Starry Lemon Lime Soda
Photo by: Photo courtesy of PepsiCo
Photo courtesy of PepsiCo
So long, Sierra Mist. Hello … Starry?
Sierra Mist’s eventful existence, which began in 1999, is again coming to an end. PepsiCo is discontinuing the lemon-lime flavored soft drink — as it did previously, following formula and name changes (remember “Mist Twist”?), only to reintroduce the brand in the summer of 2018.
But please dry your eyes, lemon-lime soda fans. As PepisCo taketh away, it also giveth. The soft-drink giant is introducing a new lemon-lime soda in Sierra Mist’s stead: Starry.
The new soda, now in U.S. stores in bottles and cans of various sizes, is caffeine free, available in both regular and “zero sugar” versions, and promises “the crisp, refreshing bite consumers have been longing for in the lemon lime flavored soda category,” which, PepsiCo notes in a press release, has been growing since 2019 but “dominated by one brand for years.” (Looking at you, Coca Cola’s Sprite, which significantly outsells Keurig Dr Pepper’s 7Up.)
With the tagline “Starry Hits Different,” PepsiCo says it wants to give consumers a new choice in the lemon-lime category and is targeting people who are “simultaneously optimistic about the future and [bring] a sense of irreverence to their everyday.”
"With Starry, we were able to create a game-changing recipe with the perfect balance of lemon lime flavor and sweetness compared to the competition,” Danielle Barbaro, vice president of research and development at PepsiCo Beverages North America, says. “With one product dominating the category, consumers deserve another option … one that hits different. Starry is bright, optimistic, and rooted in culture and fun.”
PepsiCo says its new beverage is “easy-to-drink, optimally sweet, and delivers both an exceptional taste and flavor experience.”
We got an early taste of Starry, and our tasters agreed it was “sweet, but not in an overpowering way.”
“The sweetness is front and center and the lemon/lime flavor is subtle,” they say, adding that, while Starry is clear in color like Sprite and 7Up, it struck them as a little less carbonated than those drinks. Also, despite its eye-catching, brightly colored packaging, the drink “doesn’t pop with flavor.” Overall, they described Starry as “smooth and subtle,” with sort of a grownup-party vibe.
On social media, the reviews for Starry have been generally positive; one Instagrammer said it was “Better than Sierra Mist.”
Sierra Mist fans, meanwhile, seem to be taking news of that soft drink’s demise surprisingly well.
“You’ll be missed Sierra Mist. You were good while you were around,” one wrote in response to what might be the soda brand’s final Instagram post, amidst a chorus of RIPs.
“we will miss you :( I hope you come back.. Some day…” another said.
“Goodbye goodbye goodbye u were bigger than the whole sky,” wrote someone we can only assume is a fan of both the discontinued beverage and Taylor Swift.
For sure, you were more than just a short time, Sierra Mist. But welcome, Starry.
Related Content:
Mtn Dew Baja Blast Hot Sauce Is Here to Spice Up Your Life
TikTok's Viral Pink Sauce Hits Walmart Shelves
7 Best Travel Mugs, Tested by Food Network Kitchen
Next Up
Starbucks’ Refreshers Just Got Hotter
We got an advance taste of all three “swicy” lemonade-based sips.
Stouffer’s Bloody Mary Mix Is Inspired by Its Famous Lasagna – And the Brand Is Giving It Away for Free
When you think about it, a lasagna Bloody Mary makes perfectly good sense.
What Does Coca-Cola Y3000 Taste Like?
Created with the assistance of A.I., Coca-Cola’s latest flavor attempts to offer a taste of the future.
Mountain Dew Pitch Black Will Return January 2023
Fans have been clamoring for the flavor’s return.
Is There Anything More Sacred Than a Diet Coke Break?
A whole community on TikTok is deeply invested in optimizing their Diet Coke experiences. Here’s what they say you need for the perfect "crispy" drink.
Coca-Cola Releases Its First Permanent Flavor in Three Years – Here’s What ‘Spiced’ Tastes Like
As if one new flavor wasn’t enough, the brand is also launching a TikTok-exclusive drink called 'Coca-Cola Happy Tears.'
Starbucks Drops Its Version of Bubble Tea for the First Time in the U.S.
While boba is typically known for its chewy, tapioca pearls, the chain’s version includes popping, juice-filled ones.
Erewhon’s Newest Smoothie Is an Energy Drink
At $10 a pop, ‘Paradise Punch’ costs far less than some of the store’s latest smoothie drops.
Bud Light and Tajín Unexpectedly Collaborate on a Spicy New Beer
What does Bud Light Chelada Tajin Chile Limon taste like?
Tesla Is Releasing a Cybertruck-Inspired Beer
CyberBeer sold out super fast and is now going for big bucks on eBay.
