Ever walk past the soda aisle and wonder what happened to those fizzy drinks from decades past? You know, the ones your grandparents sipped or that your parents fondly remember from their childhood. Most folks assume those classic flavors vanished when big brands took over the shelves. Turns out, some of these throwback sodas are still bubbling away in stores, even if they’re hiding in plain sight. Let’s dive in.
Moxie: The Bitter Beauty Maine Still Loves
Made from gentian root, Moxie wasn’t sweet like many of the pops we know today; instead, the soda was herbal and somewhat bitter, and the flavor has stayed pretty much the same over time. In 2005, Moxie was named the official soft drink of the State of Maine, which might surprise anyone who thought this drink faded into obscurity. Today, you can still find this distinctive drink in New England supermarkets, where it maintains a passionate following among those who appreciate its unique, acquired taste. It’s the kind of soda that splits a room – some people absolutely love the medicinal edge, while others can’t get past the first sip. Honestly, Moxie represents something rare in our world of overly sweet beverages: a drink with character that refuses to conform.
Vernors: America’s Oldest Survivor
First created in Detroit, Michigan, by a pharmacist in 1866, making it one of the oldest sodas in the United States. Vernors has been a Michigan favorite, and around the country, since 1866, and it’s remarkable how it has managed to survive when so many others haven’t. Vernors Ginger Soda is the perfectly balanced, effervescent original ginger soda with the ginger flavor unlike anything else out there, known for having more of a bite than your typical ginger ale. People in Michigan practically grew up using this stuff as a stomach remedy, and Vernors Ginger Soda is still popular in its home state as well as in other parts of the country. The barrel-aged flavor gives it a golden color and a complexity that makes modern ginger ales taste like watered-down imposters.
Nehi: The Fruity Favorite Hiding in Plain Sight
Most of us remember the three main flavors of Nehi Soda – grape, peach, and orange – and created in 1924, the sweet drink is still available, but primarily by the case on Amazon. Here’s the thing: The brand, now owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, continues to manufacture Nehi Grape Soda, but it is primarily distributed through specialty retailers, online stores, and select regional grocery chains. While it once had broader distribution, these days, you’re most likely to stumble upon Nehi in the South or in specialty soda shops. The grape flavor, especially, has that artificial-but-somehow-perfect taste that takes you straight back to childhood summers. I know it sounds crazy, but there’s something about that vivid purple color and syrupy sweetness that just works, even if it doesn’t pretend to be sophisticated.
Faygo: Detroit’s Secret Weapon
Faygo Beverages, Inc., is a soft drink company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and the beverages produced by the company are distributed in the Midwestern, Mid-Atlantic, and Central Southern regions of the United States. As of 2025, Faygo offers more than 50 beverage options, which shows this brand is far from dead. Unlike many vintage sodas that have become harder to find, Faygo continues to innovate with new flavors while keeping its classic ones available. The brand has this cult following thanks partly to hip hop culture, yet it remains surprisingly affordable and widely distributed in its core regions. Faygo is introducing two all-new soda flavors in what is one of the ‘biggest launches in Faygo’s 118-year history,’ with Super Pop and Bubble Pop! already beginning to roll out. Let’s be real, Faygo proves that you don’t need national advertising campaigns to survive – just loyal fans and solid flavors.
The Comeback Kids and What It All Means
These sodas share something special beyond their vintage appeal: they refused to disappear quietly. While corporate giants discontinued countless flavors for not meeting sales quotas, these regional favorites hung on through devoted customer bases and smart niche marketing. It’s hard to say for sure, but maybe their survival teaches us something about authenticity in an age of mass production. Sprecher Brewing Company was the place to get Green River in 2024, and an announcement at the end of 2024 indicated that Jolt would be making a triumphant return to shelves in 2025, proving that old-school sodas still have market power when done right. The fact that you can still walk into certain stores and grab a Vernors or Moxie feels almost rebellious in a world dominated by Coke and Pepsi. These drinks survived because they meant something to people beyond mere refreshment – they represented memories, regional pride, and flavors too distinctive to let die.
What do you think? Have you tried any of these vintage sodas lately? Tell us in the comments.
