As fall continues to bring out the pumpkin spice craze, soda brand Starry is already looking ahead to the winter holidays. With its latest festive offering, Starry aims to shake up the holiday soda scene—but fans can’t seem to agree on whether they love or hate the new flavor.
A Seasonal Twist: Introducing Cranberry Blizz
Starry, PepsiCo’s lemon-lime soda that replaced Sierra Mist in early 2023, has launched a limited-edition flavor just in time for the holiday season: Cranberry Blizz.
According to food blogger Snackolator, this new soda blends lemon, lime, and cranberry flavors in a unique holiday mix. Starry’s Cranberry Blizz will only be available as a zero-sugar option and is sold in 12-pack cans and 2-liter bottles.
Fans have spotted it on store shelves, and discussions are heating up online as consumers weigh in on the new taste. But while some are ready to embrace the seasonal twist, others are hesitant.
Fans’ First Impressions Are Split
Social media quickly lit up with reactions after Snackolator’s post. Some fans expressed excitement, hoping this new flavor would elevate their Starry experience.
One commenter, not usually a Starry fan, said, “I am not fond of Starry soda. Maybe this is the addition it needs to make me like it. I’m willing to try it!”
However, only some are optimistic. Many fans pointed out that the flavor could be more original, noting that Sprite has already introduced similar seasonal offerings in the past.
“Sprite cranberry is better,” shared one commenter. Another agreed, adding, “Sprite did it better.”
This comparison to Sprite, which has offered cranberry flavors for years, has stirred up some loyalists who feel that Starry’s new drink has to compete with an established favorite. For some fans, Sprite’s cranberry flavors set a high standard that Starry may struggle to match.
The Sprite vs. Starry Debate Heats Up
Sprite’s cranberry soda has been a holiday staple for years, but the brand recently changed its recipe, introducing a “Winter Spiced Cranberry”
flavor that didn’t hit the mark for some fans. A few commenters mentioned this change, noting that if Starry’s Cranberry Blizz resembles the original Sprite cranberry, it might convert them to Starry fans.
“If it’s like the original Sprite cranberry and not like the bad imposter winter spiced cranberry, I’ll finally get on board with Starry,” said one fan.
This comparison sheds light on a curious dynamic: for some fans, their holiday soda loyalty may hinge less on brand preference and more on a specific cranberry flavor profile. Starry’s Cranberry Blizz has the potential to either disappoint fans familiar with Sprite’s classic cranberry or become a new seasonal favorite if it effectively captures that taste.
The Zero Sugar Debate: A Dividing Factor
Cranberry Blizz is only available in a zero-sugar option, adding another layer to the discussion. Reactions to this decision were mixed, with some fans cheering on the move while others voiced disappointment. “I love that these brands are catering towards zero-sugar soda drinkers ,” wrote one commenter.
But for others, the zero-sugar limitation was a dealbreaker. “I was so hyped until I saw zero sugar only,” one fan shared, reflecting a sentiment many echoed. This division highlights a broader trend within the soda market as brands increasingly focus on catering to health-conscious consumers.
While some see this as a positive step toward more inclusive options, others miss the traditional sugary formulas.
Will Cranberry Blizz Become a Holiday Hit?
It’s too early to tell if Cranberry Blizz will become a seasonal favorite or a one-time experiment. Starry’s decision to launch a cranberry-infused soda was aimed at capturing the holiday market, and the unique blend of flavors may appeal to those who enjoy both the tartness of cranberry and the refreshing taste of lemon-lime.
However, the mixed reactions show that PepsiCo has a challenging road ahead as it tries to carve out a space for Starry alongside established seasonal favorites.
Embracing Seasonal Flavors: The Future of Holiday Sodas
Starry’s Cranberry Blizz reflects a more significant trend in the soda industry, where brands are experimenting with limited-time, seasonal flavors to generate excitement and offer consumers new choices.
By launching a holiday-inspired drink, Starry is tapping into the demand for nostalgic flavors that connect consumers with the holiday spirit. Other brands, such as Sprite, have seen success with this strategy, indicating that consumers are open to new seasonal experiences—if the flavor hits the right notes.
However, balancing tradition with innovation can be tricky, as seen in Sprite’s Winter Spiced Cranberry response. Consumers who loved the original Sprite cranberry were hesitant about the new twist, showing that while people crave new options, they also have strong loyalties to past favorites.
Starry’s Cranberry Blizz is, in a way, a fresh attempt at giving these fans what they miss—if it captures the right cranberry essence.
Conclusion:
Starry’s Cranberry Blizz may find its place among holiday sodas or become a seasonal curiosity. Fans have voiced enthusiasm and skepticism, with some willing to give it a chance and others pledging their loyalty to Sprite. PepsiCo’s choice to release this flavor only in a zero-sugar format has also contributed to the divided opinions, indicating that finding the right balance between health-conscious trends and classic flavors may remain challenging.
As more fans taste Cranberry Blizz, the final verdict will unfold over the holiday season. Whether it becomes a festive staple or a one-off experiment, Starry’s attempt at holiday cheer has undoubtedly made an impression—and sparked a lively debate.
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