Storm

by PepsiCo

1998 – 2000 GONE FOREVER

Gone, pulled sometime before Pepsi announced Sierra Mist in October 2000; no source gives the exact date. Sierra Mist was a new caffeine-free formula, not Storm renamed.

Last verified Nov 8, 2026

Pepsi named a lemon-lime soda after El Niño and sent it into a Denver test in 1998 to replace flagging Slice. Unlike Sprite and 7 Up, Storm had caffeine — and outside Denver it barely made a ripple.

🧾 One more thingIts diet sibling, Light Storm, tested in 11 markets in 1999 as only the second major US soda sweetened with acesulfame-K, after Pepsi One. Pepsi claimed blind tasters preferred it to Diet Sprite, 57% to 43%.

Filed under: Drinks & Sodas · the ’90s

🎲 Remember another one 🛒 Test your memory

📅 Timeline

1998Pepsi announced a Denver test of Storm, an El Niño-themed lemon-lime soda meant to replace Slice.
1999Light Storm began testing in April in 11 markets, including Colorado, Las Vegas, Omaha and Milwaukee.
2000Pepsi announced Sierra Mist in October; by then Storm had been pulled.

❓ People also ask

Was Storm renamed Sierra Mist?

No. Sierra Mist had a new, caffeine-free formula and went national without a test market. Storm had already been pulled.

Did Storm soda have caffeine?

Yes, unlike Sprite and 7 Up. A Pepsi spokesman also said it had a smoother taste and less carbonation than Slice.

🧾 Sources

Deseret News (Scripps Howard), El Nino spurs name of new soft drink (1998)
Beverage Online, Pepsi trying new diet lemon-lime drink (1999)
IFT Food Technology, News & Analysis: Business & Marketing (2000)

🕯️ Shoppers also mourned