What Is Sierra Mist and Why Was It Discontinued
Sierra Mist is a lemon-lime soft drink brand owned by PepsiCo that launched in 1999 as a competitor to The Coca-Cola Company's Sprite. The brand struggled with inconsistent positioning and a crowded market, leading PepsiCo to phase it out in favor of a newer product called Starry, which officially replaced Sierra Mist in most U.S. channels by early 2023. The decision was part of a broader portfolio rationalization aimed at simplifying PepsiCo's carbonated soft drink lineup and focusing marketing spend on a single lemon-lime platform. For more background on PepsiCo's beverage portfolio strategy, see this overview from Forbes PepsiCo beverage portfolio repositioning.
The discontinuation was not tied to a single product failure but rather to weak brand recognition relative to Sprite and 7UP, combined with shifting consumer preferences toward cleaner labels and lower sugar options. Internal PepsiCo documents and industry reports indicate that Sierra Mist consistently ranked below competing lemon-lime sodas in taste tests and brand consideration surveys, making it a lower priority for investment. The move also allowed PepsiCo to streamline production, reduce SKU complexity, and allocate shelf space to higher-performing brands. For context on how large beverage companies manage brand portfolios, see this SEC filing summary PepsiCo SEC filings and portfolio disclosures.
What Replaced Sierra Mist and How Is Starry Performing
Starry, PepsiCo's new lemon-lime soda, was introduced as the direct successor to Sierra Mist and began rolling out in test markets in late 2022 before a wider national launch. Starry uses a reformulated recipe, updated branding, and a bright packaging design intended to appeal to younger consumers and differentiate itself from Sprite and 7UP. Early distribution data showed Starry expanding into major retail chains and foodservice accounts that previously carried Sierra Mist, though it still trails Sprite in overall market share. For more on Starry's launch and positioning, see this report from Beverage Digest PepsiCo launches Starry lemon-lime soda.
Consumer reaction to Starry has been mixed, with some taste testers noting a slightly different flavor profile compared to Sierra Mist, while others appreciate the updated sweetness and carbonation levels. PepsiCo has invested in digital marketing and influencer partnerships to build awareness for Starry, positioning it as a fresher, more modern alternative in the lemon-lime category. Sales figures have not yet matched the scale of established leaders, but the brand is gaining traction in regions where Sierra Mist had strong legacy distribution. For analysis of the competitive lemon-lime soda market, see this overview from MarketWatch PepsiCo Starry displaces Sierra Mist.
Broader Industry Context and Consumer Trends Driving the Change
Health and Wellness Trends Impacting Traditional Sodas
The discontinuation of Sierra Mist reflects a wider industry shift as consumers increasingly choose healthier beverage options, sparkling waters, and low- or zero-sugar sodas.