Back in Time Today
Juice brands once filled grocery store shelves with bright cartons and bottles, offering everything from classic orange juice to unique fruit blends. However, over time, many of these beloved brands have disappeared.
Whether due to corporate decisions, changing consumer preferences, or economic struggles, these 13 juice brands once quenched our thirst but are now either rare finds or gone for good.
1. Five Alive
Five Alive offered a delightful blend of five citrus juices that was popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Its unique combination of fruit flavors made it a refreshing choice during hot summer days. This brand managed to captivate a wide audience due to its vibrant flavors and fun packaging.
Though Five Alive still exists in some international markets, it has largely disappeared from U.S. grocery stores. Changes in consumer preferences and market focus contributed to its decline in availability. Despite its absence, many still reminisce about the tangy, sweet taste of Five Alive.
2. Citrus Hill
Citrus Hill was introduced by Procter & Gamble in the ‘80s to compete with major orange juice brands. Its fresh and tangy flavor quickly made it a household name.
The brand aimed to capture a slice of the competitive orange juice market with its strategic marketing and pricing. However, Citrus Hill faced significant challenges, including marketing struggles and poor sales. By the early ‘90s, it was discontinued, unable to compete with established players. Today, it serves as a reminder of the fierce competition within the beverage industry.
3. Fruitopia
Coca-Cola’s Fruitopia emerged in the ‘90s as a response to the growing demand for fruit-flavored drinks. With its whimsical branding and catchy flavors, it quickly became a hit among teens. The brand encapsulated the free-spirited and colorful vibe of the decade.
Despite early success, Fruitopia was phased out in the 2000s. It was replaced by Minute Maid options, as Coca-Cola shifted focus. Although it’s no longer widely available, it left an indelible mark on ‘90s pop culture and is fondly remembered by many.
4. Hi-C Ecto Cooler
Hi-C Ecto Cooler captured the imagination of children in the ‘80s and ‘90s with its Ghostbusters-themed citrus flavor. Its bright green color and association with a popular franchise made it an instant favorite among kids.
Even after the Ghostbusters craze faded, Ecto Cooler retained its loyal fans. It made brief comebacks, sparking nostalgia and excitement. Despite these returns, it’s no longer widely available, leaving fans yearning for its return. Ecto Cooler remains a nostalgic memory of childhood for many.
5. Tropicana Twister
Tropicana Twister offered a bold and sweet take on fruit juice blends in the ‘90s. Known for its tropical flavors and vibrant packaging, it was a hit at family picnics and gatherings. The brand’s innovative approach to flavor turned ordinary juice into a fun experience.
However, as Tropicana shifted its focus towards 100% juice options, Twister quietly disappeared from shelves. Its decline was a reflection of changing consumer preferences towards healthier options. Despite its absence, its lively flavors are still fondly remembered.
6. Squeezit
Squeezit was a fun, kid-friendly juice drink that gained popularity with its squeezable plastic bottles. It added excitement to lunchtime with its range of bold flavors and interactive packaging. Children enjoyed the experience of ‘squeezing’ their drink into their mouths. In the early 2000s, Squeezit was discontinued as tastes shifted away from sugary beverages.
Parents became more conscious of nutritional content, impacting sales. Although gone from the shelves, Squeezit remains a cherished part of childhood memories for those who grew up during its heyday.
7. Mondo
Mondo juices were akin to Squeezit, becoming a lunchtime staple for kids in the ‘90s. Their bright colors and fun packaging made them appealing to children across the country. Mondo offered a burst of flavor that complemented typical lunchbox snacks.
Despite their popularity, growing concerns over artificial ingredients led to their decline. The shift towards healthier alternatives impacted Mondo significantly. Despite its disappearance, the brand remains a nostalgic symbol of ‘90s childhood for many.
8. Veryfine
Veryfine was a major juice brand known for its apple juice and flavored drinks. Its presence was strong in grocery stores, and consumers trusted its quality and taste. Veryfine’s smooth, refreshing beverages were a family favorite. Kraft’s acquisition of the brand led to strategic changes.
Gradually, Veryfine products were discontinued or folded into other brands. The juice line eventually vanished, but its legacy remains, remembered by those who enjoyed its crisp apple flavor.
9. Sunny Delight (Original Formula)
Sunny Delight, affectionately known as “SunnyD,” was praised for its tangy and refreshing taste. The original formula’s unique flavor made it a staple in many households. SunnyD was synonymous with sunny days and outdoor fun. Over time, health standards necessitated a reformulation, altering its iconic taste.
Although SunnyD still exists, fans yearn for the original version. The taste change reflects broader shifts in the beverage industry towards healthier options. Despite this, it remains a beloved brand.
10. Donald Duck Orange Juice
Disney’s Donald Duck Orange Juice was once a grocery staple, known for its rich taste and branding appeal. The association with a beloved character added charm and recognition, capturing consumer interest.
Changes in licensing agreements eventually phased out its availability. As Disney’s focus shifted, the iconic juice became harder to find. Despite its disappearance, it stands as a nostalgic reminder of the power of character branding in the food industry.
11. Boku
Boku marketed itself as an upscale juice box brand for adults during the ‘90s. Its sleek packaging and sophisticated flavors targeted a mature audience looking for an on-the-go beverage option. However, as the demand for healthier beverage choices grew, Boku struggled to maintain its niche market.
The brand was short-lived, reflecting changing consumer trends. Despite its brief existence, it left a mark as a unique player in the juice industry.
12. Minute Maid Crystals
Minute Maid Crystals introduced a convenient way to enjoy fruit drinks at home. The powdered mix allowed consumers to make fresh-tasting beverages with minimal effort. Its versatility made it popular among busy families. However, as bottled juice options became more prevalent, Minute Maid Crystals were phased out.
Consumers gravitated towards ready-to-drink solutions, and the demand for powdered drinks declined. Today, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time in home beverage preparation.
13. Apple Slice
Apple Slice, a sparkling apple juice from PepsiCo, delighted consumers with its crisp, refreshing taste. The drink offered a unique alternative to traditional sodas and enjoyed popularity during the ‘80s. Competition from other fruit-flavored sodas and changing tastes ultimately led to its discontinuation.
Apple Slice faded from the market, but it remains a fond memory for those who enjoyed its effervescent flavor. It highlights the challenges faced by niche beverages in a crowded market.