The 1980s were a magical time for soda enthusiasts. Bold flavors, zany packaging, and over-the-top marketing campaigns made opening a can feel like embarking on an adventure. But not every soda stood the test of time, and many fizzled out before they truly got their due. Here are 12 discontinued sodas from the ’80s that deserve a revival, because let’s face it, some of these would still be a hit today.
1. Crystal Pepsi
Crystal Pepsi wasn’t just a soda—it was a phenomenon. Marketed as a clear alternative to traditional colas, it was caffeine-free and had a refreshing citrus twist. Its transparent design made it feel futuristic and cool, and ads featuring Van Halen’s “Right Now” sealed its spot in pop culture history.
Unfortunately, Crystal Pepsi was pulled in the early ’90s due to sluggish sales. Fans have clamored for its return ever since, with occasional limited re-releases sparking nostalgia. Its innovative concept and unique flavor deserve a full-fledged comeback in a world that now embraces retro trends.
2. Hubba Bubba Soda
Yes, it tasted like bubble gum, and yes, it was amazing. Hubba Bubba Soda was sweet, fizzy, and unapologetically fun, perfectly capturing the carefree spirit of the ’80s. Kids loved it, but parents were less enthused about giving their children a sugary drink that reminded them of gum.
Though it didn’t stick around for long, its vibrant pink hue and unmistakable flavor left a lasting impression. With the resurgence of candy-flavored everything, now might be the perfect time to bring this bubbly beverage back.
3. New York Seltzer
New York Seltzer was ahead of its time, offering naturally flavored sparkling water with a splash of sweetness. Flavors like black cherry and vanilla cream made it stand out from the sea of overly sugary sodas. Its small glass bottles and minimalist label made it a hit with the health-conscious crowd before that was even a thing.
Though it disappeared in the early ’90s, its clean, crisp taste would fit right in with today’s sparkling water craze.
4. OK Soda
If ever there was a soda that epitomized the ’90s counterculture before it even started, it was OK Soda. Launched by Coca-Cola in 1993, OK Soda’s quirky advertising and minimalist design felt like a rebellion against traditional cola brands. The flavor? A mix of citrus and spice that was oddly addictive.
Despite its bold campaign, OK Soda failed to find a consistent audience and was discontinued in 1995. Today, with nostalgia in full swing, OK Soda could be reimagined for a generation that loves everything ironic and offbeat.
5. Slice
Slice was the fruit-forward soda that felt like the perfect middle ground between sugary and refreshing. Its orange, lemon-lime, and apple flavors were a hit with families, and it was one of the first sodas to boast about using real fruit juice.
Over time, Slice faded from shelves, replaced by trendier brands. But with the current demand for beverages that balance flavor with natural ingredients, Slice could make a triumphant return.
6. Josta
Remember the excitement of Josta? It was the first energy soda launched in the U.S., combining guarana and caffeine for a potent kick. Its unique spice-tinged flavor and edgy black-and-red packaging set it apart, especially for those who loved living on the edge in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Though discontinued in 1999, fans still reminisce about its one-of-a-kind taste. With energy drinks now a booming industry, Josta could easily reclaim its throne.
7. 7 Up Gold
This wasn’t your typical lemon-lime soda. 7 Up Gold was darker, spicier, and had an almost ginger ale-like quality that made it a standout. Introduced in the late ’80s, it tried to tap into the cola market but confused consumers looking for the brand’s signature light and crisp vibe.
Despite its short lifespan, its complex flavor would feel right at home today among craft sodas and cocktail mixers.
8. Surge
Few sodas in the ’90s inspired as much hype as Surge. Marketed as Mountain Dew’s cooler cousin, it was loaded with caffeine and came in an electrifying green can. Its citrusy flavor and in-your-face advertising made it a hit with teens, but it didn’t last past the early 2000s.
While it’s seen some limited revivals, Surge fans continue to dream of a permanent comeback to recapture that extreme ’90s vibe.
9. Dr Pepper Red Fusion
Dr Pepper has always been a soda staple, but Red Fusion took it in a sweeter, fruitier direction. This cherry-flavored twist was beloved by fans who appreciated its bold flavor profile. Though it never achieved the same level of fame as classic Dr Pepper, its disappearance left a gap that no other soda has quite filled.
A modern revival could reinvigorate interest in experimental soda flavors.
10. Pepsi AM
Designed for breakfast soda drinkers, Pepsi AM was an early attempt to replace coffee with cola. It had more caffeine than regular Pepsi and was marketed as a morning pick-me-up. While it didn’t last long, its concept feels surprisingly relevant today, when cold brew and energy drinks dominate morning routines.
A rebranded Pepsi AM could be a hit with those who prefer fizz over foam.
11. Aspen Soda
Apple-flavored sodas are a rarity, but Aspen Soda pulled it off with style. Its crisp, clean flavor and sophisticated branding made it a favorite among adults in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Discontinued far too soon, Aspen’s unique appeal would pair perfectly with today’s demand for less sugary, more natural-tasting drinks.
12. RC Draft Cola
RC Draft Cola took the idea of soda back to its roots, offering a handcrafted, old-fashioned cola flavor in glass bottles. Its smooth, creamy taste and retro branding made it feel nostalgic even in the ’80s.
Though it vanished as tastes shifted, RC Draft Cola has all the hallmarks of a cult favorite waiting to be rediscovered.
These sodas captured the spirit of their time, blending bold flavors and innovative ideas. Each one offers a reminder of how fun and experimental the soda world once was, and why they deserve another shot at quenching our collective thirst.
