If you're a fan of fruit-flavored soda, Coca-Cola's latest release is bound to catch your eye. This week, the company announced the relaunch of Barrilitos, a cherished soft drink from Monterrey, Mexico, originally introduced in 1938 and acquired by Coca-Cola in 2008.
After listening to consumer feedback, Coca-Cola discontinued Barrilitos a few years back to focus on other imported brands, according to Food Dive. Now, the soda giant is bringing it back with a refreshed look and updated formula designed to appeal to a new generation of Latino consumers.
Coca-Cola emphasized the soft drink's popularity among multicultural Gen Z, millennials, and families, noting that the relaunch responds to the "growing demand for nostalgic beverages with cultural roots."
Barrilitos is crafted with fruit flavors and cane sugar, which Coca-Cola describes as achieving "a perfect balance of sweetness and effervescence." Produced and bottled in Mexico, the drink is available in four flavors: Mandarina (Mandarin), Manzana (Apple), Piña (Pineapple), and Ponche de Frutas (Fruit Punch). Coca-Cola notes that while the flavors can pair well with various foods, they were specifically designed to complement savory dishes, especially those from Mexican cuisine.
The relaunch offers the sodas in 12-ounce glass bottles and 1.5-liter PET multiserve bottles. However, distribution is currently limited, with the drinks initially available in California and Texas, followed by Southern Nevada and Oklahoma.
"Barrilitos is evolving to meet the tastes of a new generation while honoring its rich legacy," said Maria Correa, Barrilitos Lead, in a statement. "We’ve revitalized Barrilitos with a fresh brand identity while staying true to the classic flavors and traditions that have made it a staple in Latino households. This relaunch is an invitation to experience Barrilitos and celebrate its heritage in a new way."
Barrilitos isn’t the only soda making waves lately. On October 21, Sprite Winter Spiced returned to shelves, offering a seasonal twist on classic lemon-lime with added tart cranberry and a blend of warm spices. Available in both cans and bottles, Sprite Winter Spiced comes in standard and zero-sugar options.
Meanwhile, Starry is also introducing a new flavor: Starry Cranberry Blizz. This zero-sugar soda combines lemon-lime with a tangy cranberry taste. It will be available for a limited time in 12-pack cans and two-liter bottles, hitting shelves on November 4, with an additional release on TikTok Shop.