15 Forgotten Soda Flavors That Need To Make A Comeback Immediately
In the ever-fizzing universe of carbonated beverages, where bubbles dance and flavors spark nostalgia, not every soda has managed to keep its sparkle.
Some, despite their bold, inventive, or downright quirky appeal, have vanished from store shelves, leaving behind only the faintest whispers of their once-glorious carbonation. Whether they were ahead of their time, victims of changing tastes, or simply too bizarre for the masses, these lost sodas deserve a second chance to tickle our taste buds.
Imagine the thrill of cracking open an ice-cold bottle of a forgotten favorite, the hiss of escaping carbonation carrying you back to childhood summers, late-night sugar rushes, and daring taste tests with friends.
So grab a virtual soda fountain cup and take a fizzy trip with us as we celebrate 15 soda flavors that have disappeared into the depths of history but are far too delightful to be left behind forever!
1. Crystal Pepsi
Crystal Pepsi burst onto the scene in the early ’90s, a clear cola promising a futuristic twist on the classic Pepsi taste.
Imagine sipping on a cola that looks like water but delivers the familiar Pepsi punch. This clear concoction was both a visual and taste sensation, boasting the same sugary kick but with a spectacle that made you feel part of a sci-fi adventure.
Its brief revivals were met with excitement, proving that the past is never truly forgotten. Bring back the weirdly wonderful Crystal Pepsi, and let us toast to nostalgia!
2. Orbitz
Orbitz wasn’t just a drink; it was an experience. Launched in the late ’90s, this quirky soda featured floating jelly balls, turning every sip into a visual spectacle.
Imagine drinking a lava lamp; that’s the best way to describe Orbitz. This beverage defied gravity and expectations, offering a playful twist on the typical soda experience. While some found it bizarre, others embraced the fun and whimsy that came with each bottle.
Let’s bring back Orbitz and let the playful floating jelly balls charm a new generation.
3. Josta
Josta was the rebel of the soda world, the first energy drink that dared to merge with cola.
Introduced in the mid-’90s, Josta was packed with guarana, making it the go-to beverage for those seeking an extra kick. This soda wasn’t just about caffeine; it embodied the edgy, grungy spirit of the decade.
With a taste that left you oscillating between cola and something untamed, Josta was for those who dared to be different. Its disappearance left a void, but its memory lingers. Time to revive the rebellion with Josta!
4. Pepsi Blue
Pepsi Blue was like sipping a bottle of blue raspberry candy, a sweet explosion that painted your tongue Smurf-blue.
Released in the early 2000s, this soda was a sugary tribute to everything fun and youthful. It was more than a drink; it was a statement, a bold embrace of color and flavor. While some questioned its neon hue, fans reveled in its playful rebellion against traditional cola norms.
Pepsi Blue was a pop culture icon that disappeared too soon. Let’s resurrect this liquid candy delight and color our world!
5. Coca-Cola BlāK
Coca-Cola BlāK was a daring blend of cola and coffee, a precursor to today’s cold brew craze.
Launched in the mid-2000s, it offered a bold, caffeinated kick with a touch of sophistication. Imagine the classic Coca-Cola taste infused with rich coffee notes, a match made in beverage heaven. For those craving a caffeine fix with flair, BlāK was a dream come true.
Though it fell victim to shifting trends, its innovative spirit remains unparalleled. Bring back Coca-Cola BlāK, and let’s toast to the bold and the brave!
6. Hubba Bubba Soda
Hubba Bubba Soda was a bubblegum explosion in a can, capturing the essence of childhood nostalgia.
This soda wasn’t just pink; it was a vibrant celebration of everything sweet and playful from the ’80s. Drinking it felt like chewing on a piece of Hubba Bubba gum, only fizzier and more fun. Its fleeting existence left a bubblegum-scented hole in our hearts.
For those who crave a sugary trip down memory lane, Hubba Bubba Soda is the bubbly blast from the past we need back. Let’s pop the top on this nostalgic gem!
7. Mountain Dew Pitch Black
Mountain Dew Pitch Black came along as a Halloween treat, a grape-flavored soda that delivered spooky thrills in every sip.
Released initially in 2004, it was an enchanting twist on the classic Mountain Dew, offering a taste of grape energy that was both eerie and exciting. This soda was more than a drink; it was an experience, a celebration of all things spooky and sweet.
Though it occasionally reappears, Pitch Black deserves a permanent place on our shelves. Let’s embrace the grape and let the spooky season last all year!
8. Dr Pepper Berries & Cream
Dr Pepper Berries & Cream was a tantalizing twist on the beloved classic, blending the familiar 23 flavors with a burst of berry sweetness and a creamy finish.
Introduced briefly in the mid-2000s, it quickly became a fan favorite, with its luscious layers of flavor capturing hearts and taste buds. This soda was the drink equivalent of a chef’s masterpiece, offering a delightful dance of tastes.
Though it briefly returned in 2022, fans are clamoring for a full revival. Let’s bring back this creamy, dreamy Dr Pepper delight!
9. Slice
Slice was the ultimate citrus soda, a refreshing escape from the mundane colas of the ’80s and ’90s.
With flavors like Apple Slice leading the charge, it carved out a niche for those craving a fruity fizz. This soda wasn’t just about quenching thirst; it was about celebrating life in every bubbly sip. Sadly, Slice slipped away, overshadowed by newer citrus contenders.
But for those who remember its sunny disposition, Slice remains a cherished memory. Let’s bring back this citrus sensation and savor the sweet taste of nostalgia.
10. OK Soda
OK Soda was more than just a drink; it was a cultural commentary, a soda for the cynically cool.
Launched in the mid-’90s, it featured quirky graphics and mysterious slogans, appealing to Generation X’s yearning for irony and rebellion. This soda was a marketing masterpiece, straddling the line between absurdity and genius.
While its taste was often secondary to its aesthetic appeal, OK Soda captured the zeitgeist of a generation. Its brief existence left a lasting impact, and many still yearn for its return. Let’s toast to the wonderfully weird OK Soda!
11. Vault
Vault was the soda-turned-energy drink that promised to kick like an energy drink but sip like a soda.
Introduced in the mid-2000s, it was a daring blend of caffeine and soda sweetness, perfect for those needing a jolt without sacrificing flavor. With a slogan that dared you to drink up and power on, Vault was a thrill ride in a can.
Its disappearance left many searching for that perfect blend of fun and function. Let’s bring back Vault and energize our days with this unique soda hybrid!
12. Surge
Surge was the neon-green icon of the ’90s, a caffeinated concoction that had middle schoolers bouncing off the walls with glee.
Launched in 1996, it was the ultimate embodiment of ’90s extremity, with a taste that was as bold as its color. Surge wasn’t just a drink; it was a lifestyle, a fizzy badge of honor for those who dared to be different.
Though it has made occasional comebacks, its fans are hungry for a full revival. Let’s bring back the extreme and drink to the wild spirit of Surge!
13. 7UP Gold
7UP Gold was the unexpected twist in the 7UP lineup, a spiced soda that left taste buds both baffled and intrigued.
Released in the late ’80s, it offered a curious blend of ginger ale and cinnamon, a bold departure from its lemon-lime siblings. This soda wasn’t just about quenching thirst; it was about challenging expectations and exploring new flavors.
While its time was short-lived, its uniqueness left a lasting impression. Let’s bring back 7UP Gold and shake up the soda world with a touch of spice!
14. Pepsi Holiday Spice
Pepsi Holiday Spice was like Christmas captured in a cola bottle, a seasonal delight that brought warmth and joy with every sip.
Released in the early 2000s, it combined the classic Pepsi taste with a hint of cinnamon, making it the perfect companion for holiday festivities. This soda was more than a drink; it was a celebration, a festive twist that left you longing for more.
Though it made brief appearances, fans are eager for a permanent return. Let’s bring back Pepsi Holiday Spice and toast to the holiday spirit!
15. Fanta Red Cream Soda
Fanta Red Cream Soda was a strawberry-vanilla dream, a sweet escape from the ordinary that left taste buds in bliss.
Though it was discontinued in the U.S., its legacy lives on in Canada, tantalizing those lucky enough to find it. This soda wasn’t just about flavor – it was about creating moments of joy and indulgence with every sip. Its absence in the U.S. is felt deeply by fans who crave its creamy sweetness.
Let’s bring back Fanta Red Cream Soda and let the strawberry-vanilla magic flow once more!