Starry is a lemon-lime soft drink distributed by PepsiCo. Distribution began in January 2023. The brand is aimed at competing against Sprite and 7 Up. In January 2023, Starry replaced Sierra Mist as Pepsi's lemon-lime flavored drink, in part because Sierra Mist failed to gain market share in the growing category.[1][2] Starry contains no caffeine, and as of April 2023 is available in Regular and Zero-Sugar varieties.
 | |
| Product type | Lemon-lime soft drink |
|---|---|
| Owner | PepsiCo |
| Country | United States |
| Introduced | January 1, 2023 |
| Related brands | Sierra Mist (predecessor) Teem Slice |
| Website | starrylemonlime.com |
History
In July 2022, it was reported that PepsiCo purchased a domain name for a new brand of lemon-lime drink that would eventually replace Sierra Mist.[3] The following month, in August 2022, the company filed for a trademark for the brand name Starry as well as for a logo.[4]
The brand began being distributed in stores in January 2023 with marketing geared towards Generation Z.[5][6] Bloomberg Businessweek reported industry analysts suggested a successful campaign to grab market share could mean taking 5–10% market share away from Sprite.[7]
Since the 2022-23 NBA season, Starry has been the sponsor of the annual Three-Point Contest as a part of All-Star weekend.[8] The sponsorship includes naming rights for the contest as well as 2 special "Starry Range" shot balls placed 6 feet behind the 3-point line. This partnership replaces Mountain Dew as the event's previous sponsor and "DEW Zone" as the special shot balls used during the contest.[9]
Starry is sold in cans in either 7.5 ounce or 12 ounce sizes, and in plastic bottles ranging in size from 16 ounces to two liters.[10] Since its inception, Starry has been composed of carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavor, and various preservatives.[11] Starry uses high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, unlike Sierra Mist, which was sweetened using cane sugar before it was discontinued.[12]
Reception
Reception to the drink on social media suggests many feel that Starry tastes similar to its predecessor Sierra Mist,[13] while others feel it tastes akin to Sprite, the longtime leader of the lemon-lime soft drink market.[14] Starry has been described as having a more prominent citrus flavor than Sierra Mist.[12]