1. “Mean Joe Greene” Coca-Cola Commercial (1979)
In this heartfelt spot, NFL star Mean Joe Greene tosses his jersey to a young fan who gives him a Coke. It was simple, emotional, and incredibly effective. To this day, it’s one of the most parodied and cherished soda ads of all time.
Nothing captures the spirit of a generation quite like soda commercials. From catchy jingles to larger-than-life campaigns, these ads weren’t just about selling drinks—they became cultural moments. Whether they made you sing along or tugged at your heartstrings, here are 13 soda commercials that left an unforgettable mark on the past.
2. Pepsi’s Cindy Crawford Ad (1992)
This sleek and simple commercial featuring supermodel Cindy Crawford sipping a Pepsi became iconic overnight. It wasn’t flashy, but it stuck in everyone’s mind—and became a symbol of early ’90s cool.
3. Pepsi’s “The Choice of a New Generation” (1984)
Pepsi targeted the youth of the ’80s with this vibrant campaign. Featuring Michael Jackson at the height of his fame, the ad connected pop culture with soda in a way that felt revolutionary at the time. Who could forget the King of Pop moonwalking his way into our hearts while holding a can of Pepsi?
4. Dr Pepper’s “Be a Pepper” (1977)
“Wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper, too?” This jingle was so catchy that you couldn’t help but hum along. The upbeat vibe and happy dancing “Peppers” made everyone want to grab a Dr Pepper and join the fun.
5. Coca-Cola’s “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” (1971)
Perched atop a sunny hillside, a multicultural group of singers harmonized about sharing a Coke and peace with the world. This ad became an anthem for unity and a signature moment in advertising history. The melody alone can take you right back to the early ’70s.
6. 7UP’s “Uncola” Campaign (1970s)
With its witty tagline and offbeat humor, 7UP carved out its identity as the “Uncola.” Geoffrey Holder’s deep voice and larger-than-life personality made these ads stand out, proving that being different could be a good thing.
7. “Coke Is It!” Campaign (1982)
This high-energy campaign reminded everyone that Coke wasn’t just a drink—it was the drink. With its upbeat soundtrack and dynamic visuals, it captured the essence of the early ’80s in a bottle.
8. Pepsi Challenge (1975)
This daring campaign pitted Pepsi against Coca-Cola in blind taste tests. It was bold, brash, and set off the ultimate “cola wars” of the late ’70s and ’80s. The suspense of watching people choose made this ad campaign unforgettable.
9. Sprite’s “Obey Your Thirst” (1990s)
Sprite leaned into hip-hop culture with this iconic slogan, making it the soda of choice for the ’90s generation. It wasn’t flashy, but its cool, straightforward style resonated with younger audiences.
10. RC Cola’s “Me & My RC” (1970s)
This jingle-driven campaign celebrated the underdog of the soda world. It was simple but endearing, with a laid-back vibe that appealed to those who preferred their soda with a bit of spunk.
11. Fanta’s “Wanta Fanta?” (1990s)
The bright, playful commercials with their infectious jingle brought a burst of tropical fun to TV screens everywhere. Even if Fanta wasn’t your go-to soda, you probably found yourself singing along.
12. Tab’s “A Beautiful Drink for Beautiful People” (1970s)
This Coca-Cola product aimed at calorie-conscious drinkers was all about glamour and sophistication. The commercials exuded elegance, making Tab feel like a soda for those in the know.
13. Coca-Cola Polar Bears (1993)
The adorable, animated polar bears enjoying a cold Coke became instant mascots for the brand. Their playful antics and serene snowy settings made this campaign a holiday staple and a timeless classic.
These soda commercials weren’t just ads—they were part of the fabric of growing up, filling living rooms with music, laughter, and a thirst for something fizzy. Looking back, they remind us of simpler times when jingles stuck in your head for days and everyone had a favorite cola.
