20 Weirdest Soda Flavors Throughout The Years

As soft drink leaders for over 115 years, we’ve received all sorts of requests to develop bizarre flavors and exotic tastes. At RC Cola International, we’ve never gone on to make them, but it’s interesting to see what happened with some of these wildly exotic flavors. So here’s our list of the top 20 wildest and wackiest soda flavors ever:

1. Celery flavored soda

First produced in the U.S. in 1868, Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray actually still has a following in New York City, where it’s popular at delicatessens. The flavor continues to be a limited success.

2. Bubble Gum flavored soda

Produced in 1987 in the U.S., Hubba Bubba Original Bubble Gum Soda (together with its diet counterpart) was created by film producer Steve Roeder using a snow-cone flavoring. By the 90’s, this bright pink drink started to be produced by Novelty Beverage company, who acquired license rights from the Wrigley company and sold it worldwide. But as it was not a particular success, it was discontinued.

3. Turkey and Gravy flavored soda

Produced in the U.S. in 2003, this Jones Soda was made as a limited-edition drink for the holidays.

4. Pumpkin pie flavored soda

First produced in 2005, Lester’s Fixins Pumpkin Pie Soda is made in the U.S. You can buy it online on Amazon. While this isn’t the most popular beverage to hit the market, one of Amazon’s reviewers recommends, “Bring them to parties, create a soda tasting, and watch as they become all the fun!”

5. Tree Bark flavored soda

First produced in 2005 by Mauby Fizz in the Caribbean, this wacky flavor somehow is still being produced. To make this soda, tree bark is boiled down and mixed with spices and herbs. People say it has a range of health benefits: lowers blood pressure, fights diabetes, and is an effective laxative.

6. Black Garlic flavored soda

Produced in Switzerland, LaObamas Black Garlic soda is believed to have certain medicinal benefits. The claim is that it is “a refreshing special garlic drink absolutely free of garlic smell.” Surprisingly, it has NOT been discontinued; it’s still being sold from some online health shops.

7. Onion flavored soda

Onion soda is a surprising combination, and it certainly wouldn’t be a winner in Western countries. However, there are several onion-flavored carbonated drinks on the market in South Korea – thus the inspiration. While the drink’s taste may be fairly off-putting, it is rumored to have medicinal benefits related to heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

8. Bacon flavored soda

Bacon soda was first produced in 2010 in the U.S. as a result of the bacon craze that swept America, and it is still being sold today. The strong meaty flavor in a carbonated drink certainly comes as a surprise.

9. Salty Watermelon flavored soda

The added salt in Fanta Salty Watermelon – a watermelon and salt flavored Fanta was produced in Japan in 2016. Apparently Japan is known for having particularly hot summers and considers watermelon and salt to be a classic summer food; this supposedly helps hydrate the body to prevent heat stroke by making up for salts the body sweats out. Unfortunately, the drink wasn’t as much of a hit as expected, and it was discontinued.

10. Buffalo Wings flavored soda

Still available today on Amazon, reviewers describe “a citrus soda that had been spiked with a couple teaspoons of hot sauce.” Sold under the brand name of Lester’s Fixins, this drink was first produced in the U.S. in 2012 by Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shops.

11. Ranch Dressing flavored soda

Produced in the U.S. in 2013 by Rocket Fizz, this soda is still available – surprisingly! – on Amazon. One fan writes, “I gave it 5 stars. Don't get me wrong--this stuff is rancid. It IS, however, a really fun gift to give.” Another shares, “While I enjoy the concept of these novelty beverages, actually imbibing them has been a dubious experience at best.” Rocket Fizz Co-founder Rob Powells says they thought of the idea because his business partner Ryan is crazy about ranch dressing. People have a lot to stay about the smell, though – it apparently has the odor of blue cheese.

12. Dirt flavored soda

This one’s easily available in the U.S. through Amazon, which sells it like this: “Bubbly soft drink that tastes like sugary dirt - made with pure cane sugar.” Some of the reviews say it does smell like dirt but point out that its taste isn’t that bad.

13. Mustard flavored soda

This bright yellow beverage is still being produced in the U.S. and can be purchased on Amazon and elsewhere online. Mustard Flavored Soda is sweetened with pure cane sugar and is a combination of tangy and sweet, but the most surprising aspect of it is its wild color.

14. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich flavored soda

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich was first produced in 2014 in the U.S. by the Jones Soda Company, which created a variety of bizarre sodas that were limited edition. Out of the many flavors they marketed, however, only PB&J is still being sold.

15. Curry flavored soda

Sold almost exclusively in Japan, Ramune brand’s savory-sweet flavored soda is a far cry from the earthy experience of eating real curry. However, in Japan, where curry sauce is a very popular condiment, this curry drink is still being sold today. Other unusual flavors sold by Ramune along the same theme include wasabi and chili oil.

16. Pickle Juice flavored soda

This one is still being produced! Carbonated pickle juice is green and it smells of vinegar. Ugh! But people claim it has medicinal properties that help with muscle cramps. It’s still available online, at the Soda Emporium and other places.

17. White Fungus Bird’s Nest flavored soda

No, this is not a joke! This soda could only have been produced in Vietnam, where bird’s nest is considered a popular delicacy. Tribeco Bird’s Nest White Fungus is made with the nest of a species of cave-dwelling bird called the swiftlet. The nest is edible, unlike the nests that we’re used to seeing which are made of twigs and leaves - as swiftlets make their nests entirely of hardened saliva. Apparently, swiftlet birds’ nests have been used in cooking in certain parts of Asia for more than 400 years. And as if the bird’s nest flavor isn’t enough, chunks of white fungus are added to this shocking drink. It’s very hard to believe, but people claim it tastes like vanilla with milk.

18. Strawberry & Milk flavored soda

Pink Cola, also known as Strawberry Milk Cola, was produced in Japan in 2014. Funnily enough, that wasn’t its first run, as this flavor had already been released previously, in 2011. It’s a very pink drink (of course) and is extremely sweet tasting. Not surprisingly, Pink Cola has a strong strawberry fragrance.

19. Butter flavored soda

Rocket Fizz Butter Flavored Soda is sold online on Amazon and other stores online. Produced in 2017, it is made with real cane sugar

Diversify Your Portfolio with RC Cola’s Delicious Soda Flavors

Some of these are really hard to believe!

And while these wacky soda flavors are fun, they are unlikely to do much in terms of increasing your revenues. However, by partnering with RC Cola International you receive 360° support from our professional and experienced team, as well as a variety of well-known, loved award-winning beverages.

The best way to successfully expand your beverage portfolio is with some of RC Cola’s popular and exotic, delicious brands such as our Mighty Rain or RC Q Mango Melon.