The Uncola Wars

By Lisa McLaughlin

SPRITE REMIX with this clear, carbonated beverage, the folks at Sprite, inspired by hip-hop, have created a kind of tropical-dance remix of their traditional lemony soda. It's fruity with a slight tang.

7UP The caffeinated "fruit flavor blast" version of the classic is an unfortunate shade of Hulk green, making it look more like mouthwash than soda. Even if you can get past the color, it has an overly sweet, candy-like taste.

SIERRA MIST PepsiCo last year called a halt to its distribution deal with 7Up and launched this challenger to 7Up and Sprite. It has a traditional lemon-lime soda taste but is slightly sweeter than the competitors. --L.McL.