Overview and Quick Answer
PepsiCo discontinued Sierra Mist in the U.S. and replaced it with Starry, a lightly lemon-lime sparkling soft drink launched in early 2023. If you are looking for the new name for Sierra Mist, the answer is Starry. This is not a limited-time experiment but a permanent replacement across most retail and fountain channels, though legacy packaging and informal references may still appear regionally.
Below is a durable breakdown of what changed, why it changed, and how to refer to the drink today, based on PepsiCo’s announced plans and the resulting market presence of Starry.
What Changed: From Sierra Mist to Starry
Sierra Mist, a lemon-lime PepsiCo soft drink positioned as a lighter alternative to Sprite and 7 Up, was withdrawn from U.S. retail and fountain service and replaced by Starry in early 2023. Starry carries a similar lightly flavored profile but is marketed with its own identity, packaging, and branding rather than as a direct Sierra Mist successor label. The change reflects a product portfolio refresh rather than a subtle renaming of the same SKU.
Key attributes at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement name | Starry | PepsiCo official announcements |
| Launch timeframe | Early 2023 rollout | Trade and news reports |
| Product type | Lemon-lime sparkling soft drink | Category descriptions |
| Primary market | United States | Regional launch information |
| Availability | Retail and fountain | Retailer and foodservice reports |
Why the Change: Strategic Drivers
PepsiCo framed Starry as a fresh start that would allow clearer marketing, distinct packaging, and alignment with newer flavor ideas within the lemon-lime segment. The decision to replace Sierra Mist rather than refresh it may respond to long-term category trends, shelf competition, and brand architecture simplicity. Starry is positioned alongside Pepsi’s broader soft drink portfolio, with an emphasis on visibility in both grocery and fountain channels.
Strategic factors commonly cited
- Portfolio clarity: consolidating lemon-lime offerings under a single, current brand.
- Packaging and design: new visual identity intended to stand out on shelves.
- Marketing flexibility: opportunities for new flavors and campaigns under the Starry name.
- Competitive positioning: refreshed identity to better compete with Sprite and 7 Up.
How the Rebrand Works in Practice
In stores and fountains, Starry appears as a distinct product with its own can, bottle, and fountain syrup identifiers. For consumers, this means Sierra Mist is no longer sold under that name in most U.S. outlets, and Starry is the item to look for if you previously bought Sierra Mist. If you have older Sierra Mist stock at home, it remains usable until consumed, but production and distribution have shifted fully to Starry.
Practical implications
- Shopping: search for Starry on shelves and in fountain menus instead of Sierra Mist.
- Recipes and preferences: expect similar taste goals but different branding and can/bottle design.
- Regional differences: some limited or legacy mentions of Sierra Mist may persist until older stock clears.
Consumer Guidance and What to Look For
To buy or serve the equivalent of Sierra Mist today, choose Starry in the lemon-lime sparkling format. Check packaging for flavor descriptors (often ‘lightly lemon-lime’ or similar), and review fountain menus where Starry is listed as a separate option. If you are discussing the drink, using the current name Starry avoids confusion.
Quick reference for talking about the drink
- Product name to use now: Starry.
- Former product name: Sierra Mist.
- Category: lemon-lime sparkling soft drink.
- Primary markets: United States retail and fountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because the rebrand is now complete, many routine questions can be answered with reference to Starry and its positioning, rather than Sierra Mist.
Is Sierra Mist still made anywhere? PepsiCo has ended U.S. production of Sierra Mist; Starry is produced for U.S. and some international markets.
Does Starry taste the same as Sierra Mist? Formulations are similar, since Starry was designed as a like-for-like replacement, though minor recipe differences can occur. Packaging and naming are different.
Where can I find Starry? In most U.S. grocery stores, convenience stores, and fountain beverage menus, listed explicitly as Starry.
Context and Related Changes
The Sierra Mist to Starry transition is part of a broader trend in which legacy brand names are retired or refreshed to reduce portfolio clutter and sharpen brand architecture. For PepsiCo, Starry is a long-term replacement intended to remain across product lines, including potential flavor extensions, rather than a short-term experiment.