McDonald’s has announced it will introduce a lineup of new beverages, including cold coffees, fruity refreshers, and crafted sodas, in a market test across more than 500 restaurants this September.
The fast-food chain said the test will feature drinks inspired by its CosMc’s concept.
Newsweek has reached out to McDonald’s for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The menu change reflects McDonald’s ongoing response to evolving customer demand and fierce industry competition.
Recently, the company ended its Krispy Kreme donut collaboration citing profitability and supply chain challenges, and also debuted several other menu changes, signaling a broader strategic shift.
Market tests like the new beverage rollout allow McDonald’s to adapt quickly to consumer trends as it seeks to maintain its position amid rising costs and shifting eating habits. The company’s U.S. division has reported a 40 percent average menu price increase since 2019 and slower sales growth in recent quarters.
What To Know
McDonald’s will debut its new beverage test menu at over 500 U.S. locations later this summer, including Wisconsin, Colorado, and nearby states.
The new drink lineup will include creations like the Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew, Strawberry Watermelon Refresher, Sprite Lunar Splash, and Popping Tropic Refresher. These drinks combine creative flavors with convenience, mirroring some of the innovative beverages first featured at CosMc’s, an offshoot focused on specialty drinks.
According to McDonald’s, the shift comes in the wake of customer surveys and lessons learned from CosMc’s, as well as an expanded focus on beverage sales driven by younger demographics.
“We’re seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people—especially our Gen Z fans—turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet our US customers’ evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks,” Alyssa Buetikofer, chief customer experience and marketing officer for McDonald’s USA, said in a press release.
The test is structured to gather feedback from customers and local restaurant teams, with McDonald’s owner/operators playing a direct role in shaping operations for any potential expansion.
“We’ve got the structure, the tools, and the team to move fast and scale what works,” Charlie Newberger, beverage category lead, said in a statement. “This first test in the US market is a big step in our global direction.”
Beyond beverages, McDonald’s has recently introduced or expanded several menu offerings, including the Daily Double burger as part of its McValue Meal deal. The brand also announced the return of the Snack Wrap, and new dessert items like the Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry.
What People Are Saying
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: “After the spectacular failure of the CosMc’s campaign, McDonald’s is shifting its focus back in-house, aiming to capture market share from brands like Starbucks and Dutch Bros. There’s considerable consumer demand for specialty beverages, and McDonald’s sees an opportunity to tap into this lucrative market segment, even if it means gaining only a small portion of the pie.”
He added: “The fast-food industry is increasingly exploring revenue streams beyond traditional meals, especially as rising food costs pressure profit margins. Specialty beverages offer higher profitability, allowing businesses to offset other declines.”
“Consumers continue to prioritize convenience and are willing to pay a premium for quick, quality offerings. This shift could redefine expectations in the fast-food sector, benefiting companies that adapt effectively and creating more diverse options for customers over the long run.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “McDonald’s latest experimental run into new drink types is a fascinating turn of events…McDonald’s made an aggressive push into different coffee-related drinks to compete with chains like Starbucks, only to pull back as the venture wasn’t as successful as hoped.”
He added: “This latest decision to introduce new drink types speaks to McDonald’s desire to bring back customers who left due to higher prices, and the decision to debut them in only certain markets means they’ve learned from past ventures and are experimenting with these in select cities first before determining whether they would be good options for their nationwide menu.”
What Happens Next?
McDonald’s will begin testing the new beverages at select locations starting September 2.
The company aims to assess customer response and operational impacts before considering a larger rollout. Expansion to additional markets could follow based on test results and feedback from local teams.
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