A brief history of Tab, the iconic diet soda that’s headed to the graveyard

Fast Company ^ | 11/30/20 | Jeffrey Miller

[DallasBiff]

From the beginning, Tab’s story has been one of perseverance. The brand survived initial low sales, the artificial sweetener scares of the 1960s and 1970s, lukewarm enthusiasm for the product at the corporate level and intermittent consumer availability to become—for a brief period—the most popular diet soda in America. Then, of course, Diet Coke came along.

While it never regained its lofty status as the top diet soda, loyal Tab fans kept the brand alive.

[deport]

At my age I drink the diet, caffeine free colas and to a
degree it makes no difference to me what brand. Each
does taste a little different but I enjoy them all.

[SpaceBar]

Last time I tried Tab was like in 1971 or thereabouts and I still have a peculiar metallic-like sweet taste on my lips.

[Carl Vehse]

What has happened to Fresca?

[sauropod]

I remember Tab. Bottles and all.

Diet Pepsi before there was a Diet Pepsi.

[nascarnation]

Currently, Fresca has been rebranded as "Fresca Sparkling Soda Water", reformulated in four flavors – Grapefruit Citrus, Black Cherry Citrus, Peach Citrus and Blackberry Citrus – and described as "The original no sugar, no calorie sparkling beverage". In the US, Fresca is currently sold in plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

[DallasBiff]

They(Fresca) look like those millenial energy drinks, no wonder I pass them.

[Gay State Conservative]

It makes me feel very good when I order a Triple Whopper,large fries and a Diet Coke.

[Dr. Sivana]

Same for Mountain Dew. Nasty taste.

Agreed. And let us add Mello Yello to the list.

[Seruzawa]

I never thought Tab was that bad. But then I’m someone who liked C-Rats eggs, scrambled with ham, chopped.

[Repeat Offender]

Marb Lights? What are you worried about your health?

[EEGator]

It’s my 1970’s Twiggy diet.
I’m just a follower…

[EEGator]

“Want to come over and mow my lawn? Hmmm, hmm?…”

[Migraine]

Absolutely! For me it’s diet coke in the daytime, Fresca at night.

[metmom]

That was another one.

[coloradan]

#lifegoals

[ConservativeMind]

I had a relative who drank this, all the time. It didn’t appear to ever help with weight issues, though. The saccharin was just terrible in it and the total flavor was literally like drinking black-colored, weakened vinegar, with a hint of cola flavor along with an overwhelming metallic, bitter, fake sweet taste.

It was easily the worst diet drink I ever recall trying.

Strangely, saccharin in tea tastes good to me, but I never tried it until decades later.

[faucetman]

“Nothing as vom-inducing in me as that acrid taste of whatever it was that was “Just one calorie” “

Vomit inducing to be sure! How anyone could drink that crap is beyond my understanding.

Is it that all fat people drink diet soda or is it that all people that drink diet soda are fat?

Is it that bald men wear hats or is it that hats make men bald?

Chicken/egg

[Maine Mariner]

Sprite, Fresca, and A.W. Root Beer for me.

[Maine Mariner]

Yes! The Diet Coke shows how serious you take eating well and counting calories! :)

[mikey_hates_everything]

I’d occassionally take a can of my mom’s Tab and put some sugar in it. Could almost pass for regular Coke with sugar(!), not the high fructose crap now.