What is Starry soda?
Ready to reach for the stars? Starry soda arrived in January 2023. The caffeine-free lemon-lime drink is Pepsi’s replacement for Sierra Mist. Pepsi hasn’t been resting on its reputation lately, with Pepsi S’mores, Pepsi Nutmeg, Peeps Pepsi and Nitro Pepsi all shaking up the cola world—it’s only natural that the company’s getting jiggy with its lemon-lime offerings, too.
Don’t cry for Sierra Mist—it had a good run. That particular lemon-lime beverage came out way back in 1999—ancient history for a soda. Maybe the clunky, two-word moniker didn’t help matters, nor did a brief two-year name change to Mist Twist. Starry is starting with a clean slate and a pretty bright name.
Starry soda vs Sierra Mist: What’s different?
Courtesy PepsiCo
How is Starry different from Sierra Mist, other than the name? Sierra Mist was made with real sugar, while Starry is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. Shouldn’t Pepsi be switching the other way around, replacing HFCS with real sugar? One would think so, but one would, for whatever reason, be wrong.
It’s not exactly clear why Pepsi decided to replace Sierra Mist with Starry, but Gen Z, they’re gunning for you with this one. A statement from the company said the drink is made “for a generation of irreverent optimists,” and that sounds like they’re going after the young ‘uns among us.
Sure, some of us are cola people, endlessly arguing the merits of Pepsi vs. Coke. But others love citrusy sodas, whether lemon-lime, grapefruit or some variation. It feels like an overcrowded market to me, what with 7-Up, Sprite, Bubble Up, Mountain Dew, Fresca and Squirt, but here’s one more thrown into the mix. Of course, I had to try it.
Starry Soda vs Sprite: Here’s What I Thought
I tried regular Starry, zero sugar Starry, and for comparison, I also sampled some Sprite. Sprite, of course, is Coca-Cola’s clear, lemon-lime soda, a huge competitor of the new Starry.
Not to space out, but regular Starry was just OK. It’s almost a bit spicy for a lemon-lime drink and not as sweet as its competitor, Sprite. Pepsi says Starry has a crisp taste, and I’ll agree.
Sprite not only tasted sweeter than Starry, but has a smoother finish. Maybe because Coke’s been working on it longer—Sprite came out in the United States in 1961, so they’ve had plenty of time to get the taste down pat.
Zero sugar Starry actually tasted a bit smoother than its full-sweetened version, but with a definite diet aftertaste. When I pitted the three directly against each other, regular Sprite came out on top. Sorry, Starry, blame it on the fact that I’m Gen X, not Gen Z.
Where can I get Starry?
Starry is available in stores nationwide, and I’m already seeing it shining everywhere in my local markets. So, if you see the stars come out in your own soda pop section, go ahead and give it a try.
FAQs About Starry Soda
What soda is Starry replacing?
Starry is replacing PepsiCo’s Sierra Mist.
Is Starry different than Sierra Mist?
Yes, while both are lemon-lime sodas, they differ in their sweeteners and flavor profiles. Sierra Mist was known for its intense sweetness due to the use of cane sugar. In contrast, Starry uses high-fructose corn syrup, which lends a cleaner, more neutral sweetness.
Does Starry still taste like Sierra Mist?
While some consumers feel that Starry tastes similar to Sierra Mist, others note a distinct difference due to the change in sweeteners and a more prominent citrus flavor.
Is Starry the same as 7Up?
No, Starry is not the same as 7Up. While both are lemon-lime sodas, they are produced by different companies and have different flavor profiles.
Is Starry soda just Sprite?
No, Starry is not just Sprite. While both are lemon-lime sodas, they are produced by different companies and have distinct flavors.
Is Starry sweeter than Sprite?
No, Sprite has been found to be sweeter than Starry.
Is Starry cheaper than Sprite?
The price of Starry may vary depending on the location and retailer, but generally, it is competitively priced with Sprite.
Recipes That Use Soda Pop
Cola Cake with Strawberries & CreamWe Southerners have been eating cola cake for decades. This easy version has strawberries too. Chill it in the fridge for a dreamy summer dessert. —Peggy Walpert, Fort Worth, Texas
Mexican Shrimp CocktailIt's up to you how to enjoy this cocktail—eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. —Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin
7UP Pound CakeMy grandmother gave me my first cake recipe—a pound cake using 7UP—which her grandmother had given to her. On top of being delicious, this cake represents family tradition, connection and love. —Marsha Davis, Desert Hot Springs, California
Light and Fluffy WafflesThese melt-in-your-mouth waffles are so tender that you can skip butter and syrup, but why would you want to? —
James Schend,
Dairy Freed
Coconut Chicken and ShrimpI was looking for a fun,
easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Root Beer Apple Baked BeansAll nine men in our family love roughing it outdoors. My beans with bacon and apples is a "must " to keep their outdoor energy going. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Pulled Pork Doughnut Hole SlidersThis slider recipe was created by accident when we had a surplus of root beer from a party. Now we can't have barbecue any other way! —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California
Cherry Dew DumplingsI’ve never seen a recipe like this one, where filled crescent dough and Mountain Dew are baked together. It’s such a treat. I have to confess, sometimes we eat it for breakfast. —Heidi Swope, Toledo, Ohio
Meat 'n' Potato KabobsThey're summery, but these kabobs really stick to your ribs. A microwave makes quick work of cooking the potatoes, so grilling is done in a flash. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Root Beer Float PieThis is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don't even need to use an oven! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Root Beer Pulled Pork NachosI count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —
James Schend,
Dairy Freed
Cola Hot WingsThese delectable wings are so easy to make, and they offer year-round versatility, from summer cookouts to autumn tailgates. My husband likes them so much he'll stand out in the snow to grill them! —Lisa Linville, Randolph, Nebraska
Sangria Gelatin RingThis gelatin is enjoyed by everyone because you just can't go wrong with fresh berries. —Nicole Nemeth, Komoka, Ontario
Jim's Secret Family Recipe RibsFor more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous rib recipe a secret. When he finally shared it, we just had to pass it along because we loved it so much. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado
General Tso's CauliflowerCauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Epiphany HamI wanted to cook a ham but didn't have the ingredients for my usual glaze recipe, so I made substitutions. You can, too! Instead of black cherry, try another flavored soda, or use sweet-and-sour sauce in place of duck sauce. —Edith Griffith, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Root Beer BratsHere's an easy recipe that's versatile, too. Serve the saucy brats over rice for one meal and have them on buns the next. For extra punch, add a splash of root beer concentrate to the sauce. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Coke CakeI get a great response every time I serve this cake, and it seems like I'm forever sharing the recipe! Folks are always curious about the ingredients, and when I tell them the cake has cola in it, they are really surprised. The unusual combination of ingredients makes it moist and delicious. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Sparkling OrangesWe were living in Texas when I found the recipe for this simple yet elegant salad. I was thrilled— we had a surplus of fresh oranges! All you do at the last minute is garnish and serve. —Janie Bush, Weskan, Kansas
Cola BurgersA friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers.
-Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
Tender Barbecued ChickenAfter a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina
Root Beer Float CakeI add
root beer to both the cake batter and fluffy frosting of this summery dessert to get that great root beer float taste. Serve this moist cake to a bunch of hungry kids and watch it disappear! —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Slow-Cooked Pork BarbecueYou need only five ingredients to fix this sweet and tender pork for sandwiches. Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your family's tastes. —Connie Johnson, Springfield, Missouri
Sparkling Fruit SaladPineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apple Dumpling BakeI received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
Shredded Beef SandwichesCola is the secret ingredient in this delicious slow-cooked beef. Coated with a well-seasoned sauce, the tender meat gets its zip from chili powder and cayenne pepper. —Marie Basinger of Connellsville, Pennsylvania
Light 'n' Crispy WafflesClub soda gives these crisp waffles a fluffy texture. With only four ingredients, homemade waffles don't get much easier than this!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Pina Colada Molded SaladMy gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Hearty Pork ChopsJust six ingredients are required for the tasty mix that marinates these well-seasoned chops. Whip up the combination to marinate overnight, and you'll have dinner on the table in no time tomorrow. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Root Beer CupcakesRoot beer barrel candies and a spice cake-like batter give these cupcakes an old-fashioned flavor. Kids will especially love them! —Dot Kraemer, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Shredded Pork BurritosThis pork roast is slow-cooked with savory and sweet ingredients, including a can of cola, to create tender shredded pork burritos. A tomatillo sauce, made easy with a dressing mix, tops the pork for an out-of-this-world entree. —Katherine Nelson, Centerville, Utah
Pulled Pork TatersThis recipe is as hearty as it gets—part barbecued pork, part potatoes, but completely delicious. My family can't get enough of this comforting, warm-you-up baked potato dish. —Shannon Harris, Tyler, Texas
Pistachio Cake with WalnutsIt didn't take long for this cake from the 1970s to become the favorite birthday cake of my husband, Joe. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Root Beer Float FudgeMy children have always loved root beer floats, so I came up with this fudgy treat just for them. Sweet and creamy with that familiar root beer flavor, it's always a bestseller at school bake sales. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Cola BBQ ChickenMy dad has been making a basic version of this family favorite for years. I've recently made it my own by spicing it up a bit with hoisin sauce and red pepper flakes. Sometimes I let the chicken and sauce simmer in my slow cooker. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Root Beer Pulled Pork SandwichesMy husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky
Cherry Cola CakeCherry cola and marshmallows make a zippy chocolate dessert that is scrumptious topped with vanilla ice cream. — Cheri Mason, Harmony, North Carolina
Barbecue Pork Tacos with Apple SlawWe celebrate taco Tuesdays, so I keep things interesting by switching up the varieties. These pork tacos are super simple to make. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Dad’s Cola BurgersBefore you hand out the drinks, save a little soda to make these delectable burgers. Cola—used in the meat mixture and brushed on during cooking—really sparks the flavor and takes this favorite to a whole new level. —Emily Nelson, Green Bay, Wisconsin. You can even try these
off-brand sodas.
Pistachio and Coconut CakeThis coconut cake is good any time of the year, but the color is perfect for St. Patrick's Day. The secret is adding instant pistachio pudding mix into the cake mix and the frosting. —Dora May Meredith, Rockford, Illinois
