10 Classic Soda Brands That Vanished from Store Shelves
From bold experiments to marketing flops, these vanished soda brands once fizzled with excitement before going flat and disappearing from store shelves.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Over the years, soda companies have introduced bold, quirky, and sometimes bizarre flavors in hopes of capturing the next big trend, but not all of them stood the test of time. From the clear cola craze of Crystal Pepsi to the infamous flop of New Coke and the futuristic weirdness of Orbitz, these drinks made a splash before vanishing from store shelves. While some are fondly remembered and even revived for nostalgia, others serve as cautionary tales of what happens when innovation fizzes out.
1. Crystal Pepsi (1992–1994, occasional revivals)
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Pepsi stunned the world with this caffeine-free, colorless cola, promoted as a “pure” version of the regular soda. Although there was a lot of initial hype and a Super Bowl commercial, the fad faded fast, and sales plummeted. It returned a few times for nostalgic value but never lasted long.
2. New Coke (1985–1992)
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Coca-Cola’s effort to re-formulate its iconic recipe was one of the largest marketing failures in history. Customers resoundingly rejected the sweeter flavor, forcing the company to bring back “Coca-Cola Classic” within months. New Coke was phased out quietly in 1992, although it temporarily returned in 2019 for a tie-in with Stranger Things.
3. Hubba Bubba Soda (1987–1988)
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A bubble gum-flavored soda based on the popular chewing gum, this drink was as sweet and artificial as its name. Children enjoyed the concept, but the flavor was too much for most individuals. It disappeared after a single year, remaining as a strange but cherished childhood memory.
4. OK Soda (1993–1995)
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Coca-Cola attempted to court Generation X with this quirky, sort-of citrusy soda packaged in existential advertising. The commercials were ironic, the cans were strangely artsy, and the entire campaign embraced apathy—hence the name “OK.” It turned out that consumers wanted their beverages to be more than “OK,” and the brand fizzled quickly.
5. Pepsi Blue (2002–2004, brief return in 2021)
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This bright blue, berry-flavored cola was Pepsi’s response to Mountain Dew Code Red’s success. While its unique color turned heads, the artificial taste and high-sugar content didn’t hold long-term appeal. It was pulled from the market after a few years but briefly returned in 2021 for nostalgia’s sake.
6. Slice (1984–2000s, replaced by Sierra Mist)
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Before Sierra Mist, PepsiCo’s Slice was a fruit-flavored soda brand featuring orange, lemon-lime, and even apple flavors. Initially produced with genuine fruit juice, the formula shifted over time, and sales dropped. Pepsi ultimately shelved it in favor of Sierra Mist, which was replaced by Starry.
7. Aspen Soda (1978–1982)
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Aspen was an apple-flavored, crisp soda launched by Pepsi in the late ’70s. Although certain enthusiasts enjoyed its distinctive tartness, it couldn’t gain mass popularity. Later, Pepsi reworked it into Slice Apple, but even that disappeared from the scene.
8. Citra (1998–2004, rebranded as Fanta Citrus)
Image from The Soda Wiki - Fandom
This grapefruit-flavored soda enjoyed a loyal following, especially among fans of a stronger, more refreshing citrus punch. It was later rebranded and integrated into the Fanta family as “Fanta Citrus.” The flavor remains available in some markets, but the Citra name is no more.
9. Josta (1995–1999)
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As the first energy drink made by a large soda brand, Josta was way before its time. It included guarana, a natural energizer, and a spicy, fruity taste that some people adored while others despised. Although it had a following, Pepsi ceased production, making Josta one of the most sought-after discontinued sodas ever.
10. Orbitz (1997–1998)
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This strange, non-carbonated soda was more of a liquid lava lamp than anything else. It had floating edible balls floating around in a gelatinous liquid, giving it a space-age appearance. Its weird appearance aside, people were not impressed with the texture, and Orbitz became a relic of the past.