Try "small bromeliad" in your image search and see if anything familiar comes up. "About the size of a soda can" isn't much of a description, I'm afraid.

try here I have seen them advertise these as dwarf

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:511742}}

Mr.BrownThumb. I know of what you speak. There are three places where I have seen them,and have the following info for you to check out.
WalMart has them off and on,as you have seen.

Tropiflora has had a dwarf guzmania in the past,and you can inquire there by e-mail, SALES@TROPIFLORA.COM
Their regular site is WWW.TROPIFLORA.COM [see Cargo Report]

Our local nursery has had them at least once each year,two types,Guzmania lingulata,and Vriesea [a red and a yellow] They are about 5" tall.
You can inquire at INFO@MENNENURSERY.COM .If not available,perhaps they can tell you their supplier.
If I see them there on my next visit,I'll contact you and you can advise me if you would like me to buy/send some to you.
Bob

I've not only seen them, but bought them, and now just a year later, they're very large! They don't stay small forever unless you keep them in those teeny pots. A real bargain actually!

Sorry I forgot about this post. Thanks for the replies and info if I don't see them again I'll take you up on your offer Bob.

MBT

Mr. Brown Thumb; If you can't id a brom go to this site;www.FCBS.org That is to say the Florida Council of Bromeliad Socities. I belive it has well over 3,000 pics and info on all known. Mostly id by Harry Luther Selby

Here is a link that might be useful: http://s139.photobucket.com/albums/q300/Johnalewis74_photos/