How Sprite Turned Social Listening Into a New Product Launch

Sprite has once again demonstrated its knack for innovation, launching its latest product, Sprite + Tea, inspired by a viral trend that took TikTok by storm.

What began as a simple user-generated hack on the platform has now transformed into a refreshing new beverage that blends Sprite’s signature fizz with the soothing taste of tea, creating a unique product that has the potential to redefine beverage trends.

The TikTok Trend: A Viral Sensation

The journey of Sprite + Tea started with a viral TikTok trend where users began dropping tea bags into Sprite bottles, creating a carbonated tea experience. The trend, popular on the "FoodTok" section of TikTok, quickly amassed millions of views as creators shared their experiences with the concoction.

The drink, which turned a light brown color similar to iced tea, caught the attention of TikTok users who compared it to the popular Arnold Palmer — a beverage traditionally made with iced tea and lemonade.

@withskye Tea bag in sprite is 🤌🏼 Thanks @taco hell for the rec. what should I try next? 😋 credit to: @Wayne Shen #sprite #chinesedrink #sprite #viral #viraldrink ♬ on vcr - mercyb2b

The user responses were overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers raving about the surprising combination of flavors. "Whole other level," commented one user, while others felt that it offered a refreshing take on the classic iced tea.

The buzz generated around the trend provided an ideal opportunity for Sprite to jump in and create its own version of the drink, taking it from a TikTok hack to a market-ready product.

Sprite’s Response: Turning a Trend into a Product

As the trend continued to gain traction, Sprite’s R&D team took notice, realizing the potential of this viral moment. The company wasted no time in transforming this trend into a legitimate product.

According to Kate Schaufelberger, the North America brand director for Sprite, the idea was born out of consumer-driven insight.

What began as a simple research project by an intern quickly accelerated into full-scale production. The Sprite team wanted to take the combination of Sprite and tea to the next level, creating a product that would resonate with consumers while staying true to Sprite’s refreshing, unique brand essence.

The result? Sprite + Tea, a drink that combines the crisp, carbonated goodness of Sprite with the soothing, familiar flavors of tea. Available in both regular and zero-sugar options, the product launched in the U.S. and Canada and will be available through October 2025.

@sprite The fit is TEA, the vibe is refreshing, and we just reimagined tea time with Sprite+Tea. ✨🍋 #SpritePlusTea #Sprite #fyp #trending #discover ♬ Is Instrumental Hip-Hop - AVANT-BEATS

Sprite + Tea: The New Product

Sprite + Tea is not just a drink; it’s a statement of how brands can leverage viral social media trends to craft products that speak to consumer demand. The new drink is set to offer a fresh take on iced tea, but with a twist — Sprite's signature fizziness and refreshing taste paired with the calming flavor of tea.

Alongside the product, Sprite launched a creative campaign featuring a collaboration with Eastside Golf, a lifestyle brand bringing elements of hip-hop and basketball culture to the traditionally more conservative sport of golf.

The ad campaign, titled “The Fix,” features an amateur golfer who is inspired by a Sprite + Tea drink to envision its effects on his game. This campaign successfully integrates Sprite’s rich history in sports culture with the new product, making it both a nostalgic and fresh experience for its audience.

As Schaufelberger mentions,

A Look at the Market Impact

The launch of Sprite + Tea is not only a product innovation but also a strategic move in the ever-competitive beverage industry. By tapping into the power of TikTok and responding to an organic trend, Sprite is positioning itself as a forward-thinking brand that listens to its consumers and adapts quickly.

Moreover, the success of this launch could have ripple effects on other brands in the market. It presents a challenge to companies that haven’t yet embraced the power of social media trends to fuel product development.

In addition, the success of Sprite’s campaign can inspire more brands to jump into the rapidly growing market for innovative flavored beverages, especially those that blend familiar tastes with new concepts.

The Broader Trend of Social Media-Driven Innovation

Sprite’s Sprite + Tea is just one example of how social media, particularly TikTok, is influencing traditional brand innovation. Brands now more than ever are turning to social listening and real-time trend analysis to shape their product offerings. In this case, TikTok’s viral culture not only helped identify a popular trend but also acted as a testing ground for new ideas.

By capitalizing on this trend, Sprite is tapping into a cultural moment while staying true to its identity. It demonstrates how brands can effectively merge digital trends with real-world product innovation to create offerings that resonate with their audience.

From TikTok Trend to Product Launch

Sprite + Tea marks a major shift in beverage innovation, showcasing how a viral trend on TikTok can drive real, meaningful product development. By listening to consumers and tapping into social media culture, Sprite has created a product that blends refreshment with creativity, offering a unique and refreshing experience for its fans.

With Sprite + Tea, the brand not only embraces innovation but also sets the bar for how brands can leverage social media to inspire the next big product. As we await its full impact on the market, it’s clear that Sprite is keeping its finger on the pulse of what consumers want, both online and in the real world.

About the Author

Kalin Anastasov

Writer

Kalin Anastasov plays a pivotal role as an content manager and editor at Influencer Marketing Hub. He expertly applies his SEO and content writing experience to enhance each piece, ensuring it aligns with our guidelines and delivers unmatched quality to our readers.