Coca-Cola has bid farewell to numerous flavors over the years, but fans of some discontinued varieties are holding out hope for their return. Among those flavors are Orange Vanilla, Cherry Vanilla, Black Cherry Vanilla, Coke with Lime, and Cinnamon Coke, which either saw brief stays on shelves or had temporary resurgences. However, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for fans as Diet Cherry Coke is rumored to make a comeback.
The popular Instagram account Snackolator, known for its updates on snacks and beverages, has announced that Diet Cherry Coke, which first launched in 1986, is expected to return early next year. The account shared what appears to be marketing artwork for 20-ounce bottles and cans of the anticipated beverage. This news follows a recent limited-time release of Diet Cherry Coke in retro packaging in the U.K.
According to Snackolator, a Coca-Cola representative indicated that the Diet Cherry Coke revival is intended to be a “sustain” item, meaning it will be a permanent addition to their lineup rather than a fleeting seasonal return. The prospective comeback has delighted longtime fans, with many taking to Threads to express their excitement, with one user exclaiming, “Dreams do come true.”
Coca-Cola has a history of reviving favored products. Top brands often return after their discontinuation due to the passionate pleas from fans feeling deprived of their favorite choices. Surge, the bright green citrus soda, is a notable example; after being pulled in 2003, it returned to store shelves in 2014 following a dedicated “Bring Back Surge” movement on Facebook, which drew significant attention and study.
Diet Cherry Coke is not alone in the ranks of flavors that Coca-Cola has discontinued. Over the years, several varieties have come and gone, including Coca-Cola Orange Vanilla, which launched in 2019 and was discontinued in 2022, and Coca-Cola Spiced, which had a brief run in early 2024 before being pulled due to low demand.
Despite a complex operating environment, Coca-Cola’s overall business remains strong. CEO James Quincey highlighted that while some consumers face challenges from inflation and geopolitical uncertainties, the company has reported impressive volume growth and organic revenue results. In a fiercely competitive market filled with new celebrity-endorsed soda brands, reviving a nostalgic favorite like Diet Cherry Coke could signify a strategic success for the beverage giant and delight longtime fans across the nation.
As Coca-Cola prepares for this significant flavor revival, it underscores the brand’s commitment to listening to its consumer base and navigating the challenges of a dynamic retail landscape with clever marketing strategies.