Pepsi Is Launching a New Lemon-Lime Soda and, Apparently, It Just “Hits Different”

Dilpreet Kainth
Dilpreet Kainth
Dilpreet Kainth (she/her) is a freelance social media strategist and writer based in New York. Previously she has held roles at Vox Media, Refinery29, and Pop-Up Magazine. You can usually find her knitting at home with her two cats or trying to figure out where to eat in Queens.
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published Jan 12, 2023
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Starry Pepsi Co
Credit: PepsiCo

After nearly 25 years on the market, PepsiCo is saying “so long” to its lemon-lime flavored drink, Sierra Mist. Now gearing up for all things new in the new year, the longtime brand has announced the launch of a new lemon-lime soda with a cosmic name to replace the brand formerly known as Mist Twist: STARRY.

Set to hit shelves this week, PepsiCo notes that this new soda just “hits different” in comparison to other lemon-lime sodas. “The demand for lemon-lime flavored soda has never been greater, with category growth accelerating since 2019, there’s a significant opportunity now to give people a choice in an area that’s been dominated by one brand for years,” the release for the new product said.

In an effort to go head-to-head with their Coca-Cola-owned competitor, Sprite, PepsiCo introduced Sierra Mist in 1999. In recent years, however, the 24-year-old brand has lost traction next to Sprite — but that’s where STARRY comes in as an effort to reinvent Pepsi’s stake in the lemon-lime soda category.

So, what can you expect when popping the top on a STARRY beverage? Like its competitor and predecessor, STARRY is caffeine-free, optimally sweet, and easy-to-drink, making it a refreshing take on a classic flavor combination that doesn’t seem to get old. “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 R&D at PepsiCo Beverages North America, said.

STARRY is set to come in a variety of sizes and while those haven’t been fully confirmed as of yet, 10-packs of 7.5-ounce mini cans have been spotted on shelves at Walmart. Additionally, those looking to try out the new sip can expect to see it in both original and zero-sugar options with cans and bottles featuring a yellow and green design. To find the product in your area, take a look at the company’s store locator.

With the Super Bowl around the corner, you may see more STARRY buzz leading up to game day and it could even be the perfect addition to your party. If you do try it, let us know down below if it really does “hit different.”

Buy: STARRY Lemon Lime Flavored Soda, $5.48 (originally $13.33)