When I think of my youth, drinking a pop or as many others call it, a soda, it was a real big deal. We never had a lot of soda in the house so when we did at times, it was special. Dr. Pepper was always my favorite along with a pop called, Worms, a flavor I quite remember to this day, but loved it because of the name.  Another I remember is my mother would grocery shop at Jewel, and if and when my mom picked up soda, Jewel brand Yummy soda was purchased most often. So what are some of the sodas That Are No Longer Available Today that many of us enjoyed in our youth?

Jolt Cola

Launched in 1985, Jolt Cola was marketed as the ultimate energy drink before energy drinks were even a trend. Famous for its slogan "All the sugar and twice the caffeine," Jolt was a favorite among students, gamers, and anyone needing a significant caffeine boost. Despite its initial popularity, health concerns and changing consumer tastes led to its decline. While Jolt made several comebacks over the years, it couldn’t sustain its market presence and eventually disappeared from shelves, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in the high-caffeine soda niche.

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Tab

Tab was Coca-Cola’s first foray into the diet soda market, debuting in 1963. With its distinctive pink can and unique flavor, Tab was a hit among diet-conscious consumers. However, the introduction of Diet Coke in the 1980s led to a significant decline in Tab's popularity. Despite a loyal fanbase, Coca-Cola discontinued Tab in 2020 as part of a product streamlining effort, marking the end of a soda that had endured for decades.

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Crystal Pepsi

In the early 1990s, Crystal Pepsi made waves as a clear cola. The marketing pitch was simple: all the flavor of Pepsi, but without the artificial colors. The clear, caffeine-free soda quickly intrigued consumers but couldn’t sustain its momentum. By 1994, it was discontinued due to declining sales. Crystal Pepsi has seen occasional limited re-releases, but it remains a nostalgic memory for many who enjoyed its brief stint on the market.

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OK Soda

OK Soda was an ambitious and unconventional product launched by Coca-Cola in the mid-1990s. Targeting Generation X with its offbeat marketing and minimalist design, OK Soda sought to appeal to those disenchanted with traditional advertising. Despite its bold strategy, the soda failed to resonate with a broad audience and was discontinued shortly after its launch. OK Soda has since become a cult favorite, remembered more for its daring concept than its taste.

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Surge

Surge, Coca-Cola’s answer to Mountain Dew, hit the market in the mid-1990s as a high-energy, citrus-flavored soda. It quickly gained a following, especially among younger consumers. However, declining sales led to its discontinuation in the early 2000s. Though it saw a brief resurgence due to fan demand, Surge has not returned to the mainstream, leaving a gap in the hearts of its most dedicated fans.

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Orbitz

Released in the late 1990s, Orbitz stood out with its floating gelatin balls suspended in the drink, creating a visual spectacle. Marketed as a "texturally enhanced alternative beverage," Orbitz captured attention but struggled with acceptance due to its unusual texture and high price. It was discontinued within a year, but its unique concept still sparks curiosity and nostalgia among those who remember it.

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THE WONDERFUL TASTE AND HISTORY OF THAT GREEN SODA WITH DEEP ROOTS IN ILLINOIS.

These discontinued sodas along with New Coke, Slice and 7UP Gold represent a fascinating chapter in the beverage industry's history, each leaving a distinct mark with their unique flavors and marketing approaches.

 

Sticky Rice Bites

Gallery Credit: Dave Alan

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