Starry vs 7UP: Which Lemon-Lime Soda Is Better?

When it comes to classic lemon-lime sodas, Starry and 7UP are two of the biggest names in the game. Both offer a crisp, refreshing citrus flavor but they’re not the same. If you’re trying to decide between Starry vs 7UP, whether for taste, sweetness, calories, or ingredients, this deep-dive comparison will help you choose the right one for your preferences.

In this article, we compare Starry vs 7UP across flavor, ingredients, sugar content, calories, nutrition facts, and overall drinking experience.

What Is the Difference Between Starry and 7UP? (Quick Overview)

While both drinks are lemon-lime sodas with similar sweetness and carbonation, they differ in:

• Flavor profile
• Ingredients
• Calories & sugar levels
• Sodium content
• Preservatives used
• Brand identity and target market

Starry is PepsiCo’s newer lemon-lime soda launched in 2023 as a replacement for Sierra Mist, while 7UP is a long-standing classic from Keurig Dr Pepper.

If you want a soda that tastes slightly sweeter and more modern, Starry tends to win. If you prefer a cleaner, sharper lemon-lime finish, 7UP is the traditional favorite.

Now let’s break it down in detail.

Starry vs 7UP: Ingredient Comparison

Below is the exact breakdown using the ingredient lists visible on the images you provided.

7UP Ingredients

• Filtered Carbonated Water – acts as the base of 7UP, keeping you hydrated and giving the drink its fizz, but consuming too much carbonated water may cause bloating or gas in some individuals.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup – provides the sweet taste that makes 7UP enjoyable, giving quick energy, but overconsumption can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and long-term metabolic concerns.
• Citric Acid – gives 7UP its signature tangy flavor and can help preserve the drink, but frequent exposure may weaken tooth enamel and cause minor stomach discomfort in sensitive people.
• Potassium Citrate – helps maintain proper electrolyte balance and supports muscle and nerve function, though excessive intake could lead to digestive upset or imbalances in potassium levels.
• Natural Flavors – enhance the overall taste experience with a pleasant aroma and flavor profile, but may trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals depending on the source.
• Calcium Disodium EDTA – acts as a preservative to maintain flavor stability and prevent discoloration, with minimal risk to health when consumed in normal amounts.

Key Notes:

• No caffeine
• Uses high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for sweetness
• Simple, minimal ingredient formula
• Contains Calcium Disodium EDTA as a preservative
• Sodium is slightly higher than Starry

7UP Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 140 per can
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 40mg (2%)
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Total Sugars: 38g
• Added Sugars: 38g (76%)
• Protein: 0g
• Potassium: 60mg (2%)

Starry Ingredients

• Carbonated Water – serves as the base of the drink, providing hydration and fizzy texture, but excessive consumption may cause bloating or gas.
• High Fructose Corn Syrup – adds sweetness and quick energy, but overconsumption can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and potential metabolic issues.
• Citric Acid – gives a tangy, refreshing flavor and helps preserve the drink, though frequent exposure may weaken tooth enamel or irritate sensitive stomachs.
• Natural Flavor – enhances the overall taste and aroma, but may trigger allergies or sensitivities in some individuals depending on the source.
• Potassium Benzoate (preserves freshness) – prevents spoilage and extends shelf life, though in rare cases it can form benzene when combined with certain compounds under heat or light.
• Potassium Citrate – supports electrolyte balance, hydration, and proper muscle and nerve function, but excessive intake may lead to digestive discomfort or electrolyte imbalance.
• Calcium Disodium EDTA (to protect flavor) – maintains flavor stability and prevents discoloration, with minimal risk to health when consumed in normal amounts.

Key Notes:

• Similar HFCS base as 7UP
• Contains Potassium Benzoate, which 7UP does not use
• Formulated to be slightly sweeter and more vibrant
• Also caffeine-free

Starry Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 150 per can
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 35mg (1%)
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Total Sugars: 39g
• Added Sugars: 39g (78%)
• Protein: 0g

Ingredient Comparison Summary: 7UP vs Starry lemon lime

Feature	7UP	Starry
Sweetener	High fructose corn syrup	High fructose corn syrup
Acid	Citric acid	Citric acid
Preservatives	Calcium disodium EDTA	Potassium benzoate + Calcium disodium EDTA
Flavoring	Natural flavors	Natural flavor
Sodium Source	Potassium citrate	Potassium citrate
Caffeine	None	None
Taste Style	Crisp, clean	Sweeter, more intense lemon-lime

Verdict:
Both formulas are very similar, but Starry uses an additional preservative (potassium benzoate) and is crafted to deliver a slightly bolder citrus pop.

Nutritional Comparison Table: Starry vs 7UP

Category	7UP	Starry	Winner
Calories	140	150	7UP
Total Sugar	38g	39g	7UP
Sodium	40mg	35mg	Starry
Carbs	39g	39g	Tie
Caffeine	0mg	0mg	Tie

Verdict:
If you’re watching sugar and calories, 7UP is slightly lower. But the difference is small (1g sugar and 10 calories).

Flavor Comparison: Starry vs 7UP

This is where the biggest difference lies.

How 7UP Tastes

7UP is known for:

• A cleaner, sharper citrus taste
• A slightly more balanced lemon-lime flavor
• Less sweetness compared to Starry
• A classic soda profile people have known for decades

If you like old-school lemon-lime soda with a crisp finish, 7UP is the traditional choice.

How Starry Tastes

Starry has:

• A sweeter and more vibrant lemon-lime profile
• A smoother finish with stronger lime notes
• A taste similar to Sprite, but slightly richer in sweetness
• A flavor crafted to appeal to younger soda drinkers

Starry feels more modern and more “punchy,” making it ideal if you prefer bold citrus.

Flavor Verdict

• Choose Starry if you want a sweet, bright lemon-lime soda.
• Choose 7UP if you prefer a cleaner, more refreshing, less sugary taste.

Starry vs 7UP: Which Is Better for You?

Neither soda is marketed as healthy — both contain:

• High fructose corn syrup
• 38–39g of sugar
• No vitamins or antioxidants
• Preservatives

But if you want the slightly “lighter” option, then 7UP wins because:

• Lower calories
• Lower sugar
• No potassium benzoate

However, the differences are small, so your choice should mainly depend on taste preference.

Brand Background: Starry vs 7UP

7UP

• Launched in 1929
• One of the oldest lemon-lime sodas in the world
• Longtime competitor to Sprite
• Known for simple, clean lemon-lime taste

Starry

• Launched in 2023
• Created by PepsiCo to replace Sierra Mist
• Developed to compete more aggressively with Sprite
• Targeted towards Gen Z and modern soda drinkers

Starry is essentially Pepsi’s new weapon in the lemon-lime soda wars.

Starry vs 7UP: Final Verdict

So, which one wins the battle of Starry vs 7UP?

Choose Starry if you want:

• A sweeter, punchy lemon-lime flavor
• A soda that feels modern and bold
• Slightly lower sodium
• A more intense citrus experience

Choose 7UP if you want:

• A classic, clean lemon-lime taste
• Slightly fewer calories and less sugar
• A more refreshing, crisp finish
• A long-established soda with a traditional profile

Bottom Line: Starry vs 7UP

If you prefer sweet and bold, Starry is your soda.
If you prefer classic and crisp, 7UP is the winner.

Both are caffeine-free, contain nearly identical ingredients, and deliver the lemon-lime flavor people love but the flavor experience is very different.

Whichever you choose, this Starry vs 7UP comparison gives you all the details to pick the one that fits your taste and lifestyle.