Sierra Mist vs Starry: how they differ and why Pepsi discontinued Sierra Mist

Key differences at a glance

Are Sierra Mist and Starry the same

Sierra Mist and Starry are closely related but not the same product. They share an underlying sweetener platform (sucralose and acesulfame potassium) and both position themselves as lighter citrus sparkling colas in PepsiCo’s portfolio. However, Starry was introduced as the successor to Sierra Mist after PepsiCo discontinued Sierra Mist in 2023. While formulations are similar, Starry carries a revised brand identity, packaging, and marketing emphasis, intentionally filling the gap left by Sierra Mist’s exit.

Sierra Mist: background and discontinuation

Sierra Mist launched in the late 1990s as PepsiCo’s answer to The Coca-Cola Company’s Sprite and Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s 7 Up. Positioned as a crisp, citrus-forward sparkling soft drink, it underwent several reformulations, notably in 2016 when it adopted a sucralose-based sweetener to reduce calories. Despite niche appeal, it struggled to build lasting mass-market share against entrenched rivals and was quietly discontinued in 2023. PepsiCo cited a desire to streamline its portfolio and direct consumer interest toward its newer alternative, Starry.

Sierra Mist positioning over time

• Late 1990s: "Mist" as a light, effervescent citrus option.
• 2010s: "Crisp" and lighter-than-traditional cola messaging.
• 2016 reformulation: Shift to sucralose-sweetened variant to appeal to calorie-conscious shoppers.
• 2023: Phaseout; discontinued in most U.S. retail channels.

Starry: introduction and positioning

Starry emerged in limited test markets in 2022 and received a wider national rollout in 2023 as PepsiCo’s flagship citrus sparkling soft drink. Marketed as refreshingly sweet with a bright, effervescent character, Starry carries a noticeably sweeter taste perception than Sierra Mist while retaining a translucent, pale-straw appearance. It is distributed in both cans and plastic bottles and leverages Pepsi’s existing sparkling soft drink infrastructure, effectively assuming the role once held by Sierra Mist within the company’s portfolio strategy.

Starry product details at a glance

Flavor and ingredient comparison

Both drinks rely on the same non-nutritive sweetener pair, which means their calorie and sugar content profiles are similar: effectively calorie-free with negligible carbs. Consumer taste tests commonly note that Starry reads sweeter and has a slightly more pronounced citrus character, while Sierra Mist (in its final formulation) was perceived as lighter and less sweet. These differences arise from subtle tweaks in flavoring ratios and carbonation levels rather than a wholesale divergence in sweetener technology. For shoppers scanning nutrition labels, the two are nearly identical; the practical distinction is brand perception and packaging format.

co-competitive context: how they stack up

In the U.S. citrus sparkling soft drink aisle, Sierra Mist and Starry are bookended by Sprite, 7 Up, and store-brand lemon-lime options. Below is a concise comparison to clarify how Starry fits relative to its closest peers.

Citrus sparkling soft drinks comparison

Why PepsiCo discontinued Sierra Mist in favor of Starry

PepsiCo’s decision to sunset Sierra Mist and replace it with Starry reflects portfolio simplification and performance-based brand rationalization. Sierra Mist retained modest sales but never achieved breakout scale, and its multiple reformulations had created consumer uncertainty. Starry allowed the company to present a unified, modern citrus platform with clearer marketing narratives around sweetness, refreshment, and digital engagement. Distribution was largely retained through the transition, helping Starry inherit existing shelf space without prolonged consumer education cycles.

Consumer considerations when choosing between them today

Because Sierra Mist is no longer produced, the practical choice for most shoppers is Starry for a PepsiCo citrus sparkling soft drink. If you previously preferred Sierra Mist’s taste profile, Starry’s slightly sweeter formulation may still satisfy, though it is worth sampling first. People seeking a non-PepsiCo alternative can compare Sprite and 7 Up, bearing in mind that those brands use different sweetener matrices in different markets. For those avoiding certain sweeteners, checking labels for ingredient lists and allergen statements remains recommended regardless of brand.

Bottom line

Sierra Mist and Starry share a near-identical sweetener backbone and comparable positioning in the light citrus sparkling segment, but they are not the same product. Starry is the planned successor to Sierra Mist after its 2023 discontinuation, inheriting distribution while introducing a sweeter, more aggressively branded identity. For consumers, the transition means the citrus segment within PepsiCo’s lineup remains active, now anchored by Starry rather than Sierra Mist.