> At a Glance
> – Welch’s re-released its classic 1997 commercial starring Emily Mae Young on Oct 9, 2025
> – Young, now 34, stepped away from acting and works in social-media marketing
> – She reunited with the brand for its largest-ever Sparkling Juice campaign
> – Why it matters: The campaign revives a beloved childhood memory for millions of ’90s kids while passing the torch to a new generation
The Welch’s Grape Juice Girl is back. After 25 years, Welch’s dusted off its 1997 commercial and invited the original child star-Emily Mae Young-to celebrate the brand’s biggest sparkling-juice push ever.
The Comeback
Welch’s posted the nostalgic TikTok clip on October 9, 2025, and comment sections instantly filled with memories of grape-stained smiles. Young, born February 14, 1990, filmed the ad when she was seven and became the face of countless lunchbox conversations.
Life After the Spotlight
Young kept acting through the late ’90s:
- Lily Lambert on Step by Step (1996-1998)
- Lead role in Undercover Angel (1999)
- TV movie Santa and Pete
She later left Hollywood, became a mom, and now creates content and handles social-media marketing.
Full-Circle Moment
The reunion marks Welch’s first time bringing back a former child star. In a statement released via PR Newswire, Young called the experience “laughter, grape-juice mustaches, and lip-smacking fun,” adding that seeing kids lead the new spots means “the heart of it all is returning.”
To the campaign’s newest star she offered simple advice:
> “Have fun, be yourself, and most importantly… drink the juice!”
Key Takeaways
- Welch’s 2025 Sparkling Juice campaign revives the iconic 1997 commercial
- Emily Mae Young returns after a 25-year hiatus-her first brand partnership since childhood
- Young symbolically passes the torch, cementing the brand’s multigenerational appeal
For ’90s kids, the familiar face is a sweet reminder that some flavors-and memories-never go out of style.
