15 Soda Flavors from the Past That Fizzled Out
Here's a bubbly tribute to soda flavors that once dazzled taste buds but vanished from shelves.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Soda companies have always loved to experiment, but not every flavor makes it to the hall of fame. Some were cult hits, while others were just too strange to survive. These discontinued sodas had their moment, but ultimately fizzled out, leaving behind nostalgia and unanswered cravings.
1. Crystal Pepsi
Mike Mozart on Flickr
This clear cola looked futuristic and promised a “pure” taste. It hit shelves in the early ’90s but confused cola drinkers expecting the classic dark color.
2. Pepsi Blue
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
A bright blue, berry-flavored soda launched in the early 2000s aimed at younger crowds. It had a candy-like taste that didn’t appeal to everyone.
3. Coca-Cola Blāk
Josh Hallett on Wikimedia Commons
A bold blend of coffee and cola, Coca-Cola Blāk targeted caffeine lovers. The bitter, syrupy combo was polarizing and short-lived.
4. 7UP Gold
Daniel on Unsplash
7UP’s attempt at a spicy, darker soda confused fans who associated the brand with citrus. It was meant to be a cola alternative but didn’t catch on.
5. Orbitz
Jesse! S? on Flickr
Not quite a soda, this gelatinous, fruit-flavored drink had floating balls suspended inside. It was more novelty than refreshment.
6. Dr Pepper Berries & Cream
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
A twist on the classic formula, this flavor added a sweet berry note with creamy undertones. While unique, it didn’t have lasting appeal.
7. Josta
Sidral Mundet on Unsplash
One of the first energy sodas, Josta mixed guarana with a cola base. It had a cult following but was discontinued by Pepsi in the late ’90s.
8. Tab Clear
Kevin Trotman on Flickr
A clear version of the original diet soda, Tab Clear was a confusing marketing move. It competed with Crystal Pepsi but never made a mark.
9. Coca-Cola Citra
Usodesita on Flickr
This citrus-infused cola was a hit in select markets but never saw wide success. Its tangy, tropical twist felt out of place among traditional soda lineups.
10. Mountain Dew Pitch Black
Etalsnart2 on Wikimedia Commons
Grape-flavored with a dark, mysterious vibe, Pitch Black debuted during Halloween promotions. It had a loyal niche audience but couldn’t secure a permanent spot.
11. Pepsi AM
Joe Haupt on Flickr
Aimed at early risers, this soda had more caffeine than your average can. It was marketed as a morning drink but failed to catch on with coffee loyalists.
12. Slice
Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
A fruity alternative to Sprite and Fanta, Slice came in various flavors like orange, cherry, and apple. It lost its fizz in the market due to better branding from competitors.
13. RC Edge
Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr
RC Cola tried to revamp its image with this high-caffeine, bold-tasting variant. It didn’t do much to lift the brand and quickly vanished.
14. Dr Pepper Red Fusion
CF496233 on Wikimedia Commons
A cherry-heavy version of Dr Pepper, this soda hoped to attract younger fans. Its overly sweet flavor missed the mark with most consumers.
15. OK Soda
Brent Moore on Flickr
Designed for Gen X with its ironic branding and mysterious flavor, OK Soda was more about attitude than taste. The flavor was an odd mix of citrus and cola.