09-06-2025
Diet Cherry Coke returns to US with limited edition retro packaging
Fans of Diet Cherry Coke, rejoice. After disappearing from store shelves in 2020, the beloved cherry-flavored version of Diet Coke is making a comeback.
The news was first broken by Instagram food influencer Snackolator, who wrote, 'Diet Cherry Coke is returning for a limited time with retro packaging!' The caption added, 'It's been years since the OG Diet Cherry Coke has been out, so I'm really looking forward to getting it again.'
A post shared by Snackolator (@snackolator)
The soft drink, originally launched in 1985, is expected to return to shelves this summer with packaging inspired by its original 80s look. The relaunch will likely include 20-ounce bottles, 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, and even 24-packs exclusively for Costco members in Canada, according to multiple reports.
While Coca-Cola has not yet made an official statement, the buzz online has made fans hopeful. The company recently brought back another vintage flavor from 1905.
Last year, Coca-Cola quietly phased out two of its offerings: Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla and Diet Coke with Splenda. While there was no formal press release, the company did confirm the discontinuation on X (formerly Twitter).
'We decided to discontinue Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla due to consumers' taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing,' the company wrote. 'As a Total Beverage Company, we are always searching for ways to evolve our product portfolio to bring consumers the beverages they want.'
Back in 2018, Coca-Cola gave the Diet Coke lineup a fresh spin, launching bold new flavors like Feisty Cherry and Ginger Lime to attract a younger crowd.
To make room, old favorites like Diet Cherry Coke were pulled from shelves and made available only through Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
Then came the pandemic. With aluminum shortages and supply chain chaos, Coca-Cola was pushed to prioritise top-selling items.
The company explained the decision as part of its ongoing strategy to adapt to changing consumer preferences and said it is 'always searching for ways to evolve [its] product portfolio to bring consumers the beverages they want.'
On June 5, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida appointed Leroy Yancey, Jr as Vice President of Distribution Operations and James 'Jim' Boyce as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations.
A cherry-flavored, low-calorie version of Diet Coke, originally launched in 1985.
It was discontinued from stores in 2020, but is making a return for a limited time now with retro packaging.
A bolder cherry-flavored Diet Coke launched in 2018, discontinued in 2020 during a product lineup refresh. It offered a bolder cherry taste with a hint of spice.
