Fast-food chains are increasingly focusing on innovative beverages to attract younger consumers. Chick-fil-A, known for its straightforward menu, now offers seasonal Pineapple Dragonfruit drinks. Taco Bell has introduced a beverage concept called Live Mas Café, while McDonald’s is testing its drinks-focused spinoff, CosMc’s. These chains are betting that exotic flavors, bright colors, and high caffeine and sugar content will boost sales and margins. Fast-food chains are expanding their beverage options, including refreshers, agua frescas, specialty iced coffee, hot chocolate, and energy drinks. This trend reflects the broader restaurant industry’s growing focus on beverages. The decline in soda consumption since 2000 has created opportunities for operators to introduce signature drinks aligned with their brands. Chains are also experimenting with unusual flavors like butterfly pea and ube to appeal to Gen Z consumers. Wendy’s, for example, offers blueberry pomegranate and pineapple mango lemonades. Restaurants are inspired by Gen Z’s preference for unique drink combinations, such as bubble tea-inspired touches and fruity popping boba. While these drinks often contain significant amounts of sugar, Gen Z remains enthusiastic. For some chains, beverages represent a key area for future sales growth due to their higher profit margins and ease of menu integration. — news from CNBC
