12 Soda Commercials That Defined the ’80s
Soda ads in the ’80s were more than just marketing — they were pure entertainment. With big stars, bold colors, and unforgettable slogans, these commercials became cultural landmarks that still spark nostalgia decades later.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
The 1980s brought a golden age of soda advertising filled with catchy jingles, colorful graphics, and unforgettable celebrity cameos. Brands competed fiercely to capture the hearts and taste buds of a generation raised on television. These commercials didn’t just sell drinks — they helped shape pop culture and became a defining part of the era.
1. Pepsi – Michael Jackson’s “New Generation”
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Pepsi’s 1984 campaign featuring Michael Jackson turned soda advertising into a global spectacle. The “New Generation” jingle, a spin on “Billie Jean,” became instantly iconic. With Jackson dancing through the streets, the commercial blended music video energy with brand promotion. It was flashy, futuristic, and perfectly timed with the MTV era. Pepsi became the drink of youth, thanks to this electrifying collaboration.
2. Coca-Cola – “Mean Joe Greene”
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Though it debuted in 1979, the “Mean Joe Greene” Coke ad became a defining part of the early ’80s. It showed the Pittsburgh Steelers star softening up after receiving a bottle of Coca-Cola from a young fan. The emotional payoff and heartfelt tone made it timeless. It ran for years and became one of the most memorable soda ads ever made. The ad helped position Coke as more than just a drink — it was a symbol of kindness and connection.
3. 7UP – “The Uncola”
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This commercial made 7UP set itself apart in the 1980s with its bold “Uncola” campaign. Featuring the charismatic Geoffrey Holder, the ad played on the idea that 7UP was different from dark sodas like Coke and Pepsi. The tropical vibes and unique branding made it stand out from the competition. It helped 7UP carve out a distinct identity during a cola-dominated decade.
4. Dr Pepper – “I’m a Pepper”
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The “I’m a Pepper” campaign gained even more traction in the early ’80s. It featured energetic dance routines, catchy lyrics, and a celebration of individuality. The message was simple — being a “Pepper” meant being proud of who you were. The ad was joyful, inclusive, and full of feel-good energy. It helped Dr Pepper build a loyal fan base outside the traditional cola wars.
5. Pepsi – “Choice of a New Generation”
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Building on its Michael Jackson success, Pepsi continued to court younger audiences with its “Choice of a New Generation” campaign. It highlighted youth culture, fashion, and the cool factor of choosing Pepsi. The fast-paced visuals and rock music captured the spirit of the era. It wasn’t just about taste — it was about identity. The slogan became synonymous with rebellion, energy, and being on the cutting edge.
6. Coca-Cola – Max Headroom Campaign
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Coca-Cola took a creative risk by featuring Max Headroom, a digital character, in its ads for New Coke. The campaign was visually futuristic and leaned into the tech-obsessed culture of the time. Max’s glitchy, sarcastic personality became a strange but memorable part of advertising history. Though New Coke flopped, the commercials were cutting-edge and talked about. They remain a fascinating time capsule of ’80s style and experimentation.
7. Mountain Dew – “Give Me a Dew”
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Mountain Dew ads in the ’80s leaned into extreme sports and rugged outdoor imagery. The “Give Me a Dew” slogan was tied to adrenaline and adventure. From cliff jumping to snowboarding, the commercials targeted thrill-seekers. It helped rebrand Mountain Dew as the soda for the daring and energetic. These ads laid the groundwork for its later marketing success.
8. Slice – Fruit-Flavored Fun
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Pepsi introduced Slice in the mid-1980s as a fruit-flavored alternative to traditional sodas. The commercials were bright, fruity, and full of vibrant energy. They promoted the idea that Slice contained “real fruit juice,” which appealed to health-conscious consumers. The upbeat ads featured music, dancing, and animated fruit graphics. It gave soda drinkers something playful and refreshing to try.
9. RC Cola – “Me and My RC”
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RC Cola tried to stand out by appealing to those who felt overlooked by the Coke vs. Pepsi battle. The “Me and My RC” campaign focused on individuality and personal preference. The music-driven ads had a relaxed, relatable tone. While RC never reached the top tier of soda brands, the commercials created a sense of underdog charm. It resonated with people looking for something different.
10. Tab – The Glamour Soda
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Tab, Coca-Cola’s first diet soda, marketed itself with style and attitude. The commercials targeted fashion-forward women who wanted to stay slim and glamorous. With beach scenes, upbeat music, and models in aerobics gear, it captured the ’80s fitness craze. The message was that Tab wasn’t just a diet soda; it was a lifestyle. It made drinking diet soda feel chic and empowering.
11. Coca-Cola – “Coke Is It!”
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The “Coke Is It!” campaign ran through much of the ’80s and emphasized Coca-Cola’s status as the real thing. The slogan appeared in bold red and white with music that created a sense of pride and loyalty. It was less playful than Pepsi’s campaigns but more emotionally grounded. The ads focused on unity, tradition, and joy. It reminded consumers that Coke was timeless, not trendy.
12. Pepsi Free – Caffeine-Free Cool
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Pepsi Free entered the scene in the early ’80s as a caffeine-free option for soda lovers. The commercials positioned it as a smart, modern choice for health-conscious consumers. It even appeared in Back to the Future, giving it pop culture relevance. Despite limited success, the ad campaigns were sleek and forward-thinking. Pepsi Free represented a shift toward more mindful consumption.