Madeleine Hull
Pepsi has been a popular drink for a long time, with many people enjoying its various flavors. One of its most popular flavors is Cherry Pepsi, which was introduced in the 1980s. In the early 1990s, Diet Cherry Pepsi was introduced, providing a low-calorie option that quickly gained popularity. However, in recent years, finding Diet Cherry Pepsi has become increasingly difficult, with many stores carrying other flavors or none at all. So, has Pepsi discontinued this beloved drink?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for discontinuation | Aluminum shortage |
| Year of discontinuation | 2018 |
| Availability | Some online retailers like Amazon may have limited stock |
| Alternative options | Pepsi Zero Cherry, Diet Pepsi |
| Fan reaction | Disappointment, frustration |
| Future availability | Uncertain |
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What You'll Learn
Diet Cherry Pepsi discontinued in the US
Diet Cherry Pepsi: A Fan Favourite
Diet Cherry Pepsi, a popular drink with a loyal fan base, was discontinued in the United States in early 2018. This decision left many consumers disappointed and seeking alternatives. The drink was introduced in the early 1990s and quickly rose to popularity as a lower-calorie option, with a taste that, although slightly different from regular Pepsi, was still very well-liked.
Reasons for Discontinuation
The discontinuation of Diet Cherry Pepsi can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the company faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including an aluminum shortage, which resulted in Pepsi temporarily discontinuing some of its less popular flavors, including Diet Cherry Pepsi. The pandemic also caused a shift in consumer behavior, with a slowdown in the beverage category in the US, which likely influenced Pepsi's decision to streamline its product offerings.
Consumer Response
The response to the discontinuation of Diet Cherry Pepsi has been varied. Some consumers have expressed their disappointment and frustration, especially those who preferred the taste of Diet Cherry Pepsi over the alternatives. They have taken to online forums to share their experiences and seek solutions, including checking online retailers like Amazon for limited stock. Others have speculated that the drink may become a promotional or seasonal offering, only available at certain times.
Alternative Options
Pepsi has introduced and continued to sell other cherry-flavored beverages, such as Pepsi Zero Cherry and Cherry Vanilla, which may serve as alternatives for those seeking a cherry-flavored Pepsi drink. However, these alternatives have received mixed reviews, with some consumers preferring the unique taste of Diet Cherry Pepsi.
Future Prospects
While Diet Cherry Pepsi is currently discontinued in the US, there is a possibility that Pepsi may reintroduce it in the future, especially if consumer demand persists. The company has not explicitly stated that the drink will never return, and with the dynamic nature of the beverage industry, it is possible that Diet Cherry Pepsi could make a comeback, especially if consumers continue to voice their interest and demand for the product.
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Aluminum shortage
In 2020, Pepsi fans noticed that Diet Cherry Pepsi was becoming increasingly difficult to find in stores. Some attributed this to the COVID-19 pandemic and an aluminum shortage, which was causing canning issues for the company. Pepsi itself claimed that the aluminum shortage was the reason for discontinuing Diet Cherry Pepsi, choosing to focus instead on its main Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Pepsi Zero products.
The aluminum shortage was not unique to Pepsi, with major can suppliers reducing their shipments to smaller-scale breweries and beverage producers, and focusing on larger corporations such as Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, and Molson Coors. This left many small to mid-size companies without aluminum cans for their products. The shortage was attributed to a combination of factors, including the increasing popularity of canned beverages, particularly hard seltzer, and the rising electricity prices that led to the closure of several aluminum plants in the United States.
In the two years leading up to 2024, three aluminum plants in the US had closed, leaving only four running, with just two of them operating at full capacity. The closure of the Magnitude 7 Metals plant in Missouri was a significant blow, as the plant could supply up to 30% of the country's aluminum needs. The plant shut down due to rising electricity prices, which can account for about 40% of the cost of production. The Century Aluminum plant in Hawesville, Kentucky, also closed in June 2022 after power costs tripled.
The aluminum shortage had a significant impact on industries across the board, as aluminum is the world's second-most-used metal, utilized in everything from airplanes and cars to solar panels and electric transmission lines. It is of particular importance to President Biden's clean energy program, with the metal being a critical component in many of the energy transition technologies. The shortage has forced companies to get creative with their packaging methods, with some switching to glass bottles or promoting growlers as temporary alternatives.
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Production of core flavours
Pepsi has been a popular drink for a long time, with many people enjoying it for several decades. The company has introduced a variety of flavours over the years to cater to different tastes and preferences. One of the most popular flavours has been Cherry Pepsi, which was introduced in the 1980s and has since undergone slight recipe changes while retaining its signature flavour profile.
In the early 1990s, Diet Cherry Pepsi was launched as a lower-calorie alternative to regular Pepsi, and it quickly gained popularity. However, in recent years, consumers have reported that this variety has become increasingly difficult to find in stores. Some sources indicate that Pepsi discontinued Diet Cherry Pepsi in the United States as of early 2018. The company attributed this decision to an aluminium shortage and prioritised the production of core flavours such as Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Mountain Dew.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pepsi experienced challenges in sourcing cans and was forced to prioritise the production of core flavours. This resulted in limited availability of certain flavours, including Diet Cherry Pepsi. While some consumers reported finding it in select stores, others expressed frustration at its scarcity or discontinuation.
It's worth noting that Pepsi has made efforts to meet consumer demands and preferences. While they discontinued the Sierra Mist line in 2023, they introduced Starry as a replacement to appeal to younger drinkers. Additionally, the company has emphasised its optimism about the market and remains committed to adapting to changing consumer behaviour.
Although Diet Cherry Pepsi may be harder to find, it has not been completely discontinued as of 2024. It is still produced and sold in certain regions, and consumers can try alternative options like online retailers or international sellers to get their hands on this flavour.
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Pepsi Zero Cherry
Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry is a drink with a subtle cherry flavor and the company's only soda with zero calories. It is available in 12-ounce cans, sold in packs of 12. Customers who have left reviews for the product have praised its taste, describing it as not overly sweet and a good alternative to regular sodas. Some have also noted that it tastes better than Coke Zero. However, some customers have criticized the product for its price, with some finding it too expensive compared to similar products.
The introduction of Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry led to the discontinuation of Diet Cherry Pepsi, which was phased out during the Covid pandemic, allegedly due to an aluminum shortage. The decision to discontinue Diet Cherry Pepsi was met with disappointment from some consumers, who preferred its taste over the Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry.
Despite the criticism of the taste of Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry, it seems that the product is here to stay, with some consumers noting that it has been available since its introduction. The drink is available for purchase from various retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Pepsi Home Delivery.
While the taste of Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry may be a matter of personal preference, it has received mixed reviews, with some praising its subtle flavor and lack of sweetness, while others find it harsh and lacking in cherry taste.
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Pepsi's market share
PepsiCo's US market share in carbonated soft drinks was 24.3% in 2022, down from 26% in 2021. The company's soft drink market share has been declining in recent years. PepsiCo's most famous product is its Pepsi soft drink, but it also owns other drink brands and snack foods.
Pepsi has seen its market share drop from 15% in 1995 to 8.3% in 2023. In 2024, Dr. Pepper tied with Pepsi as America's second most popular soda brand. Combined, the three Coca-Cola brands (Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite) have 35% of the market, compared to Pepsi's 8.3%.
The decline in Pepsi's market share may be due to various factors, such as the introduction of new drink brands and the increasing popularity of healthy alternatives to carbonated soft drinks. Additionally, Pepsi has faced challenges in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and aluminum shortages, which may have impacted their production and sales.
It is worth noting that some sources indicate that Diet Cherry Pepsi has been discontinued in certain regions due to low sales, which could also impact Pepsi's market share. However, other sources suggest that it is still available in select areas or that its availability may vary depending on the store and region.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Pepsi has discontinued Diet Cherry Pepsi. However, it is still available on Amazon and through international sellers.
The discontinuation of Diet Cherry Pepsi was due to an aluminum shortage, and the company chose to prioritize the production of its main drinks.
Pepsi stopped making Diet Cherry Pepsi in early 2018.
In 2023, Pepsi discontinued the entire Sierra Mist line, Pepsi 1893, Pepsi Berry, and Pepsi Cherry Vanilla. The company has been making changes based on changing consumer behavior.
