Coca-Cola discontinues Minute Maid's iconic frozen orange juice after 79 years
Minute Maid's frozen concentrated orange juice, once a household staple, is being discontinued by Coca-Cola. The decision follows years of declining sales, driven by competition from fresher juices, health trends, and rising orange prices. Fans of the product have already expressed disappointment online.
The product first appeared in 1945 as a wartime innovation. Florida Foods developed it to give soldiers a stable, nutritious source of orange juice. A year later, the brand was renamed Minute Maid, and it quickly became a kitchen favourite.
Over time, Minute Maid's influence grew beyond grocery shelves. It appeared in pop culture, including the 1980s film Trading Places. Flavour scientist Arielle Johnson later called it a breakthrough, making orange juice accessible to more people.
But tastes have changed. Fresh juices in supermarket coolers now dominate, as consumers prefer less processed options. High sugar content and citrus greening disease, which harmed orange crops, also hurt sales. Recent data shows an 8% drop in frozen concentrate purchases. Coca-Cola will sell remaining stock but won't produce more.
The end of Minute Maid's frozen concentrates marks the close of an era. Coca-Cola has confirmed no further production, though existing inventory will stay on shelves. Social media reactions highlight the product's lasting nostalgia, even as market shifts make way for newer drinks.
