Remember cracking open a cold Slice soda on a hot summer day in the 80s? That distinctive fizz, the bold fruit flavors, and the satisfaction of drinking something that actually contained real fruit juice? After nearly two decades away from store shelves, Slice is back and it’s bringing some serious health upgrades to the table.
The iconic soda that once challenged giants like Sprite and 7UP has returned with a revolutionary formula that transforms it from a nostalgic treat into a functional beverage. But does this new version live up to the original’s legacy? Let’s explore everything you need to know about Slice’s remarkable comeback story.
The Rise and Fall of Original Slice Soda
When PepsiCo launched Slice in 1984, it wasn’t just another citrus soda it was a game-changer. At a time when most sodas relied on artificial flavoring, Slice boldly marketed itself as containing real fruit juice, a concept that seems commonplace now but was revolutionary then.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Slice quickly captured a significant portion of the American soft drink market by 1987, an impressive feat considering the cola-dominated landscape. The brand’s success stemmed from its authentic fruit taste and clever marketing that emphasized the “real juice” advantage over competitors like Sprite and 7UP.
However, success bred competition. Other beverage companies quickly recognized the market potential and launched their own real juice sodas. Brands with stronger name recognition, like Minute Maid, entered the space with built-in consumer trust. Marketing budget cuts, strategic missteps, and market saturation gradually eroded Slice’s dominance.
By the late 1980s, Slice’s market share had plummeted. Despite continuing production for another decade and a half, the writing was on the wall. PepsiCo officially discontinued Slice around 2005, leaving fans with nothing but fond memories of their favorite fruit-flavored soda.
The New Slice: A Health-Focused Renaissance
The Slice making its comeback today bears little resemblance to its corporate predecessor. SujaLife, operating under New Slice Ventures, acquired the brand and completely reimagined what Slice could be. This isn’t PepsiCo’s resurrection project, it’s an entirely new company with a wellness-focused mission.
SujaLife, originally launched in 2012 as a health-based juice company, brings a fundamentally different philosophy to the Slice brand. While the original Slice was simply “soda with real fruit juice,” the new Slice positions itself as a “healthy soda” with functional benefits that go far beyond refreshment.
The transformation began quietly in late 2018, when Slice initially returned as a sparkling water line featuring flavors like mango pineapple and raspberry grapefruit. However, the recent rebrand embraces the nostalgic Slice identity while incorporating modern health trends that today’s consumers demand.
Revolutionary Formula: The Science Behind New Slice
The most significant difference between original and new Slice lies in its groundbreaking formulation. The new Slice contains what the company calls its “Slice Gutsy Blend™” a combination of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics designed to support digestive health.
Understanding the “Biotics” Trio
Prebiotics function as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria. Think of them as specialized nutrients that feed the good microorganisms in your digestive system, helping them thrive and multiply. Without adequate prebiotics, even the best probiotics struggle to establish themselves effectively.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that actively support digestive health, immune function, and even mood regulation. These microscopic workers help maintain the delicate balance of your gut microbiome, which research increasingly links to overall wellness.
Postbiotics represent the beneficial compounds produced when probiotics metabolize prebiotics. These include organic acids, peptides, and other bioactive substances that provide additional health benefits, including immune support and inflammation reduction.
This three-part approach creates a comprehensive gut health system within each can of Slice. While many functional beverages focus on just one of these components, Slice’s formula addresses the entire spectrum of digestive wellness.
Clean Ingredient Profile
Beyond the biotics blend, new Slice maintains several health-conscious standards. Each can contains five grams of sugar or less, achieved through natural sweetening rather than artificial alternatives. The formula excludes high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and other additives commonly found in traditional sodas.
The beverage is also gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO, making it accessible to consumers with various dietary restrictions and preferences. Despite these health upgrades, Slice retains the heavy carbonation and bold flavors that made the original so memorable.
Available Flavors and Where to Find Them
New Slice currently offers six core flavors, each designed to capture the essence of the original while providing modern functional benefits:
- Orange: Described by reviewers as bright, tangy, and reminiscent of sunshine
- Lemon-Lime: The original flagship flavor that made Slice famous
- Classic Cola: Formulated to compete directly with mainstream cola brands
- Ginger Ale: A smooth, spicy option with digestive benefits
- Grapefruit Spritz: Crisp and zesty with balanced sweetness
- Strawberry: A newer addition to the lineup
Some retailers also carry grape flavor, though availability varies by location.
Distribution and Availability
Finding Slice requires some detective work, as distribution remains limited compared to major soda brands. Costco serves as the primary national retailer, offering 12-packs through their wholesale model. Other confirmed retailers include select Target locations, Acme Markets, Rouses Market, and Piggly Wiggly stores.
Local and regional grocery chains increasingly stock Slice, but availability varies significantly by geographic area. The company’s website features a store locator tool to help consumers find nearby retailers.
For guaranteed access, Slice offers direct-to-consumer sales through their website. Customers can purchase individual 12-packs or establish subscription deliveries with modest discounts. While online purchasing costs more than retail, it ensures consistent access regardless of local availability.
Make Your Own Slice Discovery
Slice’s remarkable journey from 1980s sensation to 2020s health-focused comeback represents more than just beverage industry evolution; it reflects changing consumer priorities around health, nostalgia, and functional nutrition.
Whether you’re seeking to recapture childhood memories or explore healthier soda alternatives, Slice offers a unique proposition that bridges past and present. The combination of familiar flavors with modern functional benefits creates something entirely new in the beverage landscape.
Find Slice Near You Now and discover how this iconic brand has reinvented itself for a new generation of health-conscious consumers.
