Review: Fanta's New Sour Cherry Is Giving Swedish Fish Vibes Instead Of Sour Patch Kids, And I'm Not Complaining

Fanta is one of those beverage brands that we tend to forget about, even though it's left a significant mark on soda history. Fanta's surprisingly controversial origin story started back in WWII, when targeted wartime sanctions made Coke syrup too difficult to get into Germany. So soda drinkers inside the Third Reich had to settle for an alternative. That alternative eventually became one of Coca-Cola's trademark brands, and one responsible for one of our favorite orange sodas, even though it was once heavily associated with allegiance to the Axis powers. I bet you didn't think your favorite childhood drink carried this much geopolitical baggage.

Today, Fanta is most famous for its orange soda and those incredibly catchy wanta-Fanta commercials circa 2005. Unbeknownst to some soda fans, the brand also offers a wild assortment of other sugary, fruit-forward drinks, like grape, pineapple, mixed berry, and even peach and piña colada. But now, Fanta's teaming up with Xbox for the gaming company's 25th anniversary, and the collab comes with a new flavor that has fans bubbling with anticipation. Not only will soda-drinking gamers be able to cash in on in-game and IRL rewards, but they'll also be able to crack open a can of "Diablo IV"-inspired Crimson Sour Cherry.

I got first looks at the new Fanta flavor, decked out with iconic "Diablo" imagery, so I can give a tell-all review. I'll get into the drink's sweetness, zestiness, and I'll be frank regarding whether or not it tastes like genuine fruit. So strap on your headset, get an icy cold glass ready, and stay awhile and listen.

Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.

To write this Fanta Crimson Sour Cherry review, I relied on years of experience testing food products, with a particular focus on drinks. Instead of judging the drink based on any preconceived notions about its flavor compared to other sodas or other Fanta products, I judged it as a standalone drink. I used over a decade of professional barista experience to break down the nuances in Crimson Sour Cherry's taste; believe it or not, skills in taste-testing coffee also translate to the world of soda.

I didn't factor in any personal bias or flavor preference to review this soda objectively. I kept the spotlight on things like flavor quality, carbonation quality, sweetness, and drinkability (that is to say, how easy it would be to knock back a couple of these cans in one go). I also considered versatility, or whether or not Crimson Sour Cherry has the potential to act as a soda pairing in a tasty summertime cocktail or be used in a fizzy dessert. Most importantly, though, I based this review on how likely I thought fans were to flock to supermarkets and convenience stores to stock up on this new Fanta flavor after getting their first sip. Please note that all prices mentioned and availability may vary by location.

Before we dive into the most noteworthy feature — the flavor — let's talk color. Not to be gross, but Fanta's "Diablo IV"-themed Crimson Sour Cherry is the exact color of blood. Is it a coincidence that a drink inspired by a game featuring a healthy dose of gore and dismemberment is blood red? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it's very apropos and a solid aesthetic choice from Fanta, whether purposeful or not.

Next, let's get into bubbles. There's no shortage of effervescence in Crimson Sour Cherry, but it's not quite as bubbly as a lot of carbonated drinks. I usually stick to seltzer, which is famously extra sharp and fizzy, so Crimson Sour Cherry's bubbles felt tiny and gentle in comparison, but still refreshingly crisp.

A lot of cherry-flavored treats don't taste like real cherries and can fall victim to the dreaded cough-medicine comparison, but Crimson Sour Cherry doesn't come close to tasting medicinal. In fact, it tastes exactly like a quintessential sour candy in drink form, in both flavor and sweetness. Lightly tingly bubbles are a great pairing for this candy taste, which might be too sour and overbearing with more potent fizz. It's sour enough to make your mouth pucker slightly, but not so tart that it's hard to finish a whole can. It doesn't quite bring to mind garden-fresh cherries, but that's to be expected. Instead, it reminds me more of the flavor of Swedish fish or Jolly Ranchers, with just a slight Sour Patch Kids finish.

Once soda drinkers get their first taste of Fanta's Crimson Sour Cherry, I do not doubt in my mind that they'll be stocking up on this ephemeral flavor like they're prepping for the apocalypse. This soda feels like a modern revamp of Fanta's classic fruity drinks, cementing its spot with authority among other 2026 soda icons. When the time comes, I know fans will be sad to see it go, because it really feels like a quintessential gamer flavor.

Its likeness to timeless sour candy is sure to appeal to both kids and adults. Even those who find the potent cherry taste a little overbearing can enjoy it mixed with other drinks at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines; I think it'd be an excellent pairing with classic or Diet Coke. Whether you're mixing it or enjoying it as-is, have it in a chilled glass, if possible. Drinking right from the can muddles the vibrant flavor, but the chilled glass enhances it.

Not only was Crimson Sour Cherry's candy-sweet flavor unique and refreshing, but it also has the potential to be the star in cocktails or extra decadent treats. Try it as an unconventional soda for your next ice cream float, where creamy vanilla can tame some of the sourness but enhance the cherry flavor. Or, toss in a splash of rum or vodka and some ice and sip it by the pool. When frozen, it could make the ultimate slushie, good enough to rival the classic Icee red flavor.

Fanta's Crimson Sour Cherry will be available starting on April 6, 2026. You'll be able to find it just about anywhere you buy soda, including large supermarket chains like Walmart and Target, gas stations, and small convenience stores. It will even be featured in select Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, which — for those not in the know — are the soda machines with touchscreens and a multitude of options. The drink will be available in packs of 12-ounce cans and 20-ounce bottles.

You can expect to pick up a 20-ounce bottle of Fanta's Crimson Sour Cherry for about $2.48, whether you're shopping at a gas station convenience store or a large supermarket chain. Fridge packs of a dozen 12-ounce cans, on the other hand, typically go for about $7.99. If you prefer your soda on the fizzier side, you might want to opt for the cans. Crimson Sour Cherry isn't extremely effervescent, and cans are known to retain more bubbles compared to drinks in plastic bottles. Whether you're buying cans or bottles, if you're not on the go and have some time, make sure the soda is sufficiently chilled to get the most out of its flavor.