Did you ever find yourself reaching out for a can of Sierra Mist, only to realize that it’s no longer on the shelves?
If you’re puzzled about what happened to Sierra Mist, you’re not alone. Many fans of this refreshing soda were surprised when it disappeared from the market. Let’s take a closer look at why Sierra Mist was discontinued and what replaced it.
What Happened to Sierra Mist?
In January 2023, PepsiCo, the company that manufactured Sierra Mist, made the decision to discontinue this lemon-lime flavored soft drink. Sierra Mist had been a staple in the market since its launch in 1999 but faced a rocky journey with multiple formula changes and attempts to rebrand.
The makers switched from high fructose corn syrup to sucrose, and later to a mix of sucrose and stevia, in an attempt to keep up with the changing tastes and health preferences of consumers. In 2016, Sierra Mist was briefly rebranded as “Mist Twst” before returning to its original name in 2018. Despite these efforts, Sierra Mist struggled to compete effectively with other popular lemon-lime sodas like Sprite and 7Up.
Why Did Sierra Mist Change its Name?
The discontinuation of Sierra Mist was not just about saying goodbye to a brand. It was also about the birth of a new one. PepsiCo replaced Sierra Mist with a new lemon-lime soda called Starry. The notable difference between the two beverages lies in their sweeteners.
While Sierra Mist used cane sugar, Starry uses high fructose corn syrup. This change in sweeteners gives Starry a cleaner and crisper flavor, which many consumers find appealing. It appears that PepsiCo hopes this new approach will allow Starry to succeed where Sierra Mist struggled.
Starry: A New Beginning
The launch of Starry marks a fresh start for PepsiCo in the lemon-lime soda market. It serves as an opportunity for the company to learn from the challenges faced by Sierra Mist and create a beverage that can hold its own against rivals.
With its distinct flavor, thanks to high fructose corn syrup, Starry aims to carve its niche in a market dominated by Sprite and 7Up. Only time will tell if Starry will be able to capture the hearts of lemon-lime soda lovers and carve out a strong identity for itself.
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What is the Buzz about Lawsuit?
The buzz surrounding the rumored lawsuit involving TikToker Cierra Mistt and the Sierra Mist name has generated significant attention online. While speculations have been rife, it appears that the situation may not be as straightforward as it initially seemed.
Cierra Mistt, known for her engaging TikTok content, found herself at the center of discussions after she posted a video expressing her displeasure with the discontinuation of Sierra Mist, a lemon-lime flavored soda previously produced by PepsiCo. In the video, she jokingly suggested that she might sue the beverage company for allegedly stealing her name.
However, it is important to note that the trademark for Sierra Mist has been held by PepsiCo since 1999. This means that the company has exclusive rights to use the name for its beverages. Therefore, any potential trademark dispute with Cierra Mistt would likely lack legal grounds.
Moreover, PepsiCo’s decision to discontinue Sierra Mist and introduce a new lemon-lime soda called Starry is a strategic business move. The company has stated that the change is part of its broader portfolio optimization efforts, aiming to streamline its product offerings and focus on brands with greater growth potential.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Sierra Mist from the market marks the end of an era for PepsiCo. However, the launch of Starry suggests an exciting new chapter in the company’s journey. While it’s sad to say goodbye to a soda as beloved as Sierra Mist, we can look forward to seeing how Starry shapes up in the competitive world of lemon-lime sodas.