Is SoBe Discontinued? What’s Still Sold—and Where to Buy SoBe Drinks Now

If you grew up in the late 1990s or early 2000s, you likely remember SoBe drinks. Their lizard logo, glass bottles, and bold flavors like Lizard Fuel and Green Tea won many fans.

In recent years, though, shelves have looked empty—raising the question: Is SoBe discontinued?

The short answer: not completely. Many flavors are gone, but the brand itself has not been fully discontinued. That said, finding SoBe today is harder than ever.

This guide shows you the current status of SoBe, which drinks are still around, and—most importantly—Where to Buy SoBe Drinks in the USA.

What Happened to SoBe Drinks?

SoBe, short for South Beach Beverage Company, started in 1996 with a focus on herbal-infused teas, juices, and energy drinks. Its edgy branding (the lizard logo, funky names like Lizard Fuel), combined with quirky glass bottles, made it stand out in a growing “alternative beverage” market.

Why Was SoBe Sold to PepsiCo?

By the late 1990s, SoBe was no longer just a small startup with a lizard logo. It had become one of the fastest-growing drink brands in the U.S. You could find SoBe on college campuses, in corner stores, and in supermarkets. Fans loved its teas, juices, and herbal blends.

But growth had limits. The South Beach Beverage Company, based in Connecticut, didn’t have the power to ship drinks nationwide.

That’s where PepsiCo came in. In 2000, Pepsi bought SoBe for about $370 million. The deal showed how seriously big companies viewed the “functional drinks” trend. At the time, more people were turning away from sodas and looking for drinks with health benefits—flavored teas, vitamin waters, and energy blends.

For Pepsi, SoBe was a quick way to jump into that market. For SoBe’s founders, Pepsi offered a huge distribution system that could put their drinks in nearly every gas station and grocery store in America.

The sale wasn’t a failure. It was a smart partnership that pushed SoBe from cult favorite to mainstream brand.

Why Did PepsiCo Reduce Production Later?

A decade later, SoBe’s path looked very different. PepsiCo gave the brand a strong start, but interest faded over time.

One reason was competition inside Pepsi itself. Big names like Gatorade, Lipton Iced Tea, Bubly, and Propel sold far better. When shelf space and ad money were divided, those stronger brands came first.

At the same time, customer tastes changed. By the 2010s, people wanted drinks with less sugar and fewer artificial ingredients. SoBe once looked like a healthy choice, but its Elixirs and Lifewaters often had 40–60 grams of sugar. That clashed with the new health trend.

Stores also played a role. Retailers only keep products that sell quickly. As SoBe sales slowed, stores replaced it with newer brands.

The result? PepsiCo cut back production. Fewer flavors were made, and SoBe became harder to find. Pepsi never said the brand was gone, but by focusing on other drinks, it let SoBe fade into the background.

Did SoBe Lose Its Popularity?

Yes. And it wasn’t just one reason.

At first, SoBe felt edgy and fun compared to regular sodas. But the same things that made it stand out later held it back.

Health-conscious shoppers began checking nutrition labels. SoBe’s high sugar stood out as a problem. While new brands promoted “zero sugar” or “organic” drinks, SoBe’s recipes didn’t change fast enough.

PepsiCo also cut back on SoBe’s ads and promotions. With less marketing, the brand slipped from view.

At the same time, rivals like Vitaminwater, Bai, LaCroix, and kombucha brands grabbed attention. They brought fresh ideas, trendy marketing, and a wellness image that appealed to younger buyers.

SoBe, once a leader in the “functional drink” trend, slowly became a nostalgic brand from the past.

Who Still Looks for SoBe Drinks Today?

Even with its decline, SoBe still has loyal fans. You can see this in online forums, social media groups, and even resale sites.

Many Millennials and Gen Xers grew up buying SoBe from vending machines or gas stations. For them, drinking SoBe is less about thirst and more about reliving their youth.

Collectors also chase rare bottles and discontinued flavors. They see SoBe as a piece of beverage history.

Some alternative drink fans still enjoy SoBe’s odd flavors and herbal blends, even if they’re harder to find. And in some places—especially in parts of the Midwest and Southeast—you may still spot SoBe in small groceries or local convenience stores.

In those areas, regular buyers keep picking it up. Thanks to them, SoBe has never fully disappeared.

Is SoBe Officially Discontinued?

No—SoBe has not been officially discontinued. But the reality is more complicated:

• PepsiCo has scaled back production.
• Many flavors are discontinued, leaving only a handful.
• Regional distribution makes availability hit or miss.

This explains why one person may still spot SoBe Elixirs at a local gas station, while others can’t find a single bottle nationwide.

What SoBe Drinks Are Still Sold in the USA (2025 Update)

While dozens of SoBe flavors once existed, only a few remain sporadically available today. Most are found through online retailers or in limited store locations.

Here’s a snapshot of SoBe’s status:

Note: Stock changes often. Resellers sometimes offer old bottles at inflated prices, so check expiration dates before buying online.

Where to Buy SoBe Drinks Now

Finding SoBe drinks today feels less like grabbing a soda at the corner store and more like a nostalgic treasure hunt. The good news? You can still buy SoBe — but availability depends heavily on where you shop and which flavor you want. Here’s the most up-to-date guide on where to buy SoBe drinks now and what you can expect to pay.

Online Retailers: The Most Reliable Source

If you don’t want to waste time driving from store to store, online marketplaces are the surest way to get SoBe drinks.

• Amazon – Often lists multipacks of SoBe Green Tea and Citrus Energy. Expect $25–$40 per 12-pack depending on rarity.
• Walmart.com – Occasionally restocks SoBe Citrus Energy and Green Tea. Prices are closer to retail: $1.50–$2.00 per bottle.
• eBay – A hotspot for discontinued or rare flavors. Collectors sometimes list old bottles at $8–$12 per bottle. Always check expiration dates.

✅ Best for: Reliable access and rare flavors.
❌ Drawback: Prices can be double or triple retail.

Grocery & Convenience Stores: Regional Availability

Some chains still stock SoBe drinks in limited regions, though availability is inconsistent.

• Northeast (Connecticut, New York area) – Reported sightings of SoBe Elixir Citrus Energy and Liz Blizz Pina Colada in small groceries.
• Midwest (Nebraska, Wisconsin) – Reddit users note occasional Green Tea and Citrus Energy bottles in gas stations or mom-and-pop shops.
• West Coast / Large Metro Areas (Los Angeles, Seattle) – Very limited stock; rare finds usually via Instacart listings.

Price Range in Stores: Typically $1.25–$2.49 per 20-oz bottle, making this the cheapest option if you’re lucky enough to find them.

✅ Best for: Normal retail pricing.
❌ Drawback: Hit or miss depending on region.

Wholesale Clubs & Specialty Stores

• Costco / Sam’s Club – Rarely stock SoBe, but when they do, you’ll find bulk packs for $12–$16 per 12-pack (best per-bottle value).
• Health & Natural Food Stores – Occasionally carry older SoBe Lifewater or vitamin-infused variants. Expect premium pricing.

SoBe Drinks Price Comparison (2025)

Where You’ll Have the Best Luck

• Online (Amazon, Walmart.com) → Best bet for most buyers.
• Local convenience stores in the Midwest/Northeast → Chance of finding single bottles at normal prices.
• Wholesale clubs → Rare, but unbeatable if you stumble upon bulk packs.

Bottom line: If you want SoBe drinks now, start online. If you’re chasing nostalgia in-store, focus your search on smaller markets rather than big coastal cities.

Why Is SoBe Hard to Find?

SoBe’s decline can be traced to several factors:

1. Changing Consumer Preferences – Health-conscious buyers shifted toward low-sugar, functional beverages like Bai, Hint, and Vitaminwater.
2. PepsiCo’s Priorities – The company invested more heavily in brands like Gatorade, Lipton, and Bubly.
3. Regional Supply Issues – Distribution contracts vary, making SoBe more common in some states than others.
4. Retail Shelf Wars – Big chains give more space to fast-selling drinks, leaving SoBe squeezed out.

Health and Nutrition: Should You Still Drink SoBe?

SoBe was originally marketed as a “better-for-you” alternative, with herbal blends and vitamins. But compared to today’s health standards, many SoBe drinks are high in sugar.

• Calories per bottle: Often 130–250.
• Sugar content: Up to 60g per bottle in some flavors.
• Artificial additives: Present in many formulas.

Bottom line: SoBe is more of a nostalgic treat than a daily health drink. If you’re seeking hydration with fewer calories, alternatives like Vitaminwater Zero, Bai, or infused water may be better choices.

Alternatives to SoBe Drinks If You Can’t Find Them

If SoBe has disappeared from your area, here are comparable options:

• Vitaminwater – Similar fruit flavors, added vitamins.
• Bai Antioxidant Water – Low-calorie, exotic fruit blends.
• Hint Water – Infused water with subtle natural flavor.
• BodyArmor Lyte – Hydration-focused, with electrolytes and coconut water.
• DIY Infused Water – Add fruit slices, cucumber, or herbs for a fresh alternative.

FAQs About SoBe Drinks

Is SoBe discontinued in 2025?
No, but most flavors are discontinued and availability is very limited.

Can you still buy SoBe Green Tea?
Yes, but it’s rare—usually online or in convenience stores.

Why are SoBe drinks so expensive online?
Because of low supply and high nostalgia demand, resellers mark up prices.

What happened to SoBe Lifewater?
It was phased out as Pepsi focused on other flavored water brands.

Conclusion

SoBe isn’t officially gone, but it’s far from its glory days. Most flavors have been discontinued, and what’s left is difficult to find outside of online marketplaces or select stores.

If you’re a longtime fan, your best bet is Amazon or Walmart’s online store. For those who miss the flavor but want something more accessible (and healthier), alternatives like Bai, Vitaminwater, or DIY fruit-infused water may be the next best thing.

For now, SoBe remains a nostalgic drink that refuses to completely disappear. And who knows—maybe one day, it’ll make a comeback.