Looking Back At Soft Drink Flops That Fizzled Out Fast

While I haven't had a soft drink in years, I grew up chugging cans and 2-litre bottles of it. I also loved raiding the concession stand at Thruston Elementary School's playground and getting a soda right out of the fountain. My love for soft drinks certainly evolved in phases too.

As an adult, I had a Dr. Pepper phase in the early 2000s. It was replaced by a years-long love affair with Coca-Cola, though I limited myself to just one per day. There was also a brief, but passionate dalliance with Wild Cherry Pepsi. But, I must confess. My all-time favorite soft drink- and the one I would drink right now if I had a moment of weakness- is RC. That was my favorite as a kid and it's still my favorite as an adult. Honestly, I've never understood why it was never really able to hold its ground against Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The Cola Wars really were a two-brand show. For me, RC was and is the reigning champ.

These particular sodas- the notorious flops below- weren't champs at all. There have been some ambitious products that were total busts. Here's a recap of some of the biggest soda fails in history.

Let's start with this one! Has there ever been a bigger mistake than . . .

NEW COKE

New Coke, the 'reformulation' of the beloved Coke, which was reviled by consumers right out of the gate, debuted in April 23rd, 1985. On July 11th, less than 80 days later, the soda giant held a press conference and promised the return to the original formula.

CRYSTAL PEPSI

Not to be outperformed in failure by Coca-Cola, Pepsi unveiled Crystal Pepsi on April 13th, 1992 in a handful of test markets. By December, it was launched nationwide. After some initial market success, Crystal Pepsi's popularity waned. By the end of 1993, it was dismissed as a fad and the company ceased production. While there have been sporadic attempts to revive it, interest in Crystal Pepsi has remained 'muddy' at best.

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PEPSI BLUE

You can thank the early success of Mountain Dew Code Red for the launch of Pepsi Blue, which was introduced into the market and onto store shelves in August of 2021. Back then, I was working in radio like I am now. I remember having cases of this stuff piled up in our offices. We were tasked with giving it away. Only thing is- people just didn't want it. By 2004, the cap was put back on Pepsi Blue.

SURGE

I'll be honest. I don't think I ever tried this. Full disclosure. I am not a Mountain Dew fan, so the chances of me becoming a fan of Surge when it was released were likely non-existent. See, in 1997, Coca-Cola wanted to make a run at the popularity of 'Dew', which was marketed by Pepsi.  Some positive news. Norwegians loved it. It debuted in Norway a year earlier than it did here. Only, Americans didn't share the enthusiasm. The soda didn't make a 'surge' at all. By 2003, production was halted. However, there have been a few attempts at a revival, but they have been even more short-lived.

DR. PEPPER RED FUSION

Oh, we had cases and cases of this at the radio station too. Dr. Pepper's known for having twenty-three flavors, so why not one more? Dr. Pepper Red Fusion was designed to give soft drink fans a blast of cherry. Well, it wasn't a blast. It was a bust and was toast by 2004.

And, here's an additional entry on the list for you- a dishonorable mention. Do you remember . . .

 TAB CLEAR

Unlike its direct competitors, like Crystal Pepsi, Tab Clear DID have caffeine. But it didn't make a lick (or swig) of difference. People didn't like it. My grandmother loved her some Tab, but I don't remember ever seeing her with a can of Tab Clear. It debuted here in the U.S. on December 14th, 1992. In 1994, the run was done. Pardon the pun, but it was 'clear.' No one liked it.

Did I leave a soda off the list that you remember? One that was a total bust?