There’s nothing quite like cracking open a cold soda and getting that first refreshing sip. But if you grew up in the ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s, you know that some of the best soft drinks have come and gone—vanishing from store shelves, but never from our memories. From wild flavors to unique packaging, these sodas had a charm that modern drinks just can’t replicate. Let’s take a fizzy trip down memory lane and explore 15 discontinued soft drinks that deserve a comeback.
1. Surge
In the late 1990s, Surge exploded onto the scene with its neon green hue and a citrusy taste that packed a punch. It was Coca-Cola’s answer to Pepsi’s Mountain Dew, and it quickly became a favorite among kids and teens looking for an extra kick of caffeine. The marketing was all about living on the edge, with commercials showing people surfing, skating, and generally being as extreme as possible. Though it made a brief return in the mid-2010s, it wasn’t quite enough—this soda still has fans longing for more.
2. Crystal Pepsi
Nothing quite said “the future is now” like Crystal Pepsi, a clear cola introduced in 1992. The transparent appearance messed with your mind—how could something look like water but taste like cola? The novelty was its biggest draw, with ads featuring Van Halen’s Right Now and a vibe that felt ahead of its time. Despite its short run, it became a cultural phenomenon, proving that sometimes even a clear misfire can leave a lasting impression.
3. Josta
Pepsi’s Josta was ahead of its time as the first energy drink produced by a major U.S. beverage company. Launched in 1995, it featured a unique blend of guarana and caffeine, giving it a boost long before energy drinks were all the rage. The taste was hard to pin down—somewhere between berry and spice—and its bold red can stood out on the shelves. Though it was discontinued in 1999, fans still reminisce about its distinct flavor and energy-boosting power.
4. OK Soda
In 1994, Coca-Cola tried to capture Gen X’s counterculture spirit with OK Soda, a drink that practically oozed irony. The soda itself was a citrusy cola, but it was the marketing that really stood out, with surrealist art and offbeat slogans like “Everything is going to be OK.” The brand encouraged skepticism of advertising, which, let’s face it, was pretty bold for a soda company. Though it was a commercial flop, its cult following would love to see this quirky drink back in stores.
5. 7UP Gold
7UP has always been the go-to for a crisp, clear lemon-lime soda, but in 1988, the brand decided to shake things up with 7UP Gold. This spiced soda had a darker hue and a taste closer to a mix of ginger ale and cola than the usual lemon-lime. It was a bold departure from what fans expected, which might be why it didn’t stick around long. Still, its unique flavor had a certain appeal that makes you wonder what could have been if it had been given a fairer shot.
6. Orbitz
If you remember Orbitz, then you know it wasn’t just a drink—it was an experience. This 1997 soda had floating, colorful gelatin balls suspended in its clear liquid, looking more like a lava lamp than a beverage. The drink came in wild flavors like Vanilla Orange and Pineapple Banana Cherry Coconut, but it was the texture that had everyone talking. Though it didn’t last long, it left an impression that’s still hard to shake.
7. Coca-Cola BlāK
Coca-Cola BlāK hit the market in 2006, blending cola with coffee to create a bold, caffeinated concoction. The mix of carbonation and coffee flavors wasn’t for everyone, but those who liked it really liked it. The small glass bottles and sleek branding added to its appeal, and it felt like a grown-up twist on a classic soda. It was discontinued just two years later, but with today’s love for coffee-infused everything, it seems like it might have just been ahead of its time.
8. Hubba Bubba Soda
If you loved bubblegum as a kid, then Hubba Bubba Soda was a dream come true. Introduced in the 1980s, this soda tasted exactly like the iconic chewing gum, delivering a sweet and slightly fizzy experience. It may not have been the most thirst-quenching drink, but it nailed the novelty factor. Though it didn’t stick around long, its fun, candy-like flavor would be a welcome splash of whimsy in today’s soda aisle.
9. Pepsi Blue
Launched in 2002, Pepsi Blue was hard to miss with its electric blue color and berry-flavored twist. It was Pepsi’s attempt to bring something fresh and youthful to its lineup, but the bold color might have been too much for some. The taste had a candy-like sweetness, reminiscent of blue raspberry slushies. Though it was short-lived, it had a brief comeback in 2021, proving there’s still a market for this unique cola.
10. Fruitopia
Fruitopia hit the scene in the mid-1990s, offering a rainbow of fruity flavors that felt like the cooler cousin of fruit punch. The flavors had names like Strawberry Passion Awareness and Citrus Consciousness, giving the brand a sort of new-age vibe. It was particularly popular in school vending machines, giving kids a sugary alternative to soda. Though it eventually morphed into Minute Maid drinks, nothing quite compares to the original Fruitopia experience.
11. Dr Pepper Red Fusion
Dr Pepper has always been a unique soda, and in 2002, the brand tried to push the envelope with Red Fusion. This drink added a cherry twist to the classic Dr Pepper formula, giving it a bright red color and a fruity kick. It had a bit of a cult following, but it never quite broke into the mainstream. Fans of Dr Pepper flavors like Cherry Vanilla still wonder why Red Fusion didn’t catch on.
12. Slice
Slice was Pepsi’s answer to fruit-flavored sodas, introduced in 1984 and offering everything from orange to apple to grape. It had a juice component, which made it feel a bit healthier than its soda counterparts. The flavors were bright, and the marketing was just as colorful, with commercials featuring catchy jingles and fresh fruit visuals. Though it disappeared from shelves, its balance of real fruit juice and fizzy fun would be a refreshing addition to today’s market.
13. New Coke
You can’t talk about discontinued sodas without mentioning New Coke, Coca-Cola’s infamous 1985 recipe change. When the company altered its classic formula, the backlash was intense, and the new drink was quickly pulled in favor of Coca-Cola Classic. Though it’s remembered as a marketing misstep, New Coke wasn’t all bad—some fans actually liked the sweeter taste. While it probably won’t ever make a full return, its place in soda history is undeniable.
14. Tahiti Treat
Tahiti Treat was like a fruit punch that came in a soda can, delivering a sugary, tropical blast with every sip. It was especially popular in the 1980s and had a loyal following for its bold, syrupy flavor. The bright red drink was a staple at pool parties and summer cookouts, offering a sweet alternative to colas and lemon-lime sodas. Though it’s still available in Canada, U.S. fans would love to see it back on their local shelves.
15. Vault
When Vault launched in 2005, Coca-Cola aimed to blend the worlds of soda and energy drinks. The citrus-flavored drink was marketed with the slogan “Drinks like a soda, kicks like an energy drink,” and it quickly found a niche among caffeine seekers. It was sort of like Surge’s older sibling, offering a similar taste but with a bit more buzz. It was pulled in 2011, but with today’s love for energy drinks, it seems like a perfect candidate for a revival.
These 15 sodas might be gone, but they’re certainly not forgotten. Their unique flavors and quirky branding brought a little extra fizz to our lives, and if they ever made a comeback, there’s no doubt they’d find a whole new generation of fans ready to pop open a can and take a sip of the past.
