The beloved orange drink brand once known as “Sunny Delight” is releasing a hard seltzer: SunnyD Vodka Seltzer.
SunnyD said in a press release that his Vodka Seltzer was created by “popular demand” due to the prevalence of canned cocktails. While the new SunnyD variety is indeed a vodka seltzer (no malt), it’s only 4.5% ABV, with no sugar and 95 calories.
However, the press release contains a little surprise to explain that this version of SunnyD does not contain the actual, original SunnyD – it contains natural ingredients and fruit juice instead, but still has the brand’s well-known orange flavour.
SunnyD has been around since 1963, when a couple of Florida dads created ‘Sunny Delight’. In the 1990s, the brand developed a devoted fan base and eventually officially changed its name to “SunnyD.” Since Harvest Hill Beverage Company bought the brand six years ago, sales have grown by 30%.
“SunnyD is a powerful brand, the most daring unique orange beverage in the world,” said Ilene Bergenfeld, Chief Marketing Officer of Harvest Hill Beverage Company. “Consumers are passionate about this iconic brand,” she continued, “rooted in nostalgia but with a flavor that resonates today. Many have told us they enjoy SunnyD as a mixer and asked for this product. So we looked at the hard seltzer category, and thought, well, but we can do better. And SunnyD Vodka Seltzer was born.”
SunnyD developed the product to the point of conducting blind taste tests, which the company said helped confirm that the market was truly ready for a SunnyD Vodka Seltzer.
The new hard seltzer will be available March 11, 2023 at select Walmarts. The MSRP for a pack of four SunnyD Vodka Seltzer is $9.99.
