13 Product Taglines Everyone Remembered — Then Forgot
These 13 product taglines were once everywhere — in ads, on shelves, and stuck in people’s heads — but over time, they disappeared or lost relevance.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
A strong tagline can define a brand, but even the most iconic lines sometimes fade. Whether due to rebranding, cultural changes, or marketing shifts, many well-known slogans have been replaced or retired. These forgotten taglines show how fast branding moves and how memory fades with each new campaign.
1. “Have it your way” – Burger King
Ian Muttoo on Wikimedia Commons
This tagline ran from 1974 to 2014 and helped Burger King position itself as a more customizable option than McDonald’s. It invited customers to tailor their meals, which was a fresh idea at the time. The slogan was replaced with more modern lines like “Be Your Way” and “You Rule.” Still, many people remember the original phrase decades later.
2. “Where’s the beef?” – Wendy’s
Valereee on Wikimedia Commons
Wendy’s launched this tagline in 1984 with a TV ad featuring an elderly woman questioning the size of competitors’ burgers. It became a pop culture catchphrase and boosted Wendy’s sales overnight. The slogan was short-lived but unforgettable. Eventually, the company moved on to other campaigns focused on quality and freshness.
3. “It keeps going and going and going” – Energizer
Félix Mathieu-Bégin on Wikimedia Commons
The Energizer Bunny first appeared in 1989, along with this memorable line. The phrase became symbolic of endurance and reliability. Over time, the brand moved away from the full tagline and focused more on the Bunny itself. The line still appears occasionally, but far less often than before.
4. “Be all you can be” – U.S. Army
James Montgomery Flagg on Wikimedia Commons
The U.S. Army used this recruiting slogan from 1980 until 2001. It was motivational and aimed at inspiring personal growth through military service. The tagline was replaced with others like “Army of One” and “Army Strong.” In 2023, the Army reintroduced it, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
5. “Tastes great, less filling” – Miller Lite
MobiusDaXter on Wikimedia Commosn
First introduced in the 1970s, this slogan helped Miller Lite dominate the light beer market. It addressed the concern that light beer was too weak by emphasizing both flavor and fewer calories. The slogan appeared in many TV ads with celebrities and athletes. Today, Miller uses other taglines, and this one is rarely seen.
6. “The quicker picker-upper” – Bounty
Queeste on Wikimedia Commons
Bounty launched this tagline in the 1970s, and it became a staple in U.S. homes. It described the brand’s fast-absorbing paper towels and was repeated in countless commercials. In recent years, Bounty shifted to other messages while still referencing the idea. The exact wording is less common today, though many still recognize it.
7. “Because you’re worth it” – L’Oréal
Frettie on Wikimedia Commons
First used in 1971, this line promoted self-worth and personal beauty. It became a defining phrase for L’Oréal and featured in ads with celebrities. The brand has updated it over time, sometimes changing it to “We’re worth it” or “I’m worth it.” The original version is less prominent now but still recognized.
8. “Plop plop, fizz fizz, oh what a relief it is” – Alka-Seltzer
Henk Albert de Klerk on Wikimedia Commons
This catchy jingle was introduced in the 1950s and helped Alka-Seltzer become a household name. The phrase described the product’s fizzy sound and fast action. It was one of the most famous advertising jingles of its time. Today, the brand rarely uses it, and younger audiences may not know it at all.
9. “The best a man can get” – Gillette
Gillette Safety Razor Company on Wikimedia Commons
Launched in 1989, this slogan helped Gillette define itself as a premium grooming brand. It tied together masculinity, performance, and self-care. In 2019, the brand shifted to more modern themes around responsibility and behavior. The original slogan is still known but not often used in current ads.
10. “Don’t leave home without it” – American Express
Marcus Quigmire on Wikimedia Commons
This tagline appeared in ads throughout the 1970s and 80s, often featuring actor Karl Malden. It stressed the card’s security and global acceptance. The company has since moved to newer campaigns like “Membership has its privileges.” While the card is still popular, the old line has faded.
11. “Reach out and touch someone” – AT&T
Harrison Keely on Wikimedia Commons
This slogan was launched in 1979 and encouraged long-distance calls as a way to stay connected emotionally. It became widely known through TV and print campaigns. The phrase was eventually phased out as phone habits and technologies changed. It is now mostly remembered in advertising history.
12. “Double your pleasure, double your fun” – Doublemint Gum
Hephaestos on Pexels
This jingle was used for decades and often featured twins in its commercials. It promoted the gum’s long-lasting flavor and lighthearted vibe. Wrigley eventually replaced it with more modern marketing. The slogan is no longer in use, but was once iconic.
13. “Is it live, or is it Memorex?” – Memorex
James Case on Wikimedai Commons
Used in the 1970s and ’80s, this tagline promoted the audio quality of Memorex cassette tapes. It suggested the recordings were so clear, you couldn’t tell the difference from a live performance. As cassette tapes became obsolete, so did the brand and the slogan. Few people under 40 recall it today.