Coca-Cola Is Discontinuing 200 Drink Brands—Here’s What to Stock up On
From Coca-Cola with Coffee to Dr Pepper & Cream Soda, it’s always fun to hear about new sodas. (Have you tried Orange Vanilla Coke yet?) What’s less fun is when you catch wind that one of your favorite brands is being discontinued. Is there anything worse than saying goodbye to the beverages you’ve come to love over the years?
Brace yourself, because according to a report from CNN Business, Coca-Cola will be cutting half of its roster, which translates to removing 200 drink brands from stores. Who knew that Coke had over 400 different brands?!
Is Your Favorite on the Chopping Block?
Don’t panic yet—the bubbly classics like Coke and Diet Coke are safe. There isn’t a public list of the products that will be discontinued, but we know for sure that Tab, Coca-Cola’s first sugar-free offering from the 1960s, Zico coconut water and Odwalla juices and smoothies are getting the ax.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. Coca-Cola is also ceasing production of lesser-known regional sodas like Northern Neck Ginger Ale and Delaware Punch, as well as some products in the “hydration” category, which could (could is the operative word here) include Powerade, Dasani and Vitamin Water.
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Part of the change is likely due to Coca-Cola losing out on around 9% of its revenue from fast-food chains, plenty of which closed across the globe earlier this year, courtesy of COVID-19. For now, it’s looking like a majority of the cut beverages, like Zico and Odwalla, were only sold in certain markets, which could explain why you might not have heard of them before.
The Future of Beverages
Instead, Coca-Cola will be focusing its energy on brands like Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Coca-Cola Energy and AHA sparkling water, which debuted in March of this year. This makes sense since we know everyone has gone wild for hard seltzer and sparkling water is shaping up to be a favorite alternative to sugary sodas.
While we’re sad to see some of our favorites go (fingers crossed Powerade stays in the game), we’re excited to see what Coca-Cola will cook up next. They haven’t let us down before!
Use up That Leftover Coke in These Cola Recipes!
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CokeCola Cake
We live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia
Dad’s Cola Burgers
Before you hand out the drinks, save a little soda to make these burgers. Cola helps soften the texture and kick up the flavor. Used in the meat mixture and brushed on during cooking, it takes this football favorite to another level. —Emily Nelson, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Cola Cake with Strawberries & Cream
We Southerners have been eating cola cake for decades. This easy version has strawberries, too. Chill it in the fridge for a dreamy summer dessert. —Peggy Walpert, Fort Worth, Texas
Cola Hot Wings
These delectable wings are so easy to make, and they offer year-round versatility, from summer cookouts to autumn tailgates. My husband likes them so much he'll stand out in the snow to grill them! —Lisa Linville, Randolph, Nebraska
Slow-Cooked Pork Barbecue
You need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri
Cola BBQ Chicken
My dad has been making a basic version of this family favorite for years. I've recently made it my own by spicing it up a bit with hoisin sauce and red pepper flakes. Sometimes I let the chicken and sauce simmer in my slow cooker. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Cherry Cola Cake
Cherry cola and marshmallows make a zippy chocolate dessert that is scrumptious topped with vanilla ice cream. — Cheri Mason, Harmony, North Carolina
Cola Burgers
A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. -Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
Tender Barbecued Chicken
After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina
Coke Cake
I get a great response every time I serve this cake, and it seems like I'm forever sharing the recipe! Folks are always curious about the ingredients, and when I tell them the cake has cola in it, they are really surprised. The unusual combination of ingredients makes it moist and delicious. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Slow-Cooked Ham
Entertaining doesn't get much easier than serving this tasty five-ingredient ham from the slow cooker. And the leftovers are delicious in casseroles! —Heather Spring, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
Meat 'n' Potato Kabobs
They're summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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