Sprite is tapping into a popular internet trend with the release of its latest product: Sprite + Tea. The new drink combines Sprite’s classic lemon-lime flavor with the crisp taste of iced tea, marking a unique shift for the soda brand.
The idea stems from a viral trend that began in summer 2023. Fans began steeping tea bags in bottles of Sprite to create a fizzy, sweet twist on an Arnold Palmer. The do-it-yourself beverage, hailed by some as “the most refreshing drink on the internet,” gained widespread attention on TikTok. Sprite has now turned that idea into a fully developed, ready-to-drink product.
Officially described as “a refreshing blend of Sprite’s iconic lemon-lime taste and crisp iced tea flavors,” the drink is now available in stores nationwide. It comes in both regular and zero-sugar versions.
This marks the first time Sprite has blended its soda with a completely different drink, rather than simply adding a new flavor. The product was first teased in October 2023 at the National Association of Convenience Stores show, sparking speculation that has now been confirmed.
Initial reactions online have been mixed. While some consumers expressed excitement, others questioned the unusual flavor combination. “Out of all the flavors they could’ve put out, they do this,” one critic wrote on social media. Others were more optimistic: “This is either going to be fantastic or awful,” one user commented. “Sounds weird but oddly enticing,” said another.
A recent taste test revealed that Sprite + Tea has an amber color similar to ginger ale, though the flavor is distinct. The drink starts with Sprite’s familiar sweetness and fizz, followed by a strong black tea aftertaste. Despite the bold tea flavor, the beverage is caffeine-free.
Reactions among tasters mirrored the online response. Fans of traditional Southern sweet tea were more likely to enjoy it, while those unfamiliar with sweet, carbonated tea found the flavor unexpected or off-putting.
Whether it becomes a fan favorite or a limited-time curiosity, Sprite + Tea reflects a growing trend among beverage companies to turn viral internet creations into store-ready products. As for this one, customers will have to try it themselves to decide if it’s a hit—or just a passing fad.
Related topics:
