Comparing Starry and Sierra Mist: The Sugar Surprise
When PepsiCo replaced its long-standing lemon-lime soda, Sierra Mist, with the new brand Starry in early 2023, many consumers immediately noted a difference in flavor. While both are caffeine-free, lemon-lime sodas, their recipes are not identical. A common assumption among those who tried both was that the new, crisper-tasting Starry must contain less sugar. However, a closer look at the nutritional data reveals a surprising truth that challenges this perception.
The Nutritional Breakdown
To definitively determine which soda has more sugar, we must examine the nutrition facts of each product. Since Sierra Mist has been discontinued, we must rely on its most recent nutritional information before its replacement. Starry's information is readily available on PepsiCo's SmartLabel website.
A Tale of Two Sweeteners
One of the most significant differences between Starry and Sierra Mist lies in their primary sweetener. Sierra Mist was famously made with real cane sugar, a feature often highlighted in its marketing. In contrast, Starry, like many of its competitors, uses high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This seemingly small ingredient swap has a profound effect on the flavor profile and how consumers perceive sweetness.
- Cane Sugar in Sierra Mist: Real cane sugar provides a more complex and intense sweetness that can sometimes overshadow other flavors. For some drinkers, this gave Sierra Mist a "syrupy" feel.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup in Starry: HFCS offers a cleaner, more neutral sweetness that doesn't compete with the primary citrus flavors. This allows the lemon-lime notes to stand out more prominently, contributing to Starry's crisper finish.
The Acid Test
Another factor influencing the taste is the amount of citric acid used. Citric acid enhances the sour or citrusy taste, balancing out the sweetness. Starry contains a higher concentration of citric acid than Sierra Mist did, according to ingredient lists. The combination of a purer sweetener and more citric acid gives Starry a bolder, more balanced flavor, even though it contains more sugar.
Starry vs. Sierra Mist: The Numbers Game
To provide a clear, head-to-head comparison, we'll analyze the nutrition data for a standard 20 oz bottle. These figures represent the total amount per bottle, as commonly sold in stores.
| Feature | Starry (20 oz bottle) | Sierra Mist (20 oz bottle, prior to discontinuation) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Sugars | 65 grams | 52 grams | Starry has 13 grams more sugar per bottle. |
| Calories | 240 calories | 200 calories | Starry contains 40 more calories. |
| Sodium | 55 mg | 50 mg | Both have relatively low sodium content. |
| Primary Sweetener | High Fructose Corn Syrup | Real Cane Sugar | A key difference in taste profile. |
Why the Change from Sierra Mist to Starry?
PepsiCo's decision to discontinue Sierra Mist in favor of Starry was primarily a strategic business move. The company aimed to take on Sprite, the market leader in the lemon-lime category, which had a five-fold higher market share than Sierra Mist. Sierra Mist's market share had been declining, and the brand was struggling to resonate with younger consumers.
The introduction of Starry was an attempt to reinvent the brand's identity and appeal to a new demographic, specifically Generation Z. By adjusting the recipe to include a flavor profile more aligned with Sprite's, and rolling out a fresh, modern marketing campaign, PepsiCo sought to make a stronger play for the highly competitive lemon-lime market.
The Verdict: A Clear Winner in Sugar Content
The data unequivocally shows that Starry contains more sugar than the now-discontinued Sierra Mist. While taste is subjective, the nutritional facts are concrete. The switch from cane sugar to high fructose corn syrup, combined with higher citric acid, has created a different drinking experience—one that is perceived as crisper despite its higher sugar content.
For those who prefer a less sugary taste and miss the days of Sierra Mist, the difference might be enough to notice. For others, the difference in sweetener may be the most important distinction. Either way, checking the nutrition label remains the best way to understand exactly what you're drinking. For further details on the rebranding, check out Allrecipes' coverage on the topic.
Conclusion
To conclude, Starry does indeed have more sugar than Sierra Mist, despite some tasters perceiving it as less sweet. A standard 20 oz bottle of Starry contains 65 grams of sugar compared to 52 grams in a similarly sized Sierra Mist bottle before it was discontinued. This difference is largely influenced by the type of sweetener used—high fructose corn syrup in Starry versus cane sugar in Sierra Mist—and a higher citric acid content in Starry's recipe. The rebranding from Sierra Mist to Starry was a strategic move by PepsiCo to increase its competitive edge in the lemon-lime soda market, not a reformulation to reduce sugar. Ultimately, while the flavor profile has evolved, the sugar count has increased with the new beverage.
