RIP Tab

Coca-Cola Co. has announced that it will stop selling cans of Tab at the end of the year, discontinuing the once-popular diet soda from the ’70s and ’80s that has developed a cult following from lovers of its blend of artificial sweeteners saccharine and NutraSweet, who call themselves “TaBaholics” and “TaBbies.”

TaB broke new ground in 1963 when it was introduced as The Coca-Cola Company’s first-ever “diet” soft drink. Initially marketed to women, the saccharine-sweetened, zero-calorie soda became a cultural icon in the 1980s and maintained a small but loyal following over the last few decades, primarily among fans who grew up with the beloved brand.

“We’re forever grateful to TaB for paving the way for the diets and lights category, and to the legion of TaB lovers who have embraced the brand for nearly six decades,” said Kerri Kopp, group director, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola North America. “If not for TaB, we wouldn’t have Diet Coke or Coke Zero Sugar. TaB did its job. In order to continue to innovate and give consumers the choices they want today, we have to make decisions like this one as part of our portfolio rationalization work.”