12 Weird One-Hit-Wonder Products from the Past
This listicle looks back at 12 unusual products that briefly captured attention before disappearing.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
These products had a burst of popularity before fading away. Some were strange drinks, others were quirky gadgets, but all left a lasting impression. Each one was a bold idea that simply did not last.
1. Crystal Pepsi
Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA on Wikimedia Commons
Crystal Pepsi was introduced in 1992 as a completely clear cola that looked more like a lemon-lime soda than a classic cola. It was heavily promoted as a cleaner, more refreshing alternative to regular dark colas. Despite the hype, it was pulled from shelves within a year and is now remembered as a curious moment in soda history.
2. Pepsi Blue
Hostagecat on Wikimedia Commons
Pepsi Blue hit the market in 2002 with a bright, electric-blue color that instantly stood out on store shelves. The drink had a sweet, berry-like flavor that divided soda fans. It was discontinued after only two years, but it remains a favorite memory for people who loved its unique look and taste.
3. Pepsi Kona (Coffee-Flavored Soda)
DMCGN on Wikimedia Commons
Pepsi Kona was a short-lived experiment in the mid-1990s that combined the flavors of coffee and cola. It was only tested in a few U.S. markets, and while it intrigued some, it never became a nationwide product. Today, it is often remembered as one of the boldest soda flavor tests of the decade.
4. Pepsi x Peeps
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
This unusual collaboration between Pepsi and Peeps created a marshmallow-flavored soda in 2021. Its sweet, candy-like taste was unlike anything else in the cola aisle. It returned for a limited run in 2023, proving that even the strangest ideas can find a small but loyal fan base.
5. Colachup (Pepsi-Infused Ketchup)
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Colachup was a novelty condiment made by blending ketchup with Pepsi for a sweet and tangy twist. It was released in small quantities during a Fourth of July promotion. While it gained plenty of attention for its unusual concept, most people tried it only once out of curiosity.
6. One Hit Wonder Paint (OHW)
Vyacheslav Argenberg on Wikimedia Commons
One Hit Wonder Paint was marketed as an all-in-one automotive coating that worked without a separate primer. It promised a faster and cleaner painting process for car and bike enthusiasts. Although it impressed some users, it never became a dominant brand in the automotive market.
7. One Hit Wonder e-Liquid (“The Man” Series)
Lindsay Fox on Wikimedia Commons
This vape juice line became known for playful names like Muffin Man, Island Man, and Rocket Man. Each flavor aimed to stand out with a distinctive taste and colorful branding. It gained quick attention in vaping communities but eventually faded as newer brands took the spotlight.
8. Novelty Radios (Coke-Bottle, WD-40 Can, Tape-Measure Designs)
Joe Haupt from USA on Wikimedia Commons
These radios were made to look like everyday items such as soda bottles, cans of lubricant, or tape measures. They were popular as quirky gifts and collectibles in the 1970s and 1980s. While fun to look at, they were often more about appearance than sound quality.
9. “Ship-Shaped” Majestic Melody Cruiser Radio
Rundvald on Wikimedia Commons
The Majestic Melody Cruiser Radio was crafted to look like a miniature ship, complete with masts and sails. It combined novelty design with a functional radio, making it a conversation starter in any room. Although charming, it was too unconventional to become a household staple.
10. Cigarette-Pack Transistor Radios
Joe Haupt from USA on Wikimedia Commons
These pocket radios were designed to look exactly like cigarette packs from brands such as Marlboro and Chesterfield. They opened just like a pack of cigarettes but played music instead. They are now considered collectible oddities from a time when design often came before practicality.
11. Grandfather-Clock Radios
Joe Haupt from USA on Wikimedia Commons
Grandfather-clock radios hid their speakers inside tall, decorative clock cabinets. They blended the look of a classic timepiece with the function of a household radio. While they had a unique charm, they were quickly replaced by smaller and more modern devices.
12. Orbitz Soft Drink
Own on Wikimedia Commons
Orbitz was a strange 1990s beverage filled with floating, colorful gelatin balls suspended in the liquid. Its futuristic look was meant to stand out, but the unusual texture turned many people away. Despite its short run, it is still remembered as one of the most visually bizarre drinks ever sold.