13 Soda Brands That Disappeared Without Warning

These once-popular sodas vanished from shelves, leaving fans wondering what happened.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 3 min read
13 Soda Brands That Disappeared Without Warning
Shane on Unsplash

Soda brands come and go, but some leave a lasting impression before disappearing. Many companies have discontinued drinks despite having loyal followings. Here’s a look at 13 sodas that suddenly disappeared without warning, and why they’re still remembered today.

1. Pepsi Blue

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Launched in 2002 with a berry-flavored twist, Pepsi Blue stood out with its bold color. It had a cult following but was discontinued after just two years.

2. Josta

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Introduced by PepsiCo in 1995, Josta was one of the first energy sodas. It mixed guarana with a fruity taste, making it unique at the time.

3. Crystal Pepsi

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Crystal Pepsi shocked the soda world with its clear cola in the early ‘90s. It tasted like regular Pepsi but looked completely different.

4. OK Soda

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Coca-Cola launched OK Soda in 1993 with edgy marketing aimed at Gen X. The drink had a citrusy flavor but struggled to connect with its target audience.

5. Surge

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Coca-Cola introduced Surge in 1997 as an answer to Mountain Dew. Known for its neon green color and high caffeine content, it became a hit with teens.

6. Slice

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Pepsi’s fruit-flavored Slice sodas were a staple in the 1980s and 1990s. Flavors like lemon-lime and orange made it a rival to Sprite and Fanta.

7. Tab

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Introduced in 1963, Tab was Coca-Cola’s first diet soda. It had a devoted following, but its popularity declined after Diet Coke arrived.

8. Coca-Cola BlāK

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Released in 2006, Coca-Cola BlāK combined coffee and soda. It was meant to appeal to adults looking for something new. Unfortunately, the unusual flavor mix didn’t last long.

9. Orbitz

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Known for its floating, colorful edible beads, Orbitz looked more like a lava lamp than a soda. Launched in the mid-1990s, it drew attention but confused consumers.

10. Citra

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Coca-Cola’s Citra launched in the mid-1990s as a citrus-flavored competitor to Sprite. While refreshing, it never gained strong sales.

11. Hubba Bubba Soda

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Inspired by the famous bubblegum, Hubba Bubba Soda hit shelves in the late ‘80s. It was sweet, fizzy, and bubblegum-flavored, an unusual twist.

12. Mountain Dew MDX

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Released in 2005, MDX was Mountain Dew’s energy soda hybrid. It had extra caffeine and came in sleek cans, marketed toward young adults.

13. Aspen Soda

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Introduced in the late 1970s, Aspen Soda offered a crisp apple flavor. It was Coca-Cola’s attempt to branch out with fruit-flavored sodas.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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