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It’s the cherry on top for soda fans.
The beverage giant announced the expansion of its cherry portfolio with the launch of the Coca‑Cola Cherry Float and the nationwide release of Diet Coke Cherry — now a permanent addition to their lineup.
Rolling out to retailers in the US and Canada this month, these flavors will join the existing Coca‑Cola Cherry and Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar Cherry lineup.
In a news release, the company suggested that the expansion of the cherry line reflects “growing demand for nostalgic flavors reimagined in modern ways.”
Cherry Coke was first introduced in 1985 as Coca‑Cola’s first-ever flavored extension, which the brand believes “established a legacy that continues to influence beverage culture today.”
The brand-new Coca‑Cola Cherry Float is inspired by the classic soda-fountain favorite, made to give fans a taste of a Cherry Coke float — without the ice cream or dairy.
Cherry Float features creamy vanilla notes and comes in full-sugar and zero-sugar options in 12-ounce 12-pack cans and 20-ounce bottles.
The brand is putting a “refreshed visual expression” on the Cherry Float packaging, using Coca-Cola’s iconic red and incorporating cherry-inspired pink and purple hues with a vintage Coca‑Cola float illustration.
Along with the Cherry Float, the company is permanently bringing back Diet Coke Cherry nationwide, which they had previously teased.
The beloved beverage was discontinued in 2020, marking the first time since its release in 1986 that it was off the shelves in the US.
At the time, it was phased out alongside several other Coca-Cola flavors, but it seems that Diet Coke Cherry impacted die-hard fans the most.
It returned for only a limited time last summer — a fact that upset fans who wanted it to be a permanent edition.
“Why even bring it back at all?? They tempt us and then take it away from us,” commented one fan at the time, lamenting the limited element of the classic cola flavor.
The beverage, which has been “long sought by loyal fans,” will also be hitting shelves this month — but the limited retro packaging that was seen in the summer 2025 drop will not be part of the national release.
Instead, Diet Coke Cherry, with the taste of a Diet Coke with a “bold” and “nostalgic” cherry twist, will have updated packaging featuring the standard Diet Coke branding accompanied by cherry iconography.
Diet Coke Cherry is now “easier than ever to find” and will be available in 12-ounce 12-pack cans and 20-ounce bottles.
The company noted that the products will be available at most major retailers in the US and Canada, as well as online, and select offerings will be accessible through Coca‑Cola Freestyle machines.
Fans on social media were ecstatic about the new rollout.
“i want the cherry float! not the zero sugar one though lol,” one quipped.
“Love this new coca cola flavor I bought a bottle then I bought a 12 pack of it & it’s my second favorite from the holiday one,” another shared.
“CAN’T WAIT! I do wish they would have kept the retro packaging though!” someone said of Diet Coke Cherry.
“Diet cherry should be illegal it’s so damn good. Can’t wait,” another said.
