Soda fans are freaking out over the limited return of beloved Coca-Cola flavor: ‘I have begged to bring this back’

Diet Cherry Coke is reportedly making a comeback just in time for summer — but it won’t be on shelves for long.

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 Cherry Coke impacted die-hard fans the most.

Instagram account @snackolator shared the news that the popular flavor is returning in classic 20 oz bottles and 12 oz 12-can packs, with a nostalgia-fueled, 80s-inspired look many longtime fans may recognize.

But before fans leap for joy over this news — the popular flavor will supposedly only be on shelves for a limited time, which sparked plenty of lively debate on social media.

“Why even bring it back at all?? They tempt us and then take it away from us,” commented one fan, lamenting the limited element of the classic cola flavor.

“The amount of times I have written to and begged Coke to bring this back!” commented one user under the post.

“I’ve been drinking Diet Dr. Pepper as a substitute,” said another fan.

“Oh yay! I’m super picky about my diet soda and the Splenda sweetened stuff just didn’t hit right. I need the old school carcinogenic aspartame to get my fix,” chimed in someone else.

Diet Cherry Coke is reportedly returning to Kroger shelves across the country in July 2025, according to the food blog Sporked.

“I work at a Kroger chain, we [already] have shipments for it, just gotta wait for release,” a commenter under the viral @snackolator post added to this claim.

There is no official confirmation from Coca-Cola yet on key details — locations, release date or limited timeframe.

The Post reached out to the brand for comment.

According to fans, the absence of the sugar-free soda on shelves has been duly noted. Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Rumors of Diet Cherry Coke’s return have been swirling since the beginning of the year, when Sporked posted inside findings from Coca-Cola’s 2025 Innovation Calendar — other releases of note include new Topo Chico flavors and Coca-Cola Orange Cream.

While the Diet Cherry Coke drop is rumored to be limited, others believe it could serve as a trial run to test consumer interest for a more permanent release. Bloomberg via Getty Images

While the majority of fans in the comments of the Instagram post were hyped about soon being able to get their hands on Diet Cherry Coke, others wondered if it was truly necessary, considering Cherry Coke Zero exists.

“I’m confused, is this different from what we have at stores now?” questioned one commenter.

“Coke Zero tastes different than Diet Coke. Zero is made with a slightly different artificial sweetener combo in an attempt to make it taste more like regular Coke,” another user explained.

As it turns out, many fans who opt for lower-sugar options prefer the taste of Diet Coke to Coke Zero — almost to a fanatical degree.

“Where can I find? This is an emergency!” wrote one Diet Cherry Coke drinker.

“Make it permanent,” said someone else.