josta

Josta may refer to two distinct subjects in different fields: a fruit and a beverage brand.

In horticulture, josta, also called jostaberry, refers to a berry produced from crossing the blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) with the gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa). The resulting fruit is typically dark and can be eaten fresh or used in processed products such as jams, jellies, juices, and desserts. Jostaberries are grown on deciduous shrubs in temperate regions, and the characteristics of the fruit—such as flavor, size, and vigor—vary with the cultivar and growing conditions.

In the beverage industry, Josta is the brand name of an energy drink released by PepsiCo in the mid-1990s. Josta debuted in 1995 as PepsiCo’s first energy drink and was marketed as a caffeinated beverage containing ingredients like guarana. The product was discontinued in 1999 as part of a broader restructuring and performance considerations. It is noted in industry history as an early attempt by a major company to enter the energy-drink market.