Coca-Cola Is Reviving an Iconic, Long-Lost Soda
It’s the latest in a wave of “new-stalgic” drinks.
Image Courtesy of The Coca-Cola Company
Remember Mr. Pibb? It was kind of like Dr Pepper, kind of not (and without the medical degree). The soda first came on the scene in the 1970s, soon changing its name from Peppo to Mr. Pibb after trademark issues.
However, in 2001, Mr. Pibb disappeared. It was re-released with a new formula and rebranded as Pibb Xtra. (But let’s face it, it’s been a long time since we’ve even seen that version widely available.)
Now, however, Coca-Cola has announced it’s bringing Mr. Pibb back — and this time, it’ll be “bolder than ever.”
What is the new Mr. Pibb like?
According to a press release shared by the brand, the reformulated Mr. Pibb offers a taste of “intensely sweet cherry with hints of caramel and a spicy bite.” Appealing to both old fans and new, the soda also has 30 percent more caffeine than Pibb Xtra and will come in new packaging.
The brand calls the revamp a “new-stalgic offering.” And this isn’t the first time we’ve seen an old-school soda revived for a 2025 market. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola also brought back a popular flavor from 2004, now rebranded as Retro Diet Coke Lime. This fall, Ben Stiller also launched his own soda brand, recreating favorite flavors from his childhood.
“This is a brand people know and love, but there is also an entirely new generation that doesn’t know Mr. Pibb exists,” A.P. Chaney, Senior Director of Creative, Sparkling Flavors, Coca‑Cola North America, says in the press release. “The challenge for us, creatively, was to lean into the lore and popularity of the brand while driving awareness and discovery. We tried to marry the old with the new, the fresh and fun with the familiar.”
Image Courtesy of The Coca-Cola Company
Where can you get the new Mr. Pibb?
Mr. Pibb and Mr. Pibb Zero Sugar are currently available in Florida, Chicago, Las Vegas, Michigan and California in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and in 20-ounce bottles. Mr. Pibb is also sold in two-liter bottles.
The soda will expand to retailers nationwide in early 2026.
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