Exciting New Beverage Trends in the Foodservice Industry
Foodservice operators are constantly looking for new ways to attract customers, and one way they are doing so is through innovative beverage offerings. From frozen refreshers to pickle smoothies, these new drinks are capturing consumer interest with unique flavors and formats.
Sonic Drive-In’s Frozen Refreshers
Sonic Drive-In, based in Atlanta, is shaking up its refreshers portfolio with a new line of frozen refreshers. These beverages combine ice, fruit or berry purees, and natural caffeine from green tea. Flavors include watermelon peach, mango peach, strawberry passion fruit, and berry citrus.
Barbara Williams, Vice President of Culinary Innovation and Category Management at Sonic, explains, “Frozen refreshers build on our signature slush expertise and pair it with vibrant real fruit flavors. Our new seasonal watermelon peach refresher offers a unique experience that only Sonic can provide.”
Smoothie King’s Pickle Smoothie
Smoothie King is jumping on the pickle flavor trend with a limited-time pickle smoothie in collaboration with Grillo’s Pickles. This tangy and hydrating beverage combines Grillo’s pickles with bananas, organic kale, and coconut water.
Lori Primavera, Vice President of R&D and Product Marketing at Smoothie King, notes, “Pickles offer not only delicious flavor but also real nutritional benefits, particularly in hydration. This innovative smoothie shows how a beloved flavor can deliver both function and taste.”
Taco Bell’s Cold Brew Line
Taco Bell, a Yum! Brands subsidiary, has introduced a new cold brew beverage line available exclusively at Live Más Cafés. Made from a blend of medium and dark roast Arabica beans, the cold brew is paired with a variety of cold foam toppings such as horchata-flavored purple velvet, caramel dulce, and vanilla cream.
Liz Matthews, Global Chief Food Innovation Officer at Taco Bell, says, “Cold brew and cold foams bring a flavor-forward, premium coffee experience to our fans’ daily routines. They are a natural next step in building our Café experience.”
These new beverage trends are reshaping the foodservice industry, offering customers exciting and innovative options to quench their thirst and tantalize their taste buds.