10 Discontinued Sodas We Miss & Want Back

Lost Legends of the Soda Fountain

For soda enthusiasts, the discontinuation of a beloved beverage can be a devastating blow. Here are 10 bygone sodas that we'd love to see make a grand comeback:

Kickapoo Joy Juice

Launched in 1955, this citrus-flavored soda was a refreshing favorite. Its name inspired the term "kickapoo" for any sweet beverage.

7 Up Gold

Introduced in 1988, this golden-hued soda offered a unique twist on the classic 7 Up flavor. Despite its popularity, it was discontinued in 1990.

Coca-Cola BlāK

BlāK, launched in 2006, was a bold coffee-flavored cola that targeted a mature audience. It was discontinued in 2008 due to low sales.

Crystal Pepsi

In 1992, Crystal Pepsi made a splash with its crystal-clear appearance. Despite initial hype, it was met with mixed reviews and was discontinued in 1993.

Surge

Launched in 1996, Surge was a citrus-flavored, high-voltage soda that quickly gained a cult following. It was discontinued in 2010, but has since been revived in 2023.

Mr. Pibb

Introduced in 1972, Mr. Pibb was a root beer-flavored soda that rivaled A&W. It was discontinued in 2001 due to declining sales.

Tab

Launched in 1963, Tab was the first diet soda marketed specifically to women. It enjoyed decades of popularity before being discontinued in 2020.

Pepsi Blue

Released in 2002, Pepsi Blue offered a vibrant blue hue and a sweet berry flavor. It was discontinued in 2004, but was briefly revived in 2018.

Vanilla Coke

Introduced in 2002, Vanilla Coke combined the classic Coke flavor with a hint of vanilla. It was discontinued in 2021 due to declining sales.

Mello Yello

Launched in 1979, Mello Yello was a citrus-flavored soda that aimed to compete with Mountain Dew. It was discontinued in 2003, but has since been revived in 2019.

Why We Miss Them

These discontinued sodas hold a special place in our hearts for various reasons:

• Nostalgia: They remind us of childhood memories and simpler times.
• Unique flavors: Many discontinued sodas offered unique and unforgettable flavor combinations that we can't find in current offerings.
• Cultural significance: Some sodas, like Crystal Pepsi, became cultural phenomena and part of our shared pop culture.

Why They Were Discontinued

The discontinuation of these sodas is often attributed to the changing tastes of consumers and the rise of new and improved products. Additionally:

• Low sales: Some sodas simply failed to generate enough sales to warrant continued production.
• Competition: The soda market is highly competitive, with new products being introduced all the time.
• Health concerns: Concerns about the high sugar content of sodas have contributed to their declining sales in recent years.

What You Can Do to Bring Them Back

If you're passionate about seeing your favorite discontinued soda back on the shelves, here are some things you can do:

• Contact the manufacturer: Let the soda companies know you want these sodas back.
• Sign petitions: Online petitions can demonstrate the level of public demand for discontinued products.
• Create social media campaigns: Use social media to raise awareness and generate support for your favorite sodas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When requesting the return of discontinued sodas, avoid:

• Being overly demanding: Don't expect companies to immediately revive every discontinued product.
• Threatening boycotts: Threatening not to buy other products from the company is unlikely to be effective.
• Overestimating demand: Be realistic about the potential demand for your favorite soda.

Conclusion

While the discontinuation of beloved sodas can be disappointing, it's important to remember that new and exciting sodas are constantly being introduced. By sharing our memories and advocating for our favorites, we can keep the legacy of these discontinued sodas alive and hope for their eventual return.

Additional Resources

• The Soda Fountain
• American Soda Association
• National Soft Drink Association

Tables

Table 1: Discontinued Soda Names and Launch Dates

Table 2: Reasons for Discontinuation

Table 3: Sales Figures of Select Discontinued Sodas

Table 4: Revived Discontinued Sodas