In an era where streaming subscriptions keep climbing in cost, one brand has emerged as the unexpected voice of the people—AriZona Iced Tea. The beloved New York-based beverage company recently took a cheeky swing at Netflix after the streaming giant announced yet another price hike, and the internet is absolutely loving it.

Netflix's Price Hike Sparks Online Outrage

Netflix revealed earlier this week that it would be increasing subscription prices across the U.S. and other global markets. The news came alongside a record-breaking achievement—nearly 19 million new subscribers in Q4 2024 alone. While Netflix celebrated its booming growth, customers were less thrilled about having to dig deeper into their wallets.

As frustration flooded social media, AriZona Iced Tea entered the conversation with an ice-cold response that sent the internet into a frenzy.

AriZona Iced Tea’s Mic-Drop Moment

Jumping into the fray, AriZona’s official X/Twitter account, @DrinkAriZona, delivered a simple yet savage seven-word clapback: “AriZona Iced Tea is still 99 cents.”

The tweet was a direct reply to @DiscussingFilm’s update on Netflix’s new pricing structure, which detailed the following increases:

The ad-supported tier jumps to .99/month (+)

The Premium tier spikes to .99/month (+)

AriZona’s tweet instantly resonated with netizens who have long praised the brand for keeping its 23-ounce cans at the same 99-cent price since 1992—a commitment to affordability that starkly contrasts with Netflix’s ever-rising fees.

The Business Philosophy That Keeps AriZona Unshaken

As the internet hailed AriZona Iced Tea for standing firm against inflation, many recalled a 2023 interview with founder Don Vultaggio, where he explained why the company refuses to raise its prices despite industry pressures.

“We’re successful, we’re debt-free, we own everything,” Vultaggio told TODAY. “Why should people who are struggling to make ends meet pay more for our drink? This is my way of giving back.”

This unwavering philosophy echoes another beloved business model—Costco’s famous .50 hot dog and soda combo, which has remained unchanged since the 1980s. Even in the face of rising costs, Costco’s leadership has fiercely protected the meal deal, with co-founder Jim Sinegal famously warning executives, “If you raise the effing hot dog price, I will kill you.”

A Viral Win for AriZona Iced Tea

AriZona’s witty response has not only reinforced its reputation as a brand that “gets it” but has also amassed staggering engagement. At the time of writing, their tweet has clocked nearly 23 million views and over 711,000 likes, proving that a little sass and a lot of consistency can go a long way in winning over the internet.

As OTT platforms continue to test the patience (and budgets) of subscribers, it seems clear that consumers will gravitate towards brands that prioritize their customers over profits. And for now, at least, AriZona Iced Tea remains the undefeated champion of affordability—one sip at a time.