Diet Cherry Coke is finally making a comeback

If you’ve been missing Diet Cherry Coke, well, you’re not alone—and good news, it’s officially making a comeback. Coca-Cola has decided to bring back the classic cherry-flavored Diet Coke for a limited time, and honestly, a lot of people are excited. It’s been off shelves in the U.S. since around 2020, mostly due to those messy supply chain issues during the pandemic, but now it’s set to return this summer.

The best part? They’re bringing it back with that same retro vibe. The packaging is going to look like it did back in the late '80s, which might hit some serious nostalgia for longtime fans. From what’s been shared, the drink will be available in select Kroger stores in the U.S., and Canadians can grab 24-packs at Costco. It’s only for a limited time, though—so if you want it, you’ll probably need to grab it while it lasts.

Why now, and what’s the big deal?

Some folks might be wondering, “Why all the fuss about a soda?” But here’s the thing—Diet Cherry Coke has had a loyal fanbase for decades. It was first released in 1986 and stayed popular for years. When it quietly disappeared in 2020, it left a lot of fans seriously bummed. So the fact that it’s coming back, even just for a little while, really means something to the people who grew up on it or just loved that unique cherry twist.

It also makes sense in today’s market. More and more people are looking for low-calorie or no-sugar drinks that still taste good. And this one definitely fit that need back in the day. Bringing it back now—especially with a cool throwback design—feels like Coca-Cola is trying to tap into that mix of nostalgia and health-conscious habits that a lot of people care about right now.

What we know so far (and what we don’t)

Here’s what’s confirmed: it’s coming back for a limited time this summer, starting in July 2025. It’ll be sold at Kroger locations in the U.S. and Costco stores in Canada. The packaging is retro-inspired, which might help it stand out on the shelf. But there are still some things Coca-Cola hasn’t confirmed yet—like how long it’ll stick around, how much it’ll cost, or whether other stores might carry it later on.

It sounds like this is kind of a test run. They want to see how people respond, and if enough people are into it, maybe it could return more permanently. But for now, the company is calling it a seasonal drop. So, yeah, you might want to keep an eye out and not wait too long if this was one of your favorites.

Final thoughts

Look, it’s just soda—but sometimes little things like this can actually be kind of fun. Especially when it’s something people have missed for years. If you used to love Diet Cherry Coke, or even if you’ve never tried it but are curious about what the hype is all about, this summer might be your chance. Whether this turns into a full comeback or just a short visit, it’s definitely a nice surprise in the world of drinks.