Soda enthusiasts are disappointed that Pepsi has discontinued its popular cranberry-flavored drink, Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, leaving shelves empty of this fan-favorite.
In a timely response, however, the Coca-Cola Company is stepping up to quench the cranberry craving by introducing a festive alternative just in time for the holiday season.
Pepsi Silently Discontinues a Popular Cranberry-flavored Drink
Pepsi has had a hard time competing with Sprite from Coca-Cola. Even though PepsiCo tried to beat it with Slice and Sierra Mist, the lemon-lime drink has dominated the market.
Many people were upset when the company stopped making Sierra Mist in January and started making Starry, a new lemon-lime drink.
In 2018, executives at PepsiCo said that the company had no plans to bring the drink back.
There was so much outrage over the choice that a Change.org petition was made to ask the company to change its mind.
Someone wrote, "Consumers need to be heard! Let PepsiCo know that this drink is a favorite among their customers and a part of our holiday traditions!"
The person who made the petition said that drinking the drink had become a holiday practice in their home.
Soda enthusiasts are flocking to X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, to complain about Pepsi's recent choice to stop making Sierra Mist, especially the Cranberry Splash version. People have been reacting all over the internet.
Many people thought it was a big mistake for Pepsi to stop making the cranberry-flavored Sierra Mist. Some even said the company "fumbled the bag" by doing it.
Sierra Mist has had difficulty getting a significant market share since it came out in 1999. This is especially true when compared to Sprite, a similar lemon-lime soda.
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Coca-Cola Offers an Alternative for Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash
But Coca-Cola has something else for fans who miss Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash. The big soft drink company also makes a holiday soda with cranberry added to a lemon-lime base. People can still buy Coke's Winter Spiced Cranberry, but Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash might not last long.
Undoubtedly, it tastes like lemon and lime, but even that had to be a new thought once. What keeps Coca-Cola from adding another flavor and making the best combination for a soft drink without caffeine?
The company said on its website that Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry "wraps a mix of spicy and sour cranberry flavors in the original Sprite, making something truly spectacular and one-of-a-kind."
Cola Wars: Pepsi vs. Coca Cola
The long-standing rivalry between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, two iconic soft drinks, remains a topic of debate. Both share a similar role as popular beverages for meals and refreshments, characterized by a rich caramel taste with touches of vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus.
According to Insider, the original recipes for these sodas differ slightly: Coca-Cola included sugar, caffeine, lime juice, vanilla, citric acid, and caramel for color, whereas Pepsi had similar ingredients, excluding citric acid.
While some argue the differences between the two are minor, others are convinced one is superior in taste. This competition between Coca-Cola and Pepsi is a familiar aspect of consumer choice.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources says the brands were not initially competitors. Insider points out that the notable rivalry only began around 1975, nearly a century after both beverages were created.
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