The 1990s were a unique time for soft drinks, marked by a wave of creativity and experimentation that led to some truly unforgettable flavors. Many of these sodas captured the spirit of the era and became nostalgic favorites for those who grew up enjoying their unique tastes. While some of these iconic drinks have long since disappeared from shelves, there’s a growing call for their revival. Here’s a look at some discontinued sodas from the ‘90s that truly deserve a comeback.
1. Crystal Pepsi
A Clear Vision for the Future: Crystal Pepsi launched with much fanfare, boasting that familiar cola taste minus the usual caramel coloring. It felt like a peek into the future, and its sheer novelty made it an instant hit. Sadly, its fame faded quickly, but its refreshing uniqueness deserves another round—this time with a place on the shelves for good.
2. Surge
The Ultimate ’90s Energy Drink: Known for its electric green color and extreme energy, Surge was a true staple for those who craved a bold, citrusy flavor. While its sugar and caffeine levels might be high for today’s tastes, Surge’s exhilarating vibe and kick is missed by many who grew up on this soda.
3. OK Soda
Anything But Ordinary: Marketed directly to the grunge generation, OK Soda’s strange, meta-marketing campaign set it apart. It had a tangy, offbeat taste that was as different as its branding, but this boundary-pushing soda vanished quickly. Today, a drink that’s openly unique and quirky could carve out a fresh niche among Gen Z and millennials alike.
4. 7UP Gold
The Spicy Alternative to Lemon-Lime: An unusual choice from 7UP, this darker, spiced version of the classic lemon-lime soda offered a unique taste. It didn’t last long, but with today’s adventurous food scene, a spicier soda might just be the revival 7UP needs.
5. Pepsi Blue
Berry-Tinted Bliss: The bright blue Pepsi with its berry flavor was short-lived but unforgettable. With the popularity of bold flavors and colorful foods in today’s market, Pepsi Blue might find itself right at home in the 2020s.
6. Hubba Bubba Soda
Bubblegum in a Bottle: A bubblegum-flavored soda may sound odd today, but Hubba Bubba Soda held a nostalgic charm that delighted fans of the iconic gum brand. As playful flavor combinations are having a moment, it feels like the perfect time for a Hubba Bubba revival.
7. Fruitopia
Fruit Meets Philosophy: Fruitopia was a smoothie-like soda that appealed to health-conscious consumers and those loving the New Age vibe. Its groovy commercials and vivid flavors made it memorable. Given today’s focus on natural flavors, a reboot could resonate well with modern consumers looking for an organic edge.
8. Cherry RC Cola
The Cherry That Competed with the Best: This was RC Cola’s bold answer to cherry-flavored colas from Coke and Pepsi, and it held a unique, richer cherry taste. Though RC faded from the mainstream, Cherry RC Cola might have a niche today among retro soda fans.
9. Tab Clear
The “Transparent” Cola: Inspired by the Crystal Pepsi trend, Tab Clear offered the cola flavor with none of the color. Its disappearance was fast, but Tab Clear’s appeal could fit right in with today’s focus on clean-label and zero-calorie drinks.
10. Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash
A Holiday Favorite: Released seasonally in the ‘90s, Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash combined the brand’s lemon-lime flavor with festive cranberry notes. Given today’s love of limited-edition holiday drinks, it’s clear fans would welcome this refreshing throwback.
11. Mountain Dew Pitch Black
A Bold Taste of Grape: This dark and dramatic grape-flavored Mountain Dew had a mysterious vibe that made it a fan favorite for a brief time. With a fresh focus on seasonal and special-edition drinks, a Pitch Black comeback could be just the twist Dew fans crave.
12. Dr Pepper Red Fusion
A Berry Twist on a Classic: This cherry-red version of Dr Pepper offered a fruity alternative to the original’s 23 flavors, gaining a loyal following for its sweetness. Given the success of berry-flavored sodas today, Dr Pepper Red Fusion would likely win over a whole new generation.
13. Slice
Fruity Fun in Every Sip: Slice was a line of fruit-flavored sodas that included everything from apple to cherry and was well-loved for its bright, fruity taste. As flavored seltzers boom, a revamped Slice lineup with natural flavors could be a perfect fit in today’s market.
The vibrant world of ‘90s sodas was full of quirky flavors and eye-catching branding that spoke to the adventurous spirit of the decade. As nostalgia for these unique beverages resurfaces, there’s a golden opportunity for brands to tap into the fond memories associated with these drinks. With the right marketing and a modern twist, these discontinued sodas could find a beloved place on store shelves once more, satisfying the cravings of both nostalgic fans and new generations alike.
