During the early 90s, Pepsi decided to create a clear version of their trademark cola, in hopes of overtaking rival Coca-Cola in sales. Crystal Pepsi had a small following, but was largely dismissed because of its departure from its signature color and taste. Crystal Pepsi was discontinued in 1993, after one year of production.
In light of Crystal Pepsi’s resurgence, here are some other discontinued drinks popularized in the 90s:
- Clearly Canadian: Clearly Canadian was one of the first sparkling water brands to market itself as an alternative to soft drinks. This multi-flavored drink was extremely popular, with annual sales peaking at $155 million. The drink was discontinued in the early 2000s due to slumping sales, but in recent years, the company had tried to make a comeback.
- Ecto Cooler: If you are a millennial, chances are you had a container of Hi-C Ecto Cooler in your lunch box. The drink, which used Slimer, the green ghost from the Ghostbusters franchise on its packaging, was actually orange flavored. The drink was originally discontinued in 1997, with Minute maid re-branding it multiple times before its final demise in 2007. In early 2016, Ecto Cooler made a limited time return. Slimer, unfortunately, did not make his return.
- Josta: In 1995, Josta became the first energy drink introduced by a major US beverage company. Its key ingredient, Guarana, is still used in many energy drinks to this day. Josta was discontinued in 1999 due to Coca Cola's restructuring of its brand.
- Sprite Remix: Sprite Remix was introduced in 2003 to expand the Sprite brand. The brand never took off and was discontinued in 2005. In 2016, Sprite Tropical Remix was reintroduced and re-branded as Sprite Tropical Mix.
- SqueezeIt: Another childhood millennial lunchtime favorite not only had different flavors, but each flavor had its own character name and shape of the bottle. There was Chucklin' Cherry, Berry B. Wild, Grumpy Grape, Silly Billy Strawberry, Rockin' Red Puncher, Mean Green Puncher, Smarty Arty Orange, and Troppi Tropical Punch. SqueezeIt was discontinued in 2001.
- Surge: Surge, the high-sugar, high-caffeine drink made by Coca-Cola, was marketed the Mountain Dew alternative. it was discontinued in 2003 in the US, but has continued to be sold in Norway, where it is called "Urge." In 2016, the drink was reintroduced and can be purchased online and at certain locations.
- Zima: Zima was introduced in 1993 during the "clear craze" with Clear Tab and Crystal Pepsi leading the way. Zima was the alternative to wine coolers and became wildly popular. Over time its popularity cooled and Zima was discontinued in the US in 2008. It is still sold in certain markets in Japan.
Did we miss one of your favorite discontinued drink made popular in the 90s? Comment below and let us know your favorite.
In Other News
1
Breezy ‘Camelot’ at Loft Theatre, Wright State grad writes new musical...
2
Garlic mustard, Japanese honeysuckle, Bradford pear: Invasive plants...
3
Local hardcore punk band Wounded Paw delivers 12-song album that runs...
4
All-female ‘Julius Caesar’ performance in Dayton tackles hard truths
5
Local BMX crew Date Nite releases first DVD compilation
About the Author