Sprite Is Launching a Brand New Flavor Inspired by Fans

In the age of the internet—and social media in particular—it’s more and more common to see brands taking inspiration from the trends we love online. From Coffee mate’s pistachio creamer and Lindt’s version of Dubai chocolate to Del Taco’s twist on the Dirty Soda craze, companies are learning how to cleverly capitalize on viral moments. 

Now, Sprite is joining the mix, taking a popular beverage-blending trend and turning it into a brand-new soda. If you haven’t heard of Sprite and tea yet, you’re about to. 

New Sprite + Tea Coming Soon

What started as a soda hack known by some is now hitting store shelves.

Back in October, we heard whispers of a tea-flavored Sprite surfacing from the National Association of Convenience Stores show, but it was unclear if the rumors held any truth. Now, we have official confirmation: Sprite + Tea is, in fact, on the way. 

The idea originated from a viral trend where fans mixed a tea bag with Sprite to create what some dubbed “the most refreshing drink on the internet.” The trend took off in the summer of 2023, requiring only a bottle of Sprite, a tea bag, and about 20 minutes of steeping time to deliver a unique, delicious beverage. Think of it as a flavorful, fizzy twist on an Arnold Palmer.

“The addition of the tea, it just takes the Sprite to a whole ‘nother level,” one fan on TikTok explained.

Sprite clearly saw the potential and ran with it, and is now introducing Sprite + Tea as a fully-fledged product. The new drink is described as a “refreshing blend of Sprite’s iconic lemon-lime taste and crisp iced tea flavors.” It also marks a first for the brand—rather than simply adding a new flavor to the existing soda, it blends it with a totally distinct drink.

But, despite its roots in a popular trend, the reception on to Sprite + Tea on social media has been mixed. Some soda fans who aren’t in the know just don’t get it. “Out of all the flavors they could’ve put out, they do this,” one commenter wrote, while a few called it outright “gross.”

Still, some are intrigued and ready to give it a try. “This is either going to be fantastic or awful,” one fan speculated, while another shared, “I’m willing to take the gamble on this—sounds weird but oddly enticing.”

Sprite + Tea will hit shelves this spring in both regular and zero-sugar options. While opinions are divided for now, fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out whether this new flavor is a hit or miss. And honestly? Between trying to replicate the viral version at home and picking up a ready-made bottle, we’re more than happy to leave it to the experts.

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