Is Starry soda that much different from Sierra Mist, Sprite and other lemon-lime drinks?
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Starry Lemon Lime Soda [A Complete Review]
Updated on Jan. 18, 2024
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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?
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
Coca-Cola CakeOur coca-cola cake recipe uses not one but two cans of everyone's favorite soda. Move over, mayonnaise! Cola is our new favorite ingredient for an irresistible chocolate cake with an amazing chocolaty glaze.
7UP Pound CakeThis classic 7UP cake recipe uses the carbonated beverage to bake a tall pound cake with hints of lemon and lime. We also use the soda in the glaze to really drive home its iconic flavor.
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, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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
Caribbean Chipotle Pork SlidersOur favorite pulled pork sliders combine the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make these a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
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, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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
How to Grill RibsGrilling ribs soon? Learn how to grill ribs as we share our step-by-step recipe and secret to grilling the best-ever baby back ribs.
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
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 Dumplings with Crescent RollsWhen you don't have time to make them the traditional way, apple dumplings with crescent rolls make for an easy and delicious dessert. Forget fussing with a crust, just roll these up and pop them in the oven.
Pulled Beef SandwichA chuck roast is simmered all day in a rich homemade sauce, till the meat is juicy and fall-apart tender, then these pulled beef sandwiches take just minutes to prepare.
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
Pork, Bean & Rice BurritosGet ready for tailgate season with these slow-cooker pork burritos, featuring tender spice-rubbed pork wrapped up with rice, beans, and your choice of toppings. They're an easy and satisfying meal well-suited for any casual occasion.
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 Bundt CakePistachio Bundt cake is a light, vibrant and delicious treat that's as pretty as it is tasty. Garnish it with decadent toppings like chopped pistachios for an elegant dessert that doesn't take much effort.
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
Taco PizzaTwo dinner faves come together in this taco pizza. Ready the sprinkle cheese and the hot sauce!
Best HamburgerThis is the only hamburger recipe you need! We'll walk you through how to make hamburger patties that grill up to juicy perfection.
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
