Who Owns Sierra Mist?
Before we get into the Why Sierra Mist Change to Starry? Let’s talk about who owns Sierra Mist. PepsiCo created Sierra Mist, one of the biggest beverage companies in the world. PepsiCo launched Sierra Mist in 1999 as a response to Coca-Cola’s Sprite and 7UP. By creating a lemon-lime soda similar to Sprite, PepsiCo wanted to get a piece of the market that Sprite mostly owned. PepsiCo also wanted to offer a caffeine free option which has always been a key feature of Sierra Mist.
However, over the years, Sierra Mist has failed to get the same popularity as Sprite despite multiple rebrandings and recipe changes. This ongoing struggle led PepsiCo to finally make a big move and rebrand Sierra Mist to Starry in 2023.
Photo courtesy of PepsiCo
Why Did Sierra Mist Change to Starry?
The change from Sierra Mist to Starry was PepsiCo’s response to changing consumer preferences and market competition. Sprite continued to own the lemon-lime soda space and PepsiCo needed to do something big to attract younger audiences who love bold, unique flavors and bright branding.
Starry was launched with a new taste profile that’s not just different, but bolder and crisper than Sierra Mist to compete more with Sprite. PepsiCo reportedly used consumer feedback to fine tune Starry’s taste and branding to resonate more with Gen Z and Millennial consumers, offering a unique and exciting flavor experience.
Sierra Mist’s Struggles to Compete with Sprite
To understand why PepsiCo felt the need to change Sierra Mist, let’s look at how the soda fared over the years:
- Market Share: Sprite has consistently been the top choice for lemon-lime soda lovers, holding a strong share in this category. PepsiCo’s Sierra Mist had a hard time keeping up and, in some years, barely made an impact.
- Multiple Rebrands: PepsiCo tried various changes with Sierra Mist over the years. At one point, they even rebranded it as “Mist Twist” before returning to the original name. But these rebranding efforts didn’t significantly boost sales.
- Flavor Changes: PepsiCo tweaked Sierra Mist’s formula several times, including adding real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. However, these tweaks weren’t enough to make a lasting impression.
Starry vs Sprite
| Feature | Starry | Sprite |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PepsiCo | The Coca-Cola Company |
| Launch Year | 2023 | 1961 |
| Flavor Profile | Lemon-lime with a bright, crisp taste | Lemon-lime, slightly sweet with a clean finish |
| Main Ingredients | Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, natural flavors, citric acid, potassium benzoate | Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate |
| Caffeine Content | None | None |
| Sweetener | High fructose corn syrup (in most regions) | High fructose corn syrup (in most regions) |
| Sugar-Free Option | Not available yet | Sprite Zero Sugar |
| Nutritional Info (12 oz can) | 140 calories, 37g sugar | 140 calories, 38g sugar |
| Marketing Focus | Youthful, Gen Z-centric branding with a bright design and emphasis on being “bold and refreshing” | Classic, established brand appealing to all age groups, marketed as refreshing and clean |
| Target Market | Primarily Gen Z and younger consumers | Broad audience across all age groups |
| Packaging | Bright, colorful, modern design with “Starry” logo | Classic green, silver, and blue design with “Sprite” logo |
| Availability | Primarily North America, expanding in select markets | Global distribution in nearly every region |
| Carbon Footprint Initiatives | Not extensively publicized | Coca-Cola has some sustainability goals, such as increasing recycled materials |
| Notable Differences | New flavor profile, some claim it tastes “sharper” | Established taste, slightly milder in flavor for some |
With Starry, PepsiCo wanted a fresh start that would appeal to new consumers and breathe new life into their lemon-lime soda offering.
Is There Any Difference between Sierra Mist & Starry?
Many people wonder if Starry is just a renamed version of Sierra Mist or if it truly brings something new to the table. Here’s what PepsiCo changed:
- Flavor Profile: According to PepsiCo, Starry has a crisper and more intense lemon-lime taste compared to Sierra Mist. It’s designed to be more refreshing and to stand out in a competitive market.
- Branding: Starry’s branding is intentionally youthful, with bold, colorful packaging and a modern design that targets Gen Z and Millennials.
Starry is widely available across the U.S., showing PepsiCo’s commitment to making this product a major competitor in the market and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to taste this new and exciting soda.So, while Starry might look like a rebrand, it’s actually PepsiCo’s attempt to redefine their lemon-lime soda for a modern audience.
Does Sierra Mist (or Starry) Have Caffeine?
For those wondering about caffeine content, Sierra Mist was always caffeine-free, and Starry follows the same path. Caffeine-free sodas appeal to people who prefer a soft drink without the added stimulation that caffeine provides. This is especially popular for families and people who want a refreshing beverage later in the day without disrupting their sleep.
The Sierra Mist Lawsuit Settlement
A lesser-known part of Sierra Mist’s history involves a lawsuit settlement. In 2013, PepsiCo faced legal action over the marketing of Sierra Mist Natural, which claimed to use all-natural ingredients. Plaintiffs argued that some ingredients were processed in ways that didn’t qualify as “natural,” leading to a lawsuit. PepsiCo agreed to settle, which included adjusting their labeling to avoid potential misunderstandings about ingredients.
This lawsuit didn’t directly influence the rebranding of Starry, but it’s an example of how branding and product claims can impact consumer trust. With Starry, PepsiCo has steered clear of any claims that might lead to similar issues.
Photo courtesy Tiktok
Cierra Mistt Legal Claim with PepsiCo
Adding a twist to the story, social media influencer “Cierra Mistt” has reportedly sued PepsiCo over the use of her name. Known for her large following on TikTok and Instagram, Cierra Mistt has built her brand around her unique name and lifestyle content. However, the influencer claims that PepsiCo’s former use of the brand name “Sierra Mist” caused confusion and led to a legal battle over brand and identity infringement.
Cierra Mistt claims that PepsiCo’s launch of “Starry” might have been partly due to this ongoing name conflict. Still, PepsiCo has not confirmed any direct connection to the influencer or the rebranding. Regardless, her lawsuit has gotten a lot of attention online, especially among her followers, who have shown support through posts and comments on social media.
PepsiCo has not made any public statement about Cierra Mistt’s allegations but this adds another layer to the story behind the Sierra Mist to Starry rebrand. Whether or not Cierra Mistt’s claims are the reason for the rebranding, this situation shows how trademark disputes can arise as social media influencers build their presence and personal brand.
Starry’s First Week Market Reaction and Sales
So far, Starry is getting good reviews from both critics and consumers. Here are a few stats:
- Sales Boost: Since Starry launched, PepsiCo has seen an increase in lemon-lime category interest, especially among younger buyers.
- Social Media Frenzy: Starry got a lot of social media love. People shared their reactions, reviews and even memes, creating organic engagement around the new brand.
- Taste Test: Some taste tests show people prefer Starry’s bold, crisp taste over Sierra Mist’s milder taste. Early signs are good for PepsiCo as they look to gain share.
How Starry Fits into PepsiCo’s Beverage Portfolio
Starry isn’t the only new product PepsiCo has launched to disrupt the soda category. PepsiCo has been innovating across its portfolio to keep up with changing consumer tastes, with other brands like Mountain Dew and Bubly addressing specific trends. Here’s why Starry matters.
- Competing with Coca-Cola: PepsiCo is always looking to go head-to-head with Coca-Cola. Starry gives them a new brand in the lemon-lime category to do just that with Sprite.
- Winning Younger Consumers: With Starry, PepsiCo is going after Gen Z and Millennials who are looking for new, bold products with fun branding.
PepsiCo’s Plans for Starry
Starry is just the start of PepsiCo’s soft drink play. Expect Starry to get heavy marketing and possibly partnerships that target younger audiences. Based on the early reaction, Starry could be a permanent fixture in the lemon-lime soda space, longer than Sierra Mist’s shelf life.
FAQs
Is this name change to Starry for Cierra Mist’s legal claim?
There is no proof that PepsiCo changed Sierra Mist to Starry because of Cierra Mist’s legal claim. While Cierra Mist, a social media influencer, has said she had a legal issue with PepsiCo over the name similarity to “Sierra Mist” Cierra Mistt, PepsiCo has not said that was the reason for the name change.
The main reason PepsiCo changed the name from Sierra Mist to Starry is strategic: to compete with other lemon-lime sodas like Sprite by having a new and modern brand.
Why did Sierra Mist change to Starry?
PepsiCo changed Sierra Mist to Starry to refresh the lemon-lime soda and compete with Sprite. The goal was to have a crisper, bolder flavor and a brand that appeals to younger generations.
Who owns Sierra Mist?
PepsiCo owns Sierra Mist which they recently rebranded as Starry to get a bigger piece of the lemon-lime soda market.
What is the Sierra Mist lawsuit settlement?
PepsiCo settled a lawsuit over claims Sierra Mist Natural used “all-natural” ingredients which some said was misleading. PepsiCo later changed the labeling to avoid confusion.
Is Sierra Mist and Starry the same?
Yes, Starry has a bigger lemon-lime flavor and PepsiCo rebranded to attract younger audiences. It’s a new version of Sierra Mist with a new taste.
Does Sierra Mist have caffeine?
No, Sierra Mist is caffeine free and Starry is also caffeine free so it’s a family friendly soda.
With Starry PepsiCo, we are finally getting the bold, refreshing lemon-lime soda experience Sierra Mist couldn’t deliver. Whether you’re a long-time Sierra Mist fan or new to the brand, Starry is a new spin on an old favorite. PepsiCo is showing us how important it is for brands to keep evolving to stay relevant in today’s fast paced world.
