A product marketed to kids as an alternative to orange juice and "purple stuff" is being sold to that same generation, this time as an alcoholic drink.
The makers of SunnyD, previously sold under the name Sunny Delight, are selling a grown-up version of the drink south of the border.
While apparently not available in Canada, SunnyD Vodka Seltzer is sold at Walmart stores in several states, according to the brand's website.
The 12-oz. slim cans sold individually and in four-packs contain 4.5 per cent alcohol, and are under 100 calories per serving. The company boasts there is no artificial sweetener in the drinks, though they do contain Stevia, and says the products are gluten free.
And for those wondering about the taste, the company says, "We crafted SunnyD Vodka Seltzer to have the same great orange taste as the SunnyD our fans known and love."
Many of those fans, presumably, are now of legal drinking age, given that SunnyD has been on shelves since the '60s, but the orange-flavoured drink is primarily marketed to children, some would argue.
The vodka version has drawn criticism for this reason, suggesting the company's brand recognition is, in effect, marketing to minors.
Perhaps anticipating this criticism, SunnyD lists as a frequently asked question, "Isn't SunnyD a kids' drink?"
The answer doesn't really defend the company against claims that it may be irresponsible, but instead announces the company's intention that the product only be consumed by those of legal drinking age (21 in the U.S.)
"SunnyD Vodka Seltzer was developed specifically for adults 21+ who love the bold one-of-a-kind orange flavour of SunnyD and who also enjoy co*cktails," the company said.
"We are committed to responsible practices and marketing is directed to consumers of legal drinking age."
Addressing concerns that minors might pick up the alcohol-based product accidentally, mistaking it for traditional SunnyD, the company wrote, "Our cans and outer packaging make it explicitly clear that SunnyD Vodka Seltzer contains alcohol, with a disclosure that is can't-miss at the top of every can. In the home, we encourage all to safeguard all alcoholic beverages and keep out of reach of children."
Earlier this year, a report published by the New York Times pointed to a similar venture by the makers of the soft drink Mountain Dew, and cited concerns from some that these types of products could reverse a trend seen in the States over the last several years: youth alcohol consumption has been declining.
In Canada, health officials recently updated the country's consumption guidelines to recommend no more than two drinks per week to minimize the risks – including cancer – associated with drinking.
Other documents from the same group, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, suggest alcohol is the leading psychoactive substance used by youth in Canada. The centre says alcohol is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in youth and young adults world-wide, and that evidence suggests physical and mental development can be impacted by drinking.
FAQs
A customer filed a class action lawsuit against Sunny Delight Beverage Co. over its SunnyD Vodka Seltzer advertising that it contains zero grams of sugar. The plaintiff Laura Willis Albrigo claims this advertisem*nt is “l*terally false” and the vodka seltzer contains at least 2 grams of sugar.
Is SunnyD bad for kids? ›
Sunny D may contain a full day's supply of vitamin C, as its bottle says, but the tangy orange drink is drowning in sugar — 27 g per glass. Better choice: Milk. Skip Sunny D and pour your kid a glass of skim milk. It's full of calcium and essential vitamins without the sugar.
What was wrong with SunnyD? ›
It didn't matter that the drink only contained 4 percent real fruit juice and was actually full of artificial flavorings and added sugar. It was a rare occurrence when both parents and children were satisfied with a product, and the orange drink flew off the shelves. It expanded its reach across the pond in 1998.
When did SunnyD change from Sunny Delight? ›
Sales had halved by 2001, and the drink was redesigned and reinvented in March 2003 as "SunnyD".
What sweetener is in SunnyD vodka? ›
How do you sweeten SUNNYD Vodka Seltzer? We use Stevia, which is a natural sweetener, to achieve our great taste while keeping calories under 95 calories.
Does SunnyD have alcohol? ›
SunnyD Vodka Seltzer becomes the latest entrant into the canned co*cktail craze that has customers thirsting for flavor-packed adult beverages over their malt-based seltzer siblings. The vodka seltzer is 4.5 percent alcohol by volume, has 0 grams of sugar and only 95 calories.
What is the controversy with SUNNYD drinks? ›
Food watchdogs and outraged parents criticised P&G for giving the impression that Sunny Delight was healthier than it was and, in the ultimate public relations disaster, a three-year-old girl turned orange after drinking 1.5 litres of Sunny Delight a day. Sales slumped by 40%.
Is SUNNYD safe to drink? ›
Yes. SUNNYD uses some artificial sweeteners as a way to reduce the amount of sugar and calories without compromising the one-of-a-kind taste. All ingredients used in SUNNYD have been thoroughly tested for safety, are approved for use by the FDA and are listed in the ingredient statement on every SUNNYD label.
Can my 7 month old drink SUNNYD? ›
The American Academy of Pediatrics says in a new guidance statement that kids should drink very little juice, and babies under 12 months of age should not drink juice at all, unless directed by your pediatrician to treat constipation.
Why was Sunny Delight banned? ›
Along with the myth that those alien goo toys had babies, the story that SunnyD's original recipe was banned because it turned a kid's skin orange circulated and became somewhat of an urban legend. Going viral before viral was a thing, the story spread like wildfire in school playgrounds across the country.
In response, a spokesperson for manufacturers P&G said: “This is excessive consumption, and consumption on that scale would lead to a yellowing of the skin because of the beta-carotene, in the same way as drinking too much carrot juice or orange juice would.”
Did Sunny Day get Cancelled? ›
Initially greenlit for 40 episodes, Sunny Day made its world debut on Nickelodeon USA in August 2017 and has since rolled out on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels globally. Nickelodeon renewed the show for a 20-episode second season, which is currently airing. The series is produced by Silvergate Media for Nickelodeon.
What is SunnyD called now? ›
Sunny Delight Beverages Co. is the creator of SunnyD, formally known as Sunny Delight. It spun off from Procter & Gamble in 2004. The company is owned by Harvest Hill Beverage Company. Sunny Delight Beverages Co.
Does SunnyD go bad if not refrigerated? ›
SUNNYD should be kept in the refrigerator after opening. Try SUNNYD in a juice pouch or reclosable bottle so you can bring SUNNYD with you wherever you go. With a taste unlike anything else, SUNNYD is the orange drink with a one-of-a-kind flavor for a one-of-a-kind you.
Does SunnyD help with colds? ›
Vitamin D, available for free in the sun's rays, boosts immunity, according to the largest and most nationally representative study so far on the subject. Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, which could explain why people are more likely to get sick in the winter, said Dr.
Is Sunny D vodka seltzer real? ›
Likely, that's because the beverage is made with real fruit juice and real vodka as opposed to malt liquor (which also makes it gluten-free). You might think it's just a bottled-up screwdriver, but the alcoholic version still has that distinctly 'sunny' flavor that separates it from orange juice.
Did Sunny D get sued? ›
Sunny D class action lawsuit overview:
Sunny Delight Beverages Co. falsely advertises its alcoholic Sunny D Vodka Seltzer beverage as containing “0g sugar” even though it contains approximately 2 grams of sugar, according to a new Sunny D class action lawsuit.
Who owns Sunny D Vodka Seltzer? ›
Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, CT, is owned by private equity firm Brynwood Partners, and acquired the SUNNYD brand from J.W. Childs in February 2016. Harvest Hill markets some of America's most beloved beverage brands, including SUNNYD, JUICY JUICE, LITTLE HUG, and DAILY'S co*cktails.
Who is Sunny vodka owned by? ›
It's always sunny in California, as the legend goes. That saying may take on a new flavor with the launch of Sunny Vodka, a sprightly new spirit from social media influencers turned entrepreneurs Zack Bia and Anastasia “Stas” Karanikolaou.
