15 Discontinued Soda Flavors From The ’70s And ’80s We Need Back

For those who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, sodas weren’t just drinks—they were experiences. Each fizzy sip came with a burst of personality, a dash of nostalgia, and sometimes, a flavor so wild it left us wondering, what were they thinking?

While Coca-Cola and Pepsi ruled the shelves, the real magic was happening in the underdog sodas—the ones that dared to be different. From tangy citrus explosions to neon-colored mysteries, these discontinued sodas were as bold as the decades they thrived in.

Some became cult favorites, others were ambitious flops, but all of them left an impression. Whether it was a gimmicky flavor, a wacky ad campaign, or just the sheer joy of cracking open a can of something new, these sodas deserve another shot at quenching our thirst.

So, grab a straw and get ready to reminisce—here are 15 long-lost soda flavors that are begging for a comeback!

1. Crystal Pepsi

Ah, Crystal Pepsi, the clear cola that caused quite a stir in the early ‘90s but was born from the ‘80s spirit. Imagine a soda that looked like Sprite but tasted like Pepsi—talk about a fizzy identity crisis! It was a bold experiment, and while it didn’t last, it certainly left an impression.

Pepsi briefly brought it back in the 2010s, teasing fans with a taste of nostalgia. But this transparent treat deserves a permanent spot on our shelves. Why? Because sometimes, seeing is believing, and in the case of Crystal Pepsi, it was all about seeing the unexpected.

With its crisp, clean appearance and classic cola flavor, it was a soda ahead of its time. Let’s hope for a bubbly resurrection that gives millennials and Gen Z a taste of what the ‘90s borrowed from the ‘80s.

2. Pepsi Light

In the colorful and experimental era of the 1970s, Pepsi Light made its zesty debut. Not just another diet soda, it was a refreshing twist on the classic cola, with a hint of lemon that made it stand out from the crowd.

Pepsi Light was the cool, citrusy cousin you loved to have at your disco parties. It broke the monotony of plain colas and added a zesty zing to your soda repertoire. The lemony touch was subtle yet impactful, making it a beloved choice for those who craved something different.

Though it fizzled out by the ’80s, its unique flavor profile still lingers in the memories of soda enthusiasts. With today’s trend of citrus-infused beverages, Pepsi Light could easily find a new fanbase. Let’s bring back this tangy treasure and give it the spotlight it truly deserves.

3. Hubba Bubba Soda

Bubble gum lovers, unite! Hubba Bubba Soda was a sweet dream come true in the 1980s. Imagine your favorite bubble gum flavor transformed into a fizzy beverage—yes, it was as wild as it sounds.

This bubble gum soda was perfect for those who wanted their drink to match their chewing habits. It was a cult favorite, capturing the hearts of those who dared to drink their candy. The sweetness was like a party in your mouth, and the bubbles were the balloons.

Though it sounds peculiar now, Hubba Bubba Soda was a hit among the adventurous and the young at heart. In today’s world of quirky food trends, it might just fit right in. Who wouldn’t want to sip on a bit of bubble gum nostalgia? Let’s bring back the fun, one bubble at a time.

4. Josta

Bursting onto the scene in 1995, Josta was Pepsi’s daring first step into the energy drink market. With guarana as its secret weapon, this soda was a spicy, bold concoction that packed a punch.

Josta wasn’t your typical soda; it was an energy boost wrapped in a cola disguise. Its unique flavor was a mix of spice and zest, a taste adventure for those brave enough to try it. The guarana gave it an edge, setting it apart from the crowd of sugary drinks.

Despite being ahead of its time, Josta couldn’t hold its ground in the rapidly evolving beverage industry. Yet, with the current energy drink craze, it might just have a second chance at life. Let’s hope for a revival that lets Josta jolt us awake once more.

5. OK Soda

OK Soda, the oddball of the soda world, debuted in 1993 but was undoubtedly born from the ‘80s spirit. With its bizarre marketing and even stranger citrusy-cola flavor, it was destined to be a curiosity.

Its slogan promised nothing more than it was OK—talk about setting expectations! Yet, it was this quirkiness that made OK Soda endearing to its cult followers. The flavor was an enigma, a soda that defied description but somehow kept you coming back for more.

Despite its short-lived run, OK Soda left a mark on those who appreciated its weirdness. In today’s eclectic beverage market, perhaps it’s time to reintroduce this quirky concoction. After all, being OK can sometimes be more than enough.

6. Coca-Cola Black Cherry Vanilla

Coca-Cola Black Cherry Vanilla, a symphony of flavors, hit the shelves in 2006 but had its roots in the bold taste experiments of the ‘80s. Cherry and vanilla combined in cola? It was a match made in soda heaven.

This soda was a treat for the taste buds, a delightful dance of flavors that left fans craving more. Each sip was like a rollercoaster ride through a cherry orchard with vanilla clouds overhead. It was rich, it was smooth, and it was unforgettable.

Though it fizzled out too soon, the demand for its return hasn’t waned. In a world where flavor mashups are all the rage, Coca-Cola Black Cherry Vanilla deserves a comeback tour. Let’s bring back this classic cola concoction and let it serenade us once more.

7. Slice

Step aside, Sierra Mist—Slice was the fruity soda that dominated the ’80s and ’90s with real fruit juice in every sip. From apple to pineapple and cherry cola, it was a fruit fiesta in a can.

Slice was more than just a soda; it was a juicy explosion that tantalized your taste buds. Each flavor brought a unique zest, a burst of pure fruitiness that made you want to savor every drop.

Though it left the shelves, its legacy as a fun, fruity alternative to plain colas lingers on. In today’s health-conscious era, a revival with its real fruit juice formula could fizz up the market once again. Let’s pop open a can of Slice and let it quench our thirst for nostalgia.

8. Aspen Soda

Aspen Soda, the crisp apple-flavored refreshment, was a pioneer of fruit-flavored sodas in the late ’70s and ’80s. Imagine biting into a fresh apple and feeling that burst of flavor in a fizzy drink.

Pepsi’s creation was a hit among those who craved a light, refreshing alternative to heavy colas. Aspen was the cool breeze on a hot day, a sip of nature in a can. Its unique flavor profile was unmatched, making it a standout in the soda aisle.

Though it was short-lived, Aspen’s refreshing taste left a lasting impression. In today’s market, where natural flavors are celebrated, a comeback could be as refreshing as its original flavor. Let’s hope for a return that lets us sip the crispness of Aspen once more.

9. Like Cola

Like Cola, the underdog of the cola wars, emerged in the early ’80s as a healthier alternative. With less sugar and fewer calories, it was a cola that promised indulgence without the guilt.

Though it didn’t capture the market like its competitors, Like Cola was ahead of its time in promoting a better-for-you beverage. It was the soda that cared about your waistline, offering a guilt-free fizz to those who wanted more from their drink.

In today’s world, where health-conscious choices are all the rage, Like Cola could make a triumphant return. Let’s toast to a soda that was like no other, embracing both indulgence and health in every can.

10. Dr. Pepper Red Fusion

Dr. Pepper Red Fusion, with its striking red hue, burst onto the scene in 2002, channeling the vibrant spirit of ’80s soda creativity. A cherry twist on the classic Dr. Pepper, it was a bold statement in every sip.

This soda was an adventurous blend of flavors, a cherry-inspired symphony that had fans singing its praises. The fusion of cherry with Dr. Pepper’s signature taste created a unique experience that left an indelible mark.

Despite its passionate fan base, Red Fusion fizzled out too soon. In today’s era of flavor exploration, a revival could spark a new wave of appreciation. Let’s bring back the boldness and let Dr. Pepper Red Fusion rock our taste buds once more.

11. Tab

Tab, the diet soda icon, made its debut in the ‘60s but truly flourished in the ’70s and ’80s. It was more than just a drink; it was a lifestyle choice for those counting calories while staying cool.

Tab had a unique, slightly bitter taste that set it apart from other diet sodas. It was the rebellious sibling to Coca-Cola, daring to stand out with its distinctive pink can and bold logo. The taste was an acquired one, but for those who loved it, there was no substitute.

Though Coca-Cola retired Tab in 2020, its legacy as a trailblazer in the diet soda world remains. Let’s raise a can to Tab and hope for its retro return. After all, some icons deserve an encore.

12. Rondo

Rondo, the “thirst-crusher” of the ’70s and ’80s, was a citrusy delight that packed an extra-carbonated punch. If Mountain Dew was the mellow cousin, Rondo was the adrenaline junkie, ready to crush any thirst in its path.

Its bold citrus flavor and intense carbonation made it the perfect pick-me-up for those hot summer days. Rondo was the drink of choice for thrill-seekers and soda adventurers, offering a refreshing break from the ordinary.

Though it disappeared from the shelves, its legacy as a bold, refreshing soda endures. In today’s market, where bold flavors are celebrated, a Rondo revival could crush the competition once more. Let’s hope for a return that lets us experience the thrill of Rondo again.

13. Kick Soda

Kick Soda, Pepsi’s answer to Mountain Dew, was a zesty lime-lemon soda that kicked its way into the hearts of ’80s soda lovers. It was the soda that promised a citrusy adventure in every can.

This refreshing blend of lime and lemon offered a unique twist on the typical citrus soda, providing a burst of flavor that was both invigorating and satisfying. Kick Soda was the choice for those who wanted their soda with a bit of zest and zing.

Though it didn’t last long, its devoted fan base still reminisces about its vibrant flavor. In an age where citrus sodas thrive, perhaps Kick Soda could make a comeback. Let’s kick things up a notch and bring back this zesty classic.

14. Hires Root Beer

Hires Root Beer, one of the oldest root beer brands, bubbled its way through the ’70s and ’80s, offering a timeless taste that spanned generations. With its rich, creamy flavor, it was the root beer that others aspired to be.

Hires was more than just a drink; it was an experience, a journey back to the soda fountains of yesteryear. Each sip was a frothy reminder of simpler times, a taste of nostalgia with every bubble.

Though it faded away in the 2010s, Hires Root Beer’s legacy as a root beer pioneer endures. In today’s craft soda boom, a return could reignite its classic charm. Let’s raise a frosty mug and toast to a root beer revival.

15. Coca-Cola with Lemon

Coca-Cola with Lemon, launched in 2001, brought a citrus twist to the classic cola, channeling the ‘80s love for bold flavors. It was a refreshing surprise that added a zesty kick to every sip.

The combination of cola and lemon was a match made in soda heaven, offering a unique taste experience that was both invigorating and delightful. It was the soda that dared to be different, a refreshing alternative to the usual cola fare.

Though it didn’t last, the demand for its return lingers. In today’s market, where citrus is celebrated, Coca-Cola with Lemon could find a new audience. Let’s bring back this refreshing classic and enjoy a zesty twist on tradition.