and invigorating.
With its bold packaging and exotic ingredients, Josta stood out from traditional sodas. It quickly gained a dedicated following among those seeking an alternative to coffee and regular soda.
5. OK Soda
OK, this soda was an amazing beverage. This marketing experiment was conducted by Coca-Cola in the mid-’90s. Known for its avant-garde packaging and cynical advertising, OK Soda offered a citrusy cola flavor unlike any other.
The brand resonated with Generation X, embracing a non-conformist attitude that was as much about the experience as the drink itself. Though it never achieved mainstream success, OK Soda’s quirky vibe and unique taste left a lasting impression.
6. New York Seltzer
New York Seltzer, with its distinct and colorful labeling, took the 1980s by storm. Offering a range of natural flavors like black cherry and vanilla cream, it was a refreshing change from typical sugary sodas.
Its crisp, clean taste and lack of artificial coloring appealed to a health-conscious audience. New York Seltzer’s unique packaging and authentic flavors made it a hit in its time. Though it vanished for a while, it eventually saw a revival, proving the timeless appeal of its bubbly and flavorful charm.
7. Hubba Bubba Soda
Hubba Bubba Soda was a dream come true for bubble gum lovers in the 1980s. This pink, sweet, and bubbly concoction captured the essence of chewing gum in a drinkable form.
Its whimsical appeal and novelty factor made it a favorite among kids and nostalgia seekers. The soda was as fun as the gum, served in vibrant cans that stood out on store shelves. Unfortunately, it fizzled out eventually.
8. 7Up Gold
It was an intriguing departure from the brand’s usual lemon-lime offerings. Launched in the late ‘80s, it featured a spicy, ginger-ale-like flavor that puzzled and delighted drinkers.
Its rich, golden color and bold taste set it apart from other 7Up products, aiming to capture a more mature audience. Although it didn’t last long on the market, 7Up Gold remains an interesting chapter in soda history, celebrated for its ambition to break the mold and offer something uniquely different.
9. Slice
Slice brought a fruity twist to the soda world in the 1980s, with flavors ranging from orange to apple. It was known for its real fruit juice content, which appealed to health-conscious consumers.
The vibrant cans, adorned with colorful fruit illustrations, made Slice a fun and lively choice for any occasion. Although it eventually disappeared from shelves, its legacy lives on as one of the era’s most refreshing and fruity soda offerings.
10. Orbitz
This on was crazy. It was a visually stunning soda that emerged in the late ‘90s, featuring floating fruit beads suspended in a clear, flavorful liquid. This out-of-this-world drink was both a taste and visual sensation.
People were captivated by its futuristic appearance and unique texture, making it a hit at parties and events. While its novelty eventually wore off, Orbitz remains an iconic memory for its innovative approach to soda design.
11. Citra
Citra was Coca-Cola’s attempt to bring a fresh citrus burst to the soda market in the 1990s. Known for its refreshing grapefruit flavor, it was a zesty alternative to traditional colas.
Its bright, tropical-themed packaging and crisp taste made it a popular choice for those seeking something light and invigorating. Alas, Citra’s tangy appeal was short-lived. But it still remains a favorite among citrus soda enthusiasts.
12. Pepsi AM
Pepsi AM was an innovative attempt by PepsiCo to tap into the breakfast market during the late 1980s. Designed as a morning soda with more caffeine, it aimed to replace coffee for those who preferred a fizzy alternative.
This bold move was both praised and criticized, as it challenged traditional breakfast norms. Pepsi AM was a testament to the era’s experimental approach to beverages. Unfortunately, the concept didn’t resonate with enough consumers, and the product was discontinued.
13. RC Draft Cola
RC Draft Cola brought the classic soda fountain experience to convenience stores in the 1980s. With its smooth, draft-style taste, it aimed to evoke the feel of a freshly poured cola from a bygone era.
Its retro packaging and nostalgic appeal made it a favorite among cola enthusiasts. Though it didn’t last long, RC Draft Cola is remembered as a charming nod to the traditional soda fountain days, offering a rich and satisfying cola experience that many still recall with fondness.
14. Mountain Dew Pitch Black
It was a favorite among gamers and night owls seeking an energizing twist. Mountain Dew Pitch Black made waves with its dark, mysterious appearance and bold grape flavor in the early 2000s.
Its edgy packaging and unique taste set it apart from other Mountain Dew variations, creating a cult following. Although it was a limited-time offering, Pitch Black’s impact was lasting, becoming a nostalgic favorite for those who enjoyed its daring departure from traditional soda flavors.
15. Hires Root Beer
Hires Root Beer, one of the oldest root beer brands, offered a rich and creamy flavor that was a staple in many households for decades. Its classic formula was beloved for its authentic taste.
With a history dating back to 1876, Hires Root Beer carried a legacy of tradition and quality. Though less common today, it remains a cherished memory for those who grew up enjoying its smooth, satisfying taste. The nostalgia for Hires is still strong, with many seeking out this timeless classic.
16. Aspen Soda
Aspen Soda was an apple-flavored delight introduced in the 1970s. Its crisp, refreshing taste captured the essence of biting into a fresh apple, offering a unique alternative to citrus sodas.
The soda’s distinctive apple flavor and charming packaging made it a beloved choice for fall gatherings and picnics. Eventually it disappeared.
17. Tab Clear
Tab Clear was an innovative twist on the classic Tab diet soda, offering a transparent cola that intrigued drinkers in the early ‘90s. Its clear appearance and familiar taste made it a novelty among soda enthusiasts.
The sleek design and bold marketing campaign were part of an attempt to capture the diet-conscious crowd. While it didn’t last long, it remains a quirky chapter in the history of diet sodas.
18. Coca-Cola Blāk
This daring blend of cola and coffee flavors launched in the 2000s. The unique combination offered a sophisticated twist, appealing to those seeking something bold and different.
Its sleek, modern packaging and rich taste made it a standout choice for adventurous drinkers. Although its time on the market was brief, Coca-Cola Blāk left a significant impact with its unconventional pairing, remembered as a bold experiment in flavor innovation and a favorite among coffee and cola lovers.
19. Sprite Remix
It brought a tropical twist to the classic lemon-lime soda in the early 2000s. With flavors like Aruba Jam and Tropical Berry, it quickly became a favorite for those seeking a fruity, refreshing drink.
The vibrant packaging and exotic flavors made it a hit at summer parties and beach outings. Despite its eventual discontinuation, Sprite Remix remains a cherished memory for fans who enjoyed its lively taste and colorful branding.
20. Mr. Pibb Xtra
Mr. Pibb Xtra offered a bolder, spicier version of the classic Mr. Pibb soda, introduced in the 2000s. Its intense flavor profile appealed to those who loved a little extra kick in their drink.
The fiery branding and robust taste made Mr. Pibb Xtra a standout at gatherings and events. While it might not be as widely available today, its daring flavor and the extra zing it brought to the soda scene is still appreciated.
21. Coca-Cola C2
In the mid-2000s, Coca-Cola introduced C2, a soda that promised the full Coke taste with half the carbs and calories. It was a product of its time, catering to the growing health-conscious consumer base. The beverage struck a balance between indulgence and health, making it an appealing choice for many.
Coca-Cola C2 was marketed heavily, but despite its initial success, it struggled to maintain a foothold. As consumer preferences evolved, the demand for C2 dwindled, leading to its eventual phase-out.
22. Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash
Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash was a refreshing holiday treat with a burst of cranberry flavor, released in the 2000s. It was a seasonal favorite that brought festive cheer to gatherings.
Its crisp taste and celebratory packaging made it a beloved choice for holiday parties and family dinners. While it was a limited-time offering, its impact was significant, leaving behind fond memories among fans who enjoyed its festive and refreshing profile during the holiday season.
23. Vanilla Coke
Vanilla Coke brought a smooth, creamy twist to the classic cola in the early 2000s. Its sweet vanilla flavor quickly captured the hearts of those who loved a rich and satisfying drink.
The retro-inspired packaging and nostalgic taste made Vanilla Coke a hit, blending the old with the new. Although it has come and gone in popularity, its creamy legacy endures, remaining a beloved variant of the classic Coke line and a treat for those who enjoy a little vanilla indulgence.
24. Dr Pepper Red Fusion
In the crazy times of taste fusions (also known as the 2000s), Dr Pepper Red Fusion introduced an exciting twist to the classic Dr Pepper flavor with a hint of berry. The bold red design and unique taste made it stand out on store shelves.
Its vibrant and refreshing profile appealed to those seeking something new and exciting. Though it was a short-lived experiment, Dr Pepper Red Fusion left a lasting impression among fans who appreciated its daring combination of flavors and the splash of color it added to the Dr Pepper lineup.
25. Diet Coke With Lemon
Diet Coke with Lemon offered a zesty twist on the classic Diet Coke in the 2000s. Its tangy lemon flavor added a refreshing splash to the familiar diet cola taste.
The bright, citrus-themed packaging and lively flavor made it a popular choice for those seeking a light and invigorating beverage. Unfortunately, this cool soda eventually disappeared from the market.