Coca-Cola Makes Major Change to Product Line

Coca-Cola is making a major change to its product line that will thrill some fans. The company is bringing back a nostalgic soda flavor, and a new report says it may be returning permanently. In addition, the company is positioning another retro soda flavor for a "comeback."

Months ago, USA Today confirmed that Diet Cherry Coke - a favorite of many Coca-Cola fans - was coming back. However, that report indicated the flavor would only be available at "certain stores." That may have changed.

In addition, Coca-Cola announced on October 30 that the company is positioning Mr. Pibb for "a comeback" with "a new look, extra caffeine, and a bold cherry flavor, appealing to longtime fans and new consumers alike."

• The popular Instagram page Snackolator wrote on November 22, "The Return of the King: Diet Cherry Coke returns in early 2026 and this time it's back permanently!"
• "Thirty years ago, Cherry Coke debuted in bottles and cans, giving retailers and foodservice operators a novel new choice for their customers," the website Coke Solutions, which is run by the Coca-Cola company, wrote.

The change is backed up by consumer habits. "The cherry cola segment in general is up 4.4% in volume over the last five years," reported Coke Solutions.

Fans of Diet Cherry Coke May Be in Luck

Snackolator, which has 700,000 followers, claimed that a Coca-Cola representative described the return of Diet Cherry Coke as a "sustain item."

According to USA Today, the "retro" soda flavor "was wiped from retail stores" by 2018. USA Today had reported that the limited run of the beverage meant fans could only purchase it in stores under the Kroger umbrella. "Cherry Coke launched in early 1985 in select U.S. cities and rolled out nationwide that summer," Coke Solutions says.

But Snackolator claims it's a permanent change.

"I posted about this last month but now have the artwork for the 20oz bottles and cans - I'm way too excited for the GOAT to come back and cannot wait to load up!" the site added.

"At the NACS show 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. And unlike the recent retro release at Kroger stores, this will be at ALL retailers," continued the page.

Men's Journal has reached out to Coca-Cola for comment and confirmation.

Mr. Pibb's Comeback Is Planned for 2026

"The Coca‑Cola Company is launching Mr. Pibb and Mr. Pibb Zero Sugar in new packaging, with a national rollout planned for 2026," Coca-Cola wrote in a news release.

"Mr. Pibb — the beloved spicy cherry soda that amassed a devoted fan following for nearly three decades — is making a commercial comeback this month with a modern new look and an added caffeine kick," the company wrote.

"The brand launched in 1972 and was renamed Pibb Xtra in 2001. Now, due to popular demand, a reformulated Mr. Pibb is returning to shelves in Florida, Chicago, Las Vegas, Michigan and California nearly 25 years later, with national rollout planned for 2026."

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