14 Products That Launched Then Vanished Instantly
Here's a roundup of 14 real-life products that debuted with high hopes but disappeared almost as soon as they hit the market.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
History is full of products that entered the market with big marketing budgets, bold promises, and the belief they would change the game — only to vanish in record time. From Crystal Pepsi’s confusing taste to Google Glass’s social awkwardness and the Samsung Galaxy Note 7’s explosive end, each had its own unique downfall. These short-lived ventures prove that hype alone is never enough to guarantee success.
1. Crystal Pepsi (1992)
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Pepsi attempted to capitalize on the early ’90s “clear craze” with Crystal Pepsi, a caffeine-free soda that resembled water but had a cola-like taste. It was heavily advertised, even during the Super Bowl, but confused consumers who expected something more refreshing. After disappointing sales, it was discontinued within two years, only returning briefly for nostalgic limited runs.
2. Google Glass (2013)
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Google Glass promised a futuristic experience with augmented reality built into a sleek wearable headset. Despite the hype, privacy concerns, high costs, and awkward social reactions caused it to flop. By 2015, the consumer version was gone, though the tech found niche uses in industries.
3. New Coke (1985)
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In a bold move, Coca-Cola reformulated its classic recipe to compete with Pepsi’s sweeter taste. The backlash from loyal drinkers was immediate and intense, leading the company to reintroduce the original formula as Coca-Cola Classic just 79 days later. Today, New Coke is remembered as one of the biggest marketing missteps in history.
4. Microsoft Zune (2006)
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Microsoft launched the Zune to compete with Apple’s iPod, boasting a unique sharing feature and colorful designs. However, it arrived too late in the MP3 wars and couldn’t shake off Apple’s dominance. Microsoft quietly discontinued it in 2011, and it is now a nostalgic tech relic.
5. Bic For Her Pens (2011)
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Bic released a line of pastel-colored pens marketed specifically for women, claiming they were designed for “a woman’s hand.” The concept was widely mocked, especially after Amazon reviews turned into a viral satire fest. Sales plummeted, and the product faded from stores soon after.
6. Juicero (2016)
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Juicero marketed a $400 “smart” juicer that only worked with its proprietary juice packs. It became a tech-world punchline when it was revealed that the packs could be squeezed by hand without the expensive machine. The company shut down just 16 months after launch.
7. Cheetos Lip Balm (2005)
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Aiming for quirky branding, Frito-Lay launched a Cheetos-flavored lip balm. The strange combination of cheesy scent and lip care baffled customers, leading to very low sales. It disappeared quickly and is now an odd footnote in snack history.
8. Facebook Home (2013)
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Facebook Home was an Android launcher designed to make Facebook the centerpiece of your phone experience. Users found it intrusive, slow, and battery-draining, causing a flood of negative reviews. It was pulled from the market within months.
9. Amazon Fire Phone (2014)
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Amazon’s first smartphone promised 3D-like visuals and deep integration with its shopping services. However, its high price, lack of apps, and limited appeal doomed it. After just a year, Amazon discontinued the Fire Phone and never tried again in the smartphone market.
10. Colgate Kitchen Entrees (1982)
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Colgate, famous for toothpaste, bizarrely decided to branch into frozen dinners. Consumers couldn’t separate the brand from dental products, making the meals an unappetizing sell. The line quickly failed, becoming a case study in branding mistakes.
11. Pepsi A.M. (1989)
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Pepsi tried to break into the breakfast market with Pepsi A.M., a soda containing more caffeine to compete with coffee. People didn’t warm to the idea of drinking soda with eggs and toast. It quietly disappeared less than a year later.
12. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 (2016)
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Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7 launched to critical acclaim but was quickly recalled after multiple devices overheated and caught fire. Even after a replacement program, more incidents occurred, leading to a full production halt. It remains one of the most infamous tech recalls in history.
13. Cosmopolitan Yogurt (1999)
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The fashion magazine Cosmopolitan tried its hand at selling yogurt, hoping to expand its brand into lifestyle products. Shoppers were confused by the connection between fashion media and dairy snacks. Within 18 months, the product was pulled from the shelves.
14. Nintendo Virtual Boy (1995)
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Nintendo’s Virtual Boy aimed to offer a 3D gaming experience but delivered uncomfortable red-and-black visuals and headaches. Its high price and lack of quality games sealed its fate. It was discontinued less than a year after its release.