Key Takeaways
- Permanent Return: Coca-Cola is officially bringing back Diet Cherry Coke as a permanent item, not a limited-edition flavor.
- Launch Date: The nostalgic soda is scheduled to hit shelves across all retailers in early 2026.
- Available Formats: Fans will be able to purchase the drink in both 20 oz bottles and 12-packs of cans.
- Company Growth: This relaunch comes as Coca-Cola reports strong revenue growth and renewed focus on its popular Diet Coke product line.
Get ready for a blast from the past, because a fan-favorite soda is making a triumphant and permanent return. Coca-Cola has confirmed it is bringing back its iconic Diet Cherry Coke, with a planned relaunch for early 2026.
A Sweet Confirmation
The news first gained traction after the food-focused social media account Snackolator shared the update on Instagram. According to the post, a Coca-Cola representative at the NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) show confirmed the drink’s comeback.
“At the NACS show I spoke with a Coca-Cola representative and they confirmed this is a ‘sustain’ item which means it is intended to stick around (not a ‘limited’ flavor) so hopefully it sells well enough to stay FOREVER this time,” the post reads.
This confirmation means fans won’t have to worry about the flavor disappearing from shelves again anytime soon.
A Flavorful History
Diet Cherry Coke has had a long and storied journey. First introduced in 1985, it quickly became a beloved alternative to classic Coke. The flavor was later rebranded in 2006 as “Diet Coke Feisty Cherry” before being discontinued. It made a brief return in 2018, only to be pulled from the market again, leaving fans disappointed. This 2026 re-release marks the flavor’s highly anticipated permanent return.
Fueling Nostalgia and Growth
The decision to bring back Diet Cherry Coke aligns with Coca-Cola’s recent business strategy, which has seen the company lean into nostalgia while posting strong financial results. The Atlanta-based beverage giant reported a 5% increase in net revenues in its latest quarter, crediting brand investments and the resilience of its product portfolio.
During a recent earnings call, Chairman and CEO James Quincey highlighted the company’s momentum, stating, “We’re investing behind our brands which led to broad-based strength across our total beverage portfolio.”
Company executives also noted that the Diet Coke brand, in particular, has seen “strong volume growth” recently. The permanent return of Diet Cherry Coke seems poised to capitalize on both this brand momentum and the consumer demand for familiar, nostalgic flavors.
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