16 Forgotten ’90s Health Drinks That Are Off Shelves
Many health drinks popular in the 1990s are no longer sold due to changes in consumer habits, ingredient concerns, or market competition.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1990s saw a wave of health drinks marketed for energy, weight loss, or wellness. Many of these products were discontinued after concerns over their ingredients or lack of proven benefits. Changes in regulations and evolving consumer preferences led to their removal from store shelves.
1. Snapple Elemental Waters
Keurig Dr Pepper on Wikimedia Commons
This line featured flavors named after natural elements like Rain and Fire. It was marketed as a vitamin-enhanced water with a light taste. Consumers liked the packaging but sales dropped over time. Snapple eventually stopped producing them due to low demand.
2. SoBe Elixirs
Jeff Nelson on Wikimedia Commons
SoBe launched herbal and vitamin drinks with exotic flavors. They were filled with additives and promoted for mental and physical benefits. Some formulas included ingredients no longer widely used. The brand shifted direction, and many original drinks disappeared.
3. Clearly Canadian Oxygen Water
Clearly on Wikimedia Commons
This was carbonated spring water infused with extra oxygen. It claimed to boost alertness and physical performance. Scientific support for those benefits was lacking. It was discontinued as interest in functional waters declined.
4. Fruitopia
Flunse on Wikimedia Commons
Launched by Coca-Cola, Fruitopia was aimed at health-conscious teens and young adults. It had colorful packaging and fruit-themed names. Although it was promoted as healthy, it contained high sugar levels. Sales fell, and it was pulled from many markets.
5. All Sport Body Quencher
Gary Shultis on Wikimedia Commons
This was introduced as a sports drink competitor to Gatorade. It included vitamins and a unique taste but contained artificial colors and high sugar. It lost popularity as newer, more natural drinks entered the market. Eventually, it was phased out.
6. Hansen’s Energy Drinks
Mx. Granger on Wikimedia Commons
Before becoming Monster, Hansen’s had health-positioned drinks in the ’90s. They contained guarana, ginseng, and high caffeine levels. The branding wasn’t strong enough to compete in the growing energy market. Hansen shifted focus to the Monster brand, and the originals were discontinued.
7. Herbalife Thermojetics Drinks
Herbalife Nutrition on Wikimedia Commons
These were powdered mixes sold as fat-burning teas and energy boosters. They gained popularity through direct sales and weight-loss programs. Some formulas included ephedra, which was later banned. The company reformulated products, and many originals were taken off shelves.
8. Reebok Fitness Water
Auteur inconnu on Wikimedia Commons
Reebok entered the drink market with a line of vitamin-enhanced waters. The drinks targeted active consumers and were sold as workout companions. Despite the branding, they didn’t stand out in a crowded market. They were soon pulled due to weak sales.
9. Aqua Libra
Pixabay on Pexels
A British drink briefly marketed in the U.S., Aqua Libra had no artificial ingredients or sugar. It was positioned as a clean-label health drink ahead of its time. Consumers were not ready for unsweetened beverages in the ’90s. Sales lagged, and it was discontinued.
10. Snapple Tru Root Tea
Porchista on Wikimedia Commons
This drink was made with herbal ingredients and focused on traditional wellness. It was marketed as a natural and functional tea. However, it failed to gain a strong following. Snapple removed it as demand shifted toward simpler products.
11. Clearly Canadian Daily Energy
Clearly on Wikimedia Commons
This was a follow-up to their main product, combining flavored water with added vitamins. It targeted people looking for low-calorie energy without caffeine. The product never gained wide appeal. It faded out due to poor sales.
12. Metabolife RTD Drinks
Anna Shvets on Pexels
Metabolife offered ready-to-drink versions of their popular fat-burning supplements. These included thermogenic ingredients like ephedrine. After regulatory changes, the drinks were pulled from stores. Health concerns also contributed to their removal.
13. Gatorade Ice
Gatorade on Wikimedia Commons
This version of Gatorade had lighter coloring and was marketed as cleaner and smoother. Despite the innovation, it didn’t resonate with athletes or regular consumers. Sales were weak compared to the original flavors. Gatorade focused on its core products instead.
14. Body Smarts Juice Blends
Atsme on Wikimedia Commons
These were fruit juice blends fortified with vitamins and minerals. The drinks targeted families looking for healthy alternatives. As concerns about sugar content in juice rose, interest declined. They were eventually discontinued.
15. Lifewater by Propel
Wallace Chuck on Pexels
Propel introduced Lifewater as a vitamin-enhanced flavored water. It had zero calories but included artificial sweeteners and colors. As preferences shifted to simpler ingredient lists, the drink lost popularity. The product line was rebranded or dropped.
16. Blue Sky Tea Energy
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
Blue Sky made a natural energy tea that used yerba mate and other herbal extracts. It was marketed as a clean energy alternative. The niche market wasn’t large enough for major growth. The drink was pulled after poor nationwide performance.