The 3 Best (and Worst) New Soda Flavors of 2026, According to Fans

Key Takeaways

• Soda fans on Reddit aren't holding back when it comes to honest reviews of new soda flavors this year.

• Prebiotic sodas are leading beverage trends in 2026, with new gut-friendly flavors earning high praise from shoppers.

• Cherry continues to be a popular pick for soda brands and shoppers alike.

It seems like there's a new type of soda on shelves every time I visit the grocery store, from limited-edition cans to better-for-you options to unique flavor combinations you never thought would work. There have already been so many new soda releases in 2026, and while some are receiving rave reviews, others aren't winning fans over.

We scoured Reddit to see what sodas people are adding to their carts this year—and which new releases they're not over the moon about. Overall, it seems like the prebiotic variety is coming out on top. And cherry continues to be a popular pick, no matter the variety.

Here are the favorite flavors and brands that fans are stocking up on.

3 Best New Soda Flavors, According to Reddit

Pepsi Prebiotic Cola Cherry Vanilla

Prebiotic soda brands , such as Poppi and Olipop, have taken over the beverage aisle , offering a healthier, low-sugar alternative to traditional sodas. So, when Pepsi released its own version of the gut-friendly drink, Pepsi Prebiotic Cola Cherry Vanilla , fans were excited to try it.

"I drink a lot of soda. I have tried to cut back or substitute for healthier options, but really never liked the Poppi's or any of those, but this was really good," one Redditor said in the r/Soda subreddit thread. "It might just mess around and be a consistent soda in the fridge."

Another Redditor wrote, "This was good from the first sip, I think it's better than diet."

Fanta Crimson Sour Cherry

Fanta is known for its vibrant, fruity sodas . While its bright orange flavor is notorious for being a fan favorite, fans may begin reaching for the brand's newest flavor, Crimson Sour Cherry , instead.

The sour twist on the cherry-flavored soda may have stopped people in their tracks at first, but, after one sip, fans were hooked. On Reddit , soda drinkers shared their thoughts on the new Fanta drink. One Redditor wrote, "It's delicious. It's like eating the cherry parts on a Rocket Pop."

Another said, "This should be a new core flavor. It is that good." Someone else commented, "Just finished a case. I need more."

Poppi Shirley Temple

Poppi's new Shirley Temple flavor has been an instant hit. Made to taste just like the classic Shirley Temple mocktail, this sweet probiotic drink features a blend of grenadine and lemon-lime flavors. The nostalgic offering easily won Poppi fans over.

On Reddit , one person said, "I'm obsessed! OMG, it's so good!" Another fan wrote, "I think it may be my favorite one."

3 Worst New Soda Flavors, According to Reddit

Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut

Dr Pepper has a loyal fan base, and it's safe to say shoppers get excited to try any new flavor the brand rolls out. Recently, Dr Pepper released a new Creamy Coconut flavor nationwide, and while it sounds promising, the taste was overbearing for many.

"It tastes like what I imagine sunscreen would taste like," one person wrote in the r/Soda subreddit thread. Another Redditor said, "I think the coconut flavor is too strong."

Dirty Mountain Dew Cream Soda Dew

So many brands are hopping on the dirty soda trend , including Mountain Dew, which just released a new Dirty Dew Cream Soda . Although the effort to combine a smooth, vanilla cream soda flavor with the signature citrus taste of the beloved bubbly beverage sounded promising, fans weren't too thrilled.

In another r/Soda subreddit thread, Redditors shared how much buyer's remorse they've experienced after buying a case of the new soda. "Picked up a 12-pack," one person said. "Now I have 11 cans I don't know what to do with."

"It's good, not great," another Redditor shared. "Glad I didn't buy a 12-pack, as I would have had to force myself to finish it."

Mr. Pibb Punchin' Peach

Mr. Pibb was first introduced to the world in the '70s and became a fan favorite for its spicy, cherry flavor . The brand recently came out with a reformulated version of the soda, including new flavors, such as Thrillin' Vanilla and Punchin' Peach .

While the reviews on both flavors are mixed, the least favorite of the two seems to be Punchin' Peach. On Reddit , Redditors discussed the sweet new flavor, and its sweetness may be a bit too much for some taste buds.

"It tasted like straight peach to me, I liked it, but wouldn't get it again," one person admitted. Another added, "The peach is a bit overwhelming at first. I got a 12-pack, and in my first attempt, I wasn't impressed."

How you feel about any of the above sodas may be completely up to your personal taste and what flavor profiles you prefer in a beverage. If none of them piqued your interest, don't fret. There's still plenty of time for brands to release even more new sodas for all of us try this year.

Read the original article on Allrecipes