The beverage aisle used to be unhinged in the best way possible. Back then, sodas and juice were experiences, and people got obsessed. While the bottles and cans are long gone, the memories still fizz. Here are nine discontinued drinks we’re not over yet.
9. Storm (1998–2000)
Though it never reached full national rollout, Storm earned cult status among soda geeks. It was a lightly carbonated, caffeinated lemon-lime soda with a hint of bitterness. PepsiCo tested Storm in cities like Denver, Milwaukee, and Omaha as a potential challenger to Sprite. Its cult appeal came from being a “what-if” soda that very few ever got to try.
8. Squeezit (1985–2001)
Squeezit was a kid-centric juice drink made by General Mills. It was launched in 1985 and became very popular in the ’90s. What made it special was the packaging (twist-off caps, squeezable shape, bright colors, cartoon characters) and fun flavor names like “Meet Green Puncher” and “Berry B. Wild.” Cult following came from kids and teens who saw it as “fun juice” (not soda).
7. Diet Pepsi Jazz (2006–2009)
Diet Pepsi Jazz was PepsiCo’s entry for the “dessert cola” category. Jazz came in seasonal dessert-flavored combos like Black Cherry & French Vanilla, Strawberries & Cream, and Caramel Cream. The soda was sweeter and richer than standard diet colas, but sales weren’t strong enough to sustain this niche.
6. Hi-C Ecto Cooler (1987-2001)
Hi-C’s Ecto Cooler launched in 1987 as a tie-in with Ghostbusters, featuring a vibrant green color and orange-tangerine flavor. It was loved for its playful branding and flavor that wasn’t too sweet or too mild. Cult status came from its long presence and how tied it became to childhood pop culture. People now remember Ecto Cooler as a staple of childhood, the green box with Slimer art.
5. Fruitopia (1994-2003)
Fruitopia was launched by Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid brand in 1994 to compete with Snapple and other fruity drinks. It stood out for having imaginative flavor names (Kiwiberry Ruckus and Tangerine Wavelength), colorful packaging, and a kind of indie vibe. Soda fans chose Fruitopia when they wanted something less fizzy and the feel of summer sipping.
4. OK Soda (1993–1995)
OK Soda by Coca-Cola was launched in 1993 only to be discontinued two years later. OK Soda never reached full national rollout but it earned a following due to its bleak, anti-marketing style. Can designs were black and white with comics and slogans like “Things are going to be OK.” OK Soda is a favorite among nostalgic marketers and underground soda fans as an experiment that was too weird for its time.
3. Crystal Pepsi (1992–1994)
Crystal Pepsi might be the best-known “disappeared soda” of the ’90s. Launched in 1992, this drink attempted a “clear cola” aesthetic, removing caramel coloring and marketing itself as a cleaner soda. People bought it to see what a “transparent cola” would taste like, and at first it sold well. Over time, consumers criticized its bland taste compared to classic Pepsi. Sales slipped, and by 1994 it was discontinued.
2. Lemon-Lime Slice (1984–2003)
Lemon-Lime Slice was Pepsi’s answer to Sprite and 7-Up, and over nearly two decades, it developed a devoted base. The drink used 10% real fruit juice (initially), giving it a “fruitier” character. Many slice fans still recall the crisp citrus-forward fizz before the juice content was scaled back. By 2003, Pepsi phased out lemon-lime Slice and eventually replaced it with Sierra Mist.
1. TaB (1963–2020)
TaB is the cult soda that lasted longest. Launched in 1963 as Coca-Cola’s first diet soda, it became an icon for many years. The saccharin-sweetened taste and dark pink branding made the drink stood out. Over time, TaB retained a small but loyal fan base even as Coke’s marketing focused on Diet Coke and other newer products. Fans have tracked down leftover cans, and some host nostalgia forums to this day.
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