There's a wave of nostalgia hitting the beverage aisles, with vintage sodas making a grand return. For those who relish a trip down memory lane or simply crave a taste of the past, this list highlights classic sodas that are making their way back to store shelves, complete with where to find them.
Tab
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If you thought Tab was gone for good, think again. This diet soda, originally released in the 1960s as Coca-Cola's first venture into diet drinks, is now available at select Whole Foods locations. It's the same zero-calorie treat that was popular decades ago. "Everything old is new again," as they say!
Surge
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Surge, the vibrant citrus soda that dominated the 1990s, is making a nostalgic resurgence. You can spot its bright green cans at Target stores. Known for its bold, citrusy kick, this highly caffeinated citrus soda truly embodies the spirit of the nineties. Ah, the taste of childhood!
Crystal Pepsi
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Crystal Pepsi has returned to shelves at major retailers like Walmart. Launched in 1992, it was created to tap into the burgeoning market trend for transparent novelty items, including clear soaps and deodorants. This clear cola was briefly reissued to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and fans couldn't be happier.
Josta
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The first energy drink introduced by Pepsi in 1995, Josta, with its daring blend of guarana and passionfruit, is making a comeback. Find this revitalizing beverage at specialty stores. It's the perfect pick-me-up with a vintage vibe.
Faygo Rock & Rye
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Faygo Rock & Rye can now be found in regional chains like Meijer. The traditional Rock & Rye cocktail combined rye whiskey, rock candy, citrus, and herbs into a healing concoction. In contrast, Faygo's Rock N' Rye was a fizzy, vanilla-cream soda with a touch of semi-tart cherry. No alcohol is involved in this one.
Moxie
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Known for its distinctive bitter flavor, Moxie is one of the oldest carbonated beverages sold today. This New England classic, originally marketed as a medicine in the 1870s, is available at Cracker Barrel. It's an acquired taste, but love it or hate it, Moxie is a true original.
Pepsi Blue
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Pepsi Blue hit the market in mid-2002 after its announcement in May of the same year. It was discontinued in Canada and the United States in 2004 but continues to be sold in the Philippines. The unique flavor of Pepsi Blue was developed after nine months of extensive taste-testing involving over 100 different flavors.
Orbitz
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With its floating gelatin balls, Orbitz is more an experience than a drink. This quirky beverage from the late 1990s can be found at novelty shops and online stores. The gummy balls consisted of food coloring, artificial flavors, and gelatin. It's a fun drink to look at as well as to drink.
Slice
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Once a competitor to Fanta, Slice has been reformulated with real fruit juice and is now marketed as a healthier soda option. PepsiCo introduced it in 1984. Available in organic grocery stores, this drink offers a nostalgic yet healthier twist on the fruity sodas of your youth.
Cheerwine
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For most of its history, Cheerwine has been exclusive to the Carolinas. Thanks to its unique cherry flavor, this soda, created in 1917, has a devoted following. It can now be found in specialty soda shops and southern supermarkets. Every sip brings a smile.
Bubble Up
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A lemon-lime drink that predates Sprite by over 20 years, Bubble Up is refreshing with a kiss of lemon. It's available in retro diners and specialty grocery stores. It's the original, refreshing citrus soda that reminds you of simpler times.
Hubba Bubba Soda
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The bubblegum for your soda glass—Hubba Bubba Soda brings the outrageous flavor of bubblegum into a drinkable form. Candy stores and nostalgia shops often carry this surprisingly sweet soda. It's a bubbly blast from the past!
Fresca
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While Fresca never completely disappeared, its recent resurgence includes exciting new flavors. This grapefruit-flavored soda, introduced by Coca-Cola in 1966, can be found in grocery outlets nationwide. It's a subtle, breezy refreshment that's perfect for any occasion.
Nesbitt's Orange
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Nesbitt's Orange has been a favorite since the 1940s, known for its sweet, vibrant flavor. It's making a comeback on the West Coast. It's stocked in local grocery stores and vintage soda shops. Sipping this is like basking in the California sun.
Kick
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Before there were energy drinks, there was Kick, known for its high caffeine content. This powerful soda is making a return in select online retailers and specialty stores. It's more than just a soda; it's an energy boost in a can!