Jace Lamonica
Coca-Cola once defined the soda craze, dominating store shelves and American pop culture. But even during its heyday, a few bold brands quietly found their moment in the spotlight. These sodas didn’t need flashy ads or global recognition to make an impact—they stood out with unique flavors and loyal followings. Here are ten brands that remind us that sometimes, it’s the quiet players who leave the most lasting impressions.
OLIPOP
OLIPOP came onto the scene with a simple mission: to offer the joy of soda without the guilt. While Coca-Cola was synonymous with sugary indulgence, OLIPOP took inspiration from old-fashioned recipes. It used plant-based ingredients to craft unique flavors like Classic Root Beer and Orange Squeeze.
Poppi
Unlike traditional sodas, Poppi combined natural fruit juices with the health benefits of prebiotics. Each can deliver a crisp, refreshing taste while quietly challenging the notion that soda had to be a sugar-laden treat. This way, Poppi carved its niche among millennials and Gen Z by blending wellness trends with fizzy fun.
LaCroix
Fresh and minimalist, LaCroix redefined sparkling water culture. With cans resembling abstract art and flavors inspired by citrus gardens, it exuded understated charm. It was neither overly sweet nor fizzy, just pure, crisp refreshment. Ideal for those tired of heavy sodas, LaCroix offered a light, airy sip that paired well with every occasion.
Dr Pepper
Introduced in 1885, predating Coca-Cola by a year, Dr Pepper didn’t try to mimic the cola trend. Instead, it leaned into its uniqueness with its mysterious blend of 23 flavors. By staying true to its identity and embracing its tagline, “Be a Pepper,” it stood out without ever needing to compete head-on.
Zevia
Zevia entered the scene with a bold idea: soda could be sweet and entirely guilt-free. Launched in 2007, Zevia used stevia, a natural, calorie-free sweetener, to offer the fizzy fun people loved without the sugar crash. Its clear sodas, which are free of artificial colors, come in a rainbow of flavors like Cola, Cream Soda, and Black Cherry.
Nehi
Introduced by the Chero-Cola Company (now RC Cola), Nehi was a hit with its vibrant fruit flavors, including grape, orange, and peach. It was a symbol of carefree indulgence during the golden age of soda fountains. Plus, its connection to nostalgia, bolstered by appearances in the TV show “M*A*S*H,” gave it an enduring appeal.
Mountain Dew Pitch Black
Mountain Dew Pitch Black is proof that fan loyalty can keep a soda alive. First released in 2004 as a limited-edition Halloween treat, this dark grape-flavored variant quickly captured attention with its bold flavor. The soda disappeared after its initial run, but a surge in fan demand brought it back for special promotions and contests.
Coca-Cola Starlight
More than just a soda, Starlight was a masterclass in modern marketing. With its mysterious flavor profile and limited-edition status, it generated a wave of excitement on social media, especially among younger audiences eager to try something unique. The brand paired it with immersive virtual reality campaigns to cement its futuristic vibe.
Pepsi Nitro
Marketed as the world’s first nitrogen cola, Pepsi Nitro gave soda enthusiasts a completely new experience. What makes Nitro special is its cascading bubbles and frothy head, which are more reminiscent of a stout beer than a soda. Sold in both classic and vanilla flavors, it offered a rich, smooth mouthfeel with less fizz.
Sprite Lymonade
Sprite Lymonade took the familiar lemon-lime soda to refreshing new heights. When Sprite Lymonade hit the shelves in 2019, it gave soda fans something they didn’t know they were missing. Its smooth balance of flavors quickly made it a favorite, especially during the warmer months when it became the ultimate cool-down drink.
