25 Discontinued Products That Were Destined To Fail
Some products are built to last, earning a permanent spot in our hearts (and shopping carts). Others? Well… let’s just say they crash and burn faster than a lead balloon.
Welcome to a hilarious, head-scratching journey through the world of marketing misfires—25 products that were doomed from the start, whether due to baffling concepts, poor execution, or the simple fact that no one, literally no one, asked for them.
From snacks that tasted like regret to tech gadgets that made life harder instead of easier, these flops were the stuff of boardroom nightmares. Some were ahead of their time, some were behind every time, and a few were just plain bizarre. But hey, at least they gave us some unforgettable laughs!
So, grab a snack (preferably not from this list), settle in, and enjoy this ride through the greatest product disasters ever to hit the shelves.
1. New Coke (1985)
Coca-Cola thought messing with a classic was a good idea. Spoiler: It wasn’t.
The backlash was so intense they brought back the original recipe in just 79 days. Consumers were outraged, and it became one of the most notorious marketing blunders in history. Some say they did it on purpose to boost sales. Legend or not, it was a fizzing disaster.
Even today, New Coke’s legacy serves as a cautionary tale. Messing with perfection? Not a pretty sight.
2. Crystal Pepsi (1992–1994, briefly revived)
People love Pepsi, but do they want it clear? Turns out… no.
It tasted the same but felt wrong, like drinking cola that forgot its identity. Crystal Pepsi was more of a novelty than a beverage. The 90s were a time for bold experiments, but this one just didn’t stick. Pepsi fans were left scratching their heads, wondering why it existed.
If there’s one thing we learned, it’s that some things are better left opaque. Transparency doesn’t always equal success.
3. McDonald’s McDLT (1984–1991)
A burger that came in a two-section Styrofoam container so the lettuce and tomato stayed cool while the meat stayed hot.
Great in theory—but terrible for the environment and way too complicated for a burger. The McDLT was an over-engineered solution to a problem nobody had. Customers found the packaging cumbersome and wasteful. It became a symbol of excess in fast food.
McDonald’s soon realized that a simple burger would suffice. Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
4. Colgate Frozen Dinners (1982)
Yes, Colgate tried selling frozen meals. Because nothing says “appetizing dinner” like the brand responsible for minty toothpaste.
Consumers were baffled and confused. Colgate meals left a bad taste in the mouth, figuratively speaking. The venture was short-lived, a lesson in brand identity. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The idea of minty-fresh lasagna didn’t exactly tantalize taste buds.
Brand loyalty has its limits. Stick to your roots, Colgate, and keep our smiles bright, not our plates.
5. Clairol Touch of Yogurt Shampoo (1979)
The ’70s were wild, but even then, people weren’t ready for yogurt-infused hair care. Some even mistook it for actual yogurt.
It was a slippery slope from haircare to snacking. Consumers were left with more questions than answers. Clairol’s attempt to blend breakfast with beauty didn’t quite pan out. In hindsight, it’s a humorous chapter in marketing history. The idea was too far out, even for its time.
Yogurt belongs in the fridge, not the shower.
6. Pepsi Blue (2002–2004)
Pepsi saw the success of Mountain Dew Code Red and thought, “Let’s make Pepsi bright blue and give it a weird berry flavor.” No one asked for this.
The color was enticing, but the taste left much to be desired. Fans weren’t ready for a cola that looked like it came from a sci-fi movie. Pepsi Blue was a bold move, but ultimately it was too much, too soon.
Sometimes, innovation takes a back seat to tradition.
7. Life Savers Soda (1980s)
Turning a beloved candy into a soda sounds fun—until you realize it was pure liquid sugar and tasted like a dentist’s worst nightmare.
It was a cavity in a can. The idea of drinking candy was more appealing in theory than in practice. A sip was all it took to realize some candies should remain chewable.
Life Savers Soda quickly fizzled out, leaving behind a sugary memory. Sometimes, it’s best to stick with what you know and savor the life of your teeth.
8. Google Glass (2013–2015)
Google thought face computers were the future. Instead, people who wore them were labeled “Glassholes”, and privacy concerns getting rid of the hype instantly.
The tech was ahead of its time but lacked user-friendliness. Glass wearers felt like aliens in their own world. It was a peek into the future that nobody was ready for.
Privacy concerns overshadowed its innovative features. In the end, Google Glass was a bold experiment that taught valuable lessons in tech adoption. Visionary, but not yet visionary enough.
9. Cheetos Lip Balm (2005)
Because who wouldn’t want permanently cheesy lips? Cheetos went too far, and this monstrosity was thankfully short-lived.
The idea of cheese-flavored lip balm was met with confusion and laughter. It was a niche product nobody asked for. Consumers quickly realized that cheese belongs on snacks, not lips. This lip-smacking failure became a quirky footnote in the annals of bizarre beauty products.
Sometimes, it’s best to stick with classic flavors like mint or cherry.
10. Frito-Lay WOW! Chips (1998–1999)
Fat-free chips sounded great… until people realized they contained olestra, an ingredient that caused “digestive emergencies” (aka explosive bathroom visits).
The excitement quickly turned to regret. Consumers were wowed for all the wrong reasons. The chips promised guilt-free snacking but delivered something else entirely. Frito-Lay learned the hard way that shortcuts in health foods can backfire. WOW!
Chips became a cautionary tale in dietary disasters. Sometimes, it’s better to say ‘no thanks’ to too-good-to-be-true promises.
11. E.T. Atari Game (1982)
This game was so bad, they buried unsold copies in a landfill. It’s now infamous for nearly destroying the video game industry.
E.T. for the Atari was rushed to market, resulting in a game that was almost unplayable. Gamers were frustrated, and the industry took a major hit. The game’s failure became legendary, a symbol of overhyped products gone wrong.
E.T. found a new home underground, quite literally. It serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control in gaming.
12. Bic For Her Pens (2012)
Bic made pens specifically for women, because apparently, regular pens were too manly.
The backlash was hilarious. Consumers mocked the unnecessary gendering of a basic tool. Social media had a field day with sarcastic reviews and jokes. The pens became a symbol of misguided marketing aimed at gender stereotypes.
In the end, Bic learned that pens don’t need to be gender-specific. Humor aside, it was a teaching moment in understanding your audience. Sometimes, a pen is just a pen.
13. Facebook Home (2013)
A smartphone launcher that basically hijacked your phone and forced Facebook down your throat. Nobody wanted this. Not even Facebook fans.
The app was intrusive and cluttered, making users long for their regular home screens. Facebook Home became a prime example of tech overreach. Users quickly switched back to more user-friendly interfaces. It was a short-lived experiment in digital dominance that proved too much for most.
Sometimes, less really is more when it comes to user experience.
14. Gerber Singles (1974)
Gerber tried to sell baby food for adults. Because nothing says “fine dining” like eating mushy peas out of a jar.
The concept left consumers scratching their heads, wondering if it was a joke. Gerber Singles was a culinary misstep that failed to resonate with adult taste buds. The venture was short-lived, serving as a reminder that not all childhood favorites should grow up.
Gerber learned that adults prefer solid meals. Puree was a no-go for grown-up palates.
15. Cosmopolitan Yogurt (1999)
A magazine known for dating advice and fashion tips thought, “Let’s sell yogurt!” Nobody trusted it, and it flopped hard.
Cosmopolitan Yogurt left consumers confused about the brand’s direction. It was a culture clash that didn’t find its niche market. Readers were more interested in the latest trends than in dairy products. The yogurt became a cautionary tale in brand diversification.
Sometimes, sticking to your core message is key. Fashion magazines and yogurt just didn’t mix.
16. Heinz EZ Squirt Ketchup (2000–2006)
Ketchup should be red. Heinz thought purple, green, and blue ketchup was fun… but it just looked like something from a horror movie.
Parents were baffled and kids weren’t impressed. The novelty quickly wore off, leaving behind splattered memories. Heinz EZ Squirt became a lesson in culinary creativity gone too far. The colors were eye-catching, but the taste was still just ketchup.
Sometimes, tradition trumps novelty in food products. Heinz learned that not all ideas gel with consumers.
17. Harley-Davidson Perfume (1994)
Harley-Davidson—known for loud motorcycles and leather-clad bikers—thought their fans wanted to smell like gasoline and asphalt. They didn’t.
The perfume left customers puzzled about the brand’s direction. Harley fans preferred roaring engines to floral notes. The venture was short-lived, becoming a quirky chapter in marketing history. Harley-Davidson learned that some things are better left to the imagination.
Perfume wasn’t one of them. The brand’s identity remained on the open road, not in a bottle.
18. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe (1996–2000)
McDonald’s tried making a “fancy” burger for adults. But people don’t go to McDonald’s for “grown-up” food—they go for cheap, greasy happiness.
The Arch Deluxe was an upscale attempt that missed the mark. Customers were left indifferent, preferring classic options. McDonald’s learned that its primary appeal was in affordability and convenience.
The Arch Deluxe faded away, a reminder that sometimes, less is more in fast food. Fancy isn’t always better when it comes to burgers.
19. Rejuvenique Face Mask (1999)
This was a horror movie villain mask that electrocuted your face for “beauty purposes.” It looked like Jason Voorhees teamed up with a skincare company.
Consumers were intrigued but quickly turned off by its intimidating appearance. The mask promised rejuvenation but delivered nightmares. Rejuvenique became a lesson in aesthetic appeal and functionality. Beauty doesn’t have to be terrifying.
The product quickly disappeared, leaving only unsettling memories. Sometimes, beauty gadgets should emphasize comfort over shock value.
20. Twitter Peek (2009)
A device that could only do one thing: Twitter. Imagine buying a separate gadget just for tweeting, in a world where smartphones existed.
The Twitter Peek was an idea that seemed obsolete before it even launched. Users were puzzled by its limited functionality. The device quickly became a punchline in tech circles. It was a case study in understanding the evolving needs of consumers.
Twitter Peek faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the rise of multifunctional smartphones.
21. Orbitz Soda (1997–1998)
A drink with floating jelly balls inside. It looked like a lava lamp you could drink. People were too weirded out to buy it.
The novelty was there, but the appeal was not. Orbitz Soda became more of a visual spectacle than a satisfying beverage. Consumers couldn’t shake the feeling of drinking a science experiment.
The product quickly fizzled out, leaving behind curious memories. Sometimes, drinks should focus on flavor over form. Orbitz was a fizzy flop.
22. Crystal Clear Canadian (1993)
Clear beverages were a 90s obsession, so someone decided to make clear beer.
Turns out, people want beer to actually look like beer. Crystal Clear Canadian was a concept that didn’t resonate with traditional beer drinkers. The clear appearance was off-putting, and the taste didn’t make up for it. Consumers wanted the recognizable amber hue of their favorite brews.
The product disappeared as quickly as it arrived, a reminder of fads that fade. Sometimes, it’s best not to mess with classics.
23. Nike Magneto Sunglasses (2000)
These sunglasses stuck to your head using magnets. No earpieces, just literal magnets.
People hated them. The design was novel but impractical. Consumers felt uneasy about magnetic eyewear. Nike’s attempt at futuristic fashion was met with skepticism.
The sunglasses quickly disappeared from the market. It was a lesson in balancing innovation with practicality. Sometimes, wearability trumps futuristic gimmicks. Nike Magneto remains a curious chapter in eyewear history.
24. KFC’s Double Down Dog (2015, limited release)
A hot dog wrapped in fried chicken instead of a bun. Because why stop at one bad idea when you can double down?
The Double Down Dog was indulgence taken to the extreme. Consumers were intrigued but ultimately repulsed. It was a culinary spectacle that proved too much for most.
KFC learned that there’s a line between innovation and excess. The Double Down Dog became a fleeting footnote in fast food experimentation. Sometimes, restraint is key in culinary creations.
25. Trump Steaks (2007)
Donald Trump tried selling premium steaks—at The Sharper Image, of all places. Nobody wanted them, and they were discontinued in two months.
The venture was an exercise in mismatched branding. Trump Steaks left consumers scratching their heads, wondering about the connection. The premium price didn’t match the perceived value. The steaks quickly became a symbol of misguided luxury marketing. It serves as a reminder that product placement matters.
Sometimes, steak is best left to steakhouses, not gadget retailers.