Coca-Cola Discontinues Two Beverages in U.S. Portfolio Reset
Coca-Cola has confirmed it will discontinue two products in the United States: Coca-Cola Cherry Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero Sugar. The move is part of a broader portfolio optimization strategy as the beverage giant sharpens its focus on high-performing core offerings and innovation in areas of strong consumer demand.
According to a company spokesperson, this decision is based on ongoing efforts to streamline the product lineup and prioritize beverages with the strongest consumer pull. The Cherry and Vanilla Zero Sugar variants, while niche favorites among select audiences, failed to generate sufficient volume or growth potential to warrant ongoing investment.
The zero-sugar category continues to be a priority for Coca-Cola, especially as health-conscious consumers seek reduced-sugar alternatives. However, the company appears to be consolidating its sugar-free options around better-performing products like Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke.
In recent years, Coca-Cola has engaged in regular SKU rationalization, discontinuing underperforming or redundant products — a trend accelerated during the pandemic to improve supply chain efficiency and focus marketing efforts. This latest decision aligns with that approach, aiming to refine the brand’s U.S. portfolio with a focus on scalable growth.
Industry analysts suggest that while the discontinuation of these two flavors may disappoint a loyal subset of consumers, the impact on overall brand performance is likely to be minimal. In fact, consolidating around fewer SKUs could allow for more robust support of flagship products, better shelf space utilization, and enhanced brand clarity — benefits particularly crucial in the hyper-competitive carbonated soft drink segment.
For retailers and FMCG stakeholders, this move reinforces a growing industry pattern: brands are choosing depth over breadth, investing in category leaders and proven innovation pipelines rather than spreading resources thin across marginal extensions.
Coca-Cola has not indicated plans to reintroduce the discontinued flavors in other formats or regions. U.S. consumers looking for similar profiles may need to explore mix-in flavor options or turn to independent beverage brands that cater to niche flavor preferences.