1. Tab
Tab was one of Coca-Cola’s first attempts at creating a diet soda, and it became a major hit with people trying to cut calories in the ’70s. With its pink can and unique taste, it quickly developed a loyal following, even if it had a reputation for being a bit of an acquired flavor. Tab was sweetened with saccharin, which was controversial at the time, but that didn’t stop fans from stocking their fridges. For many women in particular, drinking Tab was tied to the era’s booming diet culture.
Despite its popularity, Coca-Cola eventually pulled the plug in 2020 after decades of slow sales. By then, it had long been overshadowed by Diet Coke and other zero-calorie sodas. Still, for anyone who grew up in the ’70s, spotting a Tab can was like a time capsule back to an era when diet drinks were just starting to take off. It may not be around today, but it left behind a certain kitschy charm.
2. Fresca (original formula)
Fresca was launched in the ’60s, but it really hit its stride in the ’70s. Marketed as a sugar-free citrus soda, it had a refreshing, slightly bitter taste that set it apart from the sweeter colas. In its early years, Fresca had a big following among adults who wanted a more sophisticated soda option. It was also caffeine-free, which made it appealing to families.
While Fresca technically still exists, the original formula that people remember from the ’70s is gone. Over the years, the drink has been reformulated and rebranded so many times that it barely resembles its classic version. The change in flavor disappointed longtime fans, and it faded from soda fountains and fridges. The nostalgia, though, is still strong for the original Fresca taste.
3. Chocola
Chocola was a ready-to-drink chocolate soda that kids in the ’70s absolutely loved. It was rich, creamy, and a little over-the-top, which made it feel like a dessert in a bottle. Parents often bought it as a special treat, and it was marketed as something fun and indulgent. For kids who wanted a break from traditional soda, Chocola felt like pure magic.
The problem was that it was maybe too sweet and heavy for adults to enjoy on a regular basis. As tastes shifted and competition from chocolate milk brands grew, Chocola slowly disappeared from shelves. Today, it’s one of those beverages people fondly recall but rarely saw outside of a few local spots. It’s a classic example of a ’70s product that came and went quickly but left an impression.
4. RC Draft Cola
Royal Crown Cola was always trying to compete with the giants like Coke and Pepsi, and in the ’70s they tried something different with RC Draft Cola. Packaged to look like a higher-end drink, it was supposed to taste more like something you’d get from a fountain. It had a smoother flavor profile and was aimed at cola fans who wanted something a little more upscale.
While it gained some interest, RC Draft Cola couldn’t find its footing in such a competitive market. Coke and Pepsi dominated shelf space, and RC just didn’t have the marketing power to keep up. Eventually, the drink faded out quietly, remembered mostly by those who were loyal RC fans. Today it’s a nostalgic relic of RC’s many experiments.
5. Orange Julius (pre-packaged cans)
Most people think of Orange Julius as a mall stand, but in the ’70s the brand actually sold pre-packaged cans of their famous orange drink. The fizzy, frothy drink was incredibly popular, especially with kids who loved its sweet, creamy taste. Having it in a can meant you didn’t have to head to the mall to enjoy it.
Unfortunately, the canned version never lived up to the freshly blended mall stand experience. The taste was a little flat, and it didn’t quite capture the magic of the frothy original. By the early ’80s, the canned Orange Julius had disappeared, leaving only the mall shops behind. Still, people who remember the canned drinks often smile at the memory.
6. Hubba Bubba Soda
Bubblegum-flavored soda was exactly as wild as it sounds, and Hubba Bubba Soda hit shelves in the late ’70s. It was marketed as a fun, colorful drink for kids and teens. The idea was to take the flavor of the famous bubblegum and turn it into something fizzy. At first, it caught a lot of attention because it was so unusual.
But while the idea was creative, the reality didn’t go over so well. Many people found it too sweet or downright strange. After a brief period of curiosity, sales dropped and the soda quietly disappeared. It’s one of those quirky products that perfectly captures the experimental vibe of the ’70s.
7. Apple Slice
Before the “Slice” line took off in the ’80s, there was an early version of Apple Slice that debuted in the ’70s. It was a crisp, apple-flavored soda that stood out among all the citrus options. Fans loved the refreshing, light taste that wasn’t as heavy as cola. It was particularly popular among younger people looking for something different.
Despite its appeal, Apple Slice never managed to break out as a staple soda. Coke and Pepsi’s dominance pushed smaller experiments like this to the sidelines. By the early ’80s, it was phased out completely, but for those who tried it, the memory of an apple-flavored fizz remains vivid. It’s one of those drinks that soda fans still bring up in nostalgic conversations.
8. Chocolate Soldier
Chocolate Soldier was a chocolate-flavored drink that was around in the ’70s and often compared to Yoo-hoo. It had a slightly different taste, a bit richer and creamier, and came in a glass bottle. For kids, it was like having a chocolate milkshake in soda form. It was easy to find at corner stores and gas stations, making it a quick grab for anyone craving something sweet.
But Yoo-hoo had better marketing and distribution, which gave it the upper hand. Chocolate Soldier slowly slipped away as the years went on, disappearing from shelves altogether. Fans still remember it fondly, though, especially those who preferred it over Yoo-hoo. It’s one of those vanished drinks that sparks debate among chocolate drink lovers.
9. Aspen Soda
Aspen Soda was Pepsi’s answer to apple-flavored drinks, introduced in the late ’70s. It was marketed as a crisp, refreshing alternative to the usual colas and citrus sodas. With a green can and a clean apple flavor, it stood out on the shelves. Pepsi tried hard to make it catch on, positioning it as a “premium” soda.
But despite the effort, Aspen never quite found a steady fan base. People enjoyed it but didn’t love it enough to make it a regular purchase. By the early ’80s, Aspen was discontinued, leaving behind a cult following of people who swear it was one of the best sodas ever made. Its disappearance is still lamented by soda enthusiasts.
10. RC 100
RC Cola tried another experiment in the ’70s with RC 100, which was one of the first caffeine-free colas. At the time, caffeine-free drinks weren’t very common, so this was a bold move. It was marketed to health-conscious consumers and parents who didn’t want their kids wired on caffeine. The taste was pretty similar to RC’s regular cola, making it an easy switch.
Unfortunately, caffeine-free sodas were a niche market in the ’70s, and RC didn’t have the marketing power to make it mainstream. By the time caffeine-free Coke and Pepsi came along in the ’80s, RC 100 had already vanished. Still, it deserves credit for being ahead of its time. It paved the way for a category of drinks that eventually did become popular.
11. Pepsi Light (lemon-flavored)
Pepsi Light was a lemon-flavored version of Pepsi that hit shelves in the mid-’70s. At first, it was sweetened with saccharin, but after health concerns, Pepsi reformulated it. The lemon twist was meant to make Pepsi feel lighter and fresher than regular cola. For a while, it was considered a chic alternative to Coke or Diet Pepsi.
But the changing formulas and confusing marketing made it hard for Pepsi Light to stick around. Consumers didn’t quite know what it was supposed to be: a diet soda, a citrus cola, or something else entirely. By the early ’80s, it had disappeared, remembered mainly by those who loved its unusual lemony kick. It’s a perfect example of how the ’70s soda market was full of experiments.
12. Like Cola
Like Cola was another quirky experiment from the ’70s, this time by 7-Up. It was a cola-flavored soda that was caffeine-free, which made it stand out in a market dominated by Coke and Pepsi. It was meant to appeal to families who wanted cola without the caffeine buzz. The taste was a little different from the usual colas, lighter and less intense.
While it had some curious buyers, it never became a hit. Most people stuck with their usual cola brands, and Like Cola disappeared after a few years. Today, it’s remembered as a strange but earnest attempt by 7-Up to break into a market that was nearly impossible to crack. It might be gone, but it’s a fun piece of ’70s soda history.