Additional Coverage:
- Coca-Cola to bring back old favorite soda flavor ‘permanently’ (the-independent.com)
Good news for soda fans and cherry enthusiasts alike! Coca-Cola is permanently bringing back a beloved flavor that many thought was gone for good: Diet Coke Cherry.
For a brief period in June, the classic flavor made a limited-time appearance at Kroger stores, sporting vintage-inspired packaging. However, that run was short-lived, leaving fans craving more. Now, the wait is almost over.
According to the popular food Instagram account Snackolator, Diet Coke Cherry is slated for a full return in early 2026. Snackolator, who spoke with a Coca-Cola representative, confirmed that this isn’t another temporary offering. “I spoke with a Coca-Cola representative and they confirmed this is a ‘sustain’ item which means it is intended to stick around (not a ‘limited’ flavor) so hopefully it sells well enough to stay FOREVER this time,” the post read, much to the delight of its followers.
The returning Diet Coke Cherry will be available nationwide at all retailers. It’s expected to be sold in 20-ounce bottles and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, all featuring the iconic Diet Coke logo with a distinctive magenta cherry design.
The announcement has sparked considerable excitement online. Comments on Snackolator’s post ranged from “Dreams do come true” and “Mixed drinks just got a whole lot better” to “I’m absolutely crazy for the Diet Coke with lime, so I’ll probably love this too,” showcasing the widespread anticipation.
Diet Cherry Coke was originally launched in 1985 but was discontinued in 2020 for reasons that were never fully clarified. While other cherry variations, like Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla (which was discontinued in September), have come and gone, the original Diet Coke Cherry holds a special place for many.
This move follows Coca-Cola’s recent efforts to reintroduce nostalgic flavors. Last September, Diet Coke with Lime also made a limited-time comeback, though it has not been made a permanent fixture.
In a separate move, Coca-Cola also ventured into the burgeoning healthy soda market earlier this year with the launch of Simply Pop. This prebiotic soda, available in five fruit-forward flavors, aims to support gut and immune health with real fruit juice, prebiotic fiber, Vitamin C, and Zinc, and no added sugars.
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- Coca-Cola to bring back old favorite soda flavor ‘permanently’ (the-independent.com)