Buzz
Long before I developed a taste for beer, I was a devoted soda enthusiast. I made it my mission to sample every soda I could find, as often as possible. Many of the sodas I loved as a child and young adult have since vanished, much like the extinct Dodo bird. While a few have made brief comebacks, most, like the ten listed here, have faded into obscurity, surviving only on platforms like eBay and nostalgic websites. Relive their memory here while you can.
10. Coke II
During a period when Coca-Cola’s sales were lagging behind its main rival, Pepsi, an executive decision was made to tweak Coke’s iconic formula, making it taste more like Pepsi. While it wasn’t necessarily bad, it certainly wasn’t the classic Coke we all knew. I recall guzzling this beverage in cans and the then-new 2-liter bottles during the early 1980s. It became a staple at our sleepovers, keeping us hyper for hours, likely due to its higher sugar content. Although I have fond memories of Coke II, its fate was sealed when Coca-Cola reverted to its original ‘Classic’ formula, sending Coke II into soda history.
9. Hubba Bubba
My most vivid memory of Hubba Bubba Soda dates back to high school. In the quirky, small-town setting of Paw Paw, Michigan, we participated in school-wide contests that often involved bizarre and self-deprecating challenges. One such event was the notorious ‘Pop Chug,’ a brainchild of the twisted and sadistic teaching staff. Participants would stand over a beach towel with a spotter nearby, guzzling as much warm Hubba Bubba Soda as they could stomach. While I was never particularly fond of this gum-flavored soda, it holds a special place in my nostalgic recollections.
8. Pepsi’s Wild Bunch
In case the images aren’t clear, the lineup includes Raging Razzberry, Tropical Chill, and Strawberry Burst. I appreciate the clever use of double ‘Z’s to give ‘Raspberry’ a cooler vibe. My strongest memories of this trio are tied to the icy depths of my grandparents’ vintage garage refrigerator. It was one of those massive chill chests with a hefty metal handle, reminiscent of walk-in restaurant freezers, and it consumed enough power to dim the neighborhood lights. That fridge was always stocked with everything from beer to Bosco. During visits, we’d hunt for the strangest drinks, and I fondly recall downing a few of these sodas. Sadly, both the fridge and the soda are now relics of the past—though my grandparents are thankfully still around.
7. Surge
While not as long-gone as some on this list, Surge has earned a nostalgic place in the hearts of many Americans. Distributed by Coca-Cola, this vibrant green soda gained popularity around 1995 and enjoyed a solid run before fading in the face of milder competitors. Its citrusy flavor had a subtle lime-Jell-O undertone, leaving a tangy aftertaste that lingered in the back of my throat. Despite this, it was delicious, and I could easily polish off a 2-liter bottle in one sitting. It tasted almost like liquid candy, but not quite.
6. Leed
Leed was a fizzy lemonade beverage available in select regions during the mid to late 20th century. Produced and distributed exclusively by Coca-Cola Amatil in New Zealand and Australia, it became a household name in the 1980s, standing out as one of the most popular lemonade brands under the Coca-Cola umbrella. However, in 1984, Leed was phased out and replaced by Sprite, which introduced a new formula alongside its rebranding.
5. Josta
Josta’s disappearance from the market is relatively recent. I recall enjoying this drink during the era when Guarana was being heavily promoted by Coca-Cola as a go-to energy booster. Josta was packed with Guarana, and its distinct flavor was unmistakable. While it had a slightly medicinal undertone, this was balanced by bold fruity and spicy notes that hit your palate first. Its unique taste set it apart from other sodas, and it was a refreshing choice while it lasted.
4. Orbitz
Ah, the legendary soda with chewy little bits floating inside. Brilliant. The makers of this drink somehow defied science by suspending starch-based nuggets in a sugary liquid, creating a visually mesmerizing and delicious beverage. I recall Target selling this unique drink like crazy for a while. While I loved the taste, the experience of encountering those floating chunks was oddly reminiscent of sipping a glass of sweetened gravy. It’s definitely a drink I miss.
3. Crystal Pepsi
Back in 1993, during my college days at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, this soda was a massive hit. My roommate and I were obsessed with it. We’d grab eight-packs of 20-ounce bottles from the nearby Circle K for about $2. I absolutely adored it, easily going through multiple packs each week. One time, I tried to be clever by cutting open the plastic holder with an X-Acto knife, but I ended up slicing two bottles and drenching our dorm room in soda. Not my finest moment. There was something uniquely appealing about the clear, non-caramel version of Pepsi, and to this day, I miss it more than any other discontinued drink.
Contributor: StewWriter
2. Slice
Slice, Pepsi’s answer to lemon-lime sodas before Sierra Mist came along, was, in my opinion, far superior. My grandmother always kept a stash of the Mandarin Orange flavor in her enormous fridge, but since I’m not a fan of mandarin oranges, I stuck to the classic lemon-lime variety. Compared to 7-UP, Slice was less intense—not as sharp or fizzy—but just as satisfying in its own way.
1. Kick
Kick was like the rebellious offspring of Mountain Dew and Mello Yello, blending the best of both worlds with a slight tilt toward Mello Yello’s citrusy flair. Personally, I found it superior to both and would often polish off an entire case during my late-night Dungeons and Dragons sessions. I’ve heard whispers of a recent comeback, but sadly, it hasn’t made its way back to my area. What a shame.
