18 Discontinued Sodas That People Still Talk About
Soda fans never forget their favorite flavors, even the ones that disappeared from store shelves. Some discontinued sodas left such an impression that people still remember the taste years later. Whether it was the unique flavor, the cool branding, or a limited-time launch, these drinks earned a lasting place in pop culture.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Over the years, many sodas have come and gone, but some left a big mark despite their short shelf lives. These fizzy favorites sparked strong fan followings and nostalgia that continues even after production stopped. Some were ahead of their time, while others were pulled due to poor sales or odd flavors. Here are 18 discontinued sodas that people still talk about today, even if they can’t find them anymore.
1. Crystal Pepsi
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Released in the early ‘90s, Crystal Pepsi was a clear cola with a strange charm. People were fascinated by the see-through look but unsure about the taste. It only lasted a short time, but fans still hope for a comeback.
2. Surge
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This neon green soda was Coca-Cola’s answer to Mountain Dew. It had a strong citrus flavor and was popular with teens in the late ‘90s. After it was discontinued, fans pushed for its return, and it briefly came back years later.
3. Pepsi Blue
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With its bright blue color and berry flavor, Pepsi Blue stood out immediately. Some loved it, others found it too sweet, but it definitely got people talking. It made a short return in 2021, proving its lasting fan base.
4. Josta
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Josta was one of the first energy sodas in the U.S., made by PepsiCo. Its guarana and spicy-fruity taste made it stand out. Even decades later, fans still mention it as a missed favorite.
5. OK Soda
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With a strange, almost gloomy marketing campaign, Coca-Cola launched OK Soda in the mid-90s. Its flavor was hard to define, and the branding confused many people. It quickly disappeared, but remains a cult classic.
6. Coca-Cola BlāK
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Coca-Cola BlāK combined soda with coffee for a bold, fizzy drink. The mix didn’t sit well with everyone and vanished after a short run. Still, some people remember it as ahead of its time.
7. Slice
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Slice was a fruit-flavored soda line that included lemon-lime, orange, and more. It was eventually replaced by Sierra Mist, but many still prefer Slice’s stronger flavor. Some versions have even been revived in limited markets.
8. Tab
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Tab was Coca-Cola’s first diet soda, introduced in the 1960s. Thanks to its quirky taste, it had a loyal following, especially in the ‘80s and ‘90s. It was finally discontinued in 2020, sparking a wave of nostalgia.
9. Orbitz
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Orbitz was more than a soda—it looked like a lava lamp, with floating balls in the bottle. Its unique texture and fruity taste didn’t catch on but made a lasting impression. Many remember it for how strange yet fun it was.
10. 7Up Gold
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This spiced soda was a surprising twist on the classic lemon-lime drink. It had a darker color and a taste closer to ginger ale. It didn’t last long, but curious fans still mention it when talking about forgotten drinks.
11. Citra
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Citra was a citrus soda from Coca-Cola with a bold, almost grapefruit-like flavor. It later got rebranded as Fanta Citrus but eventually vanished. Fans still talk about its tangy, refreshing taste.
12. dnL
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This soda, dnL, was 7Up turned upside down — literally. It was a green, caffeinated, citrus soda aimed at a younger crowd. It didn’t last long, but the concept was clever and memorable.
13. Vault
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Vault was marketed as a hybrid between soda and an energy drink. It promised “drinks like a soda, kicks like an energy drink,” and had a strong citrus punch. It disappeared quietly, but it left a strong impression on fans.
14. Dr Pepper Berries & Cream
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This limited edition of Dr Pepper’s flavor combined berries and cream with its original taste. Some found it delicious; others found it too weird. It still gets mentioned whenever rare soda flavors come up.
15. Mountain Dew Pitch Black
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Pitch Black was a dark grape version of Mountain Dew released during Halloween. Due to popular demand, it made several reappearances, and fans continue to call for its full-time return.
16. New Coke
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In the 1980s, New Coke replaced the original Coca-Cola and was met with major backlash. People hated the change so much that Coca-Cola had to bring the original back. Still, New Coke remains one of the most talked-about soda flops in history.
17. Fanta Apple
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Fanta Apple had a crisp, sweet flavor that many people enjoyed. It was available in some regions but never became a global hit. Fans still look for it in international stores.
18. Pepsi AM
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Pepsi AM was a short-lived morning soda with extra caffeine. It was created for people who wanted a soda instead of coffee in the morning. Though it didn’t catch on, the idea was unique and is still remembered.