This summer, major fast food chains have made a strong bet on new products. Only one of them has truly managed to make a difference. It has done so with something that's neither a burger nor a taco.
Taco Bell has surprised everyone with a new range of drinks that are already making history. This is a line designed to compete directly with traditional sodas and shakes from other chains. With their sales soaring, some are already claiming that it has beaten McDonald’s.
Refrescas triumph across the country
The American chain has launched this collection with a clear goal: to offer a refreshing, energetic alternative with natural flavors. Refrescas are inspired by the popular Mexican aguas frescas, but they give them a more modern twist thanks to freeze-dried fruit and a green tea base. With flavors like strawberry and passion fruit, mango with peach, or dragon fruit with berries, they're capturing consumers' attention.
Each drink costs $3.99 and contains 0.002 oz. (52 mg) of caffeine, just enough to give a small boost without overdoing it. But that's not all: Taco Bell has also introduced two energy drinks in collaboration with Rockstar, a brand that's not usually linked to the fast food world. These two new versions, Pineapple Lime and Tropical Punch, contain no less than 0.007 oz. (200 mg) of caffeine and are priced at $4.49.
As if that weren't enough, the chain has also launched a frozen format: the Strawberry Lime Refresca Freeze, reveals All Recipes. This slushie, which can be ordered for $3.79 or $3.99 depending on the size, is an ideal option for those looking for something cold and fruity. It includes pieces of real fruit and is already becoming one of the star products of the summer.
An ambitious plan to lead the market
According to Taco Bell, these drinks have been designed to accompany any meal on the menu, from a burrito to a Crunchwrap. They can also be enjoyed on their own as an energetic snack. The company states that with this new range, it not only expands its offerings, but also redefines what a fast drink can be.
They aren't stopping there, the company has announced that they will open more than 30 Live Más Cafés before the end of the year. These spaces will be inside existing Taco Bell restaurants, especially in Texas and Southern California, and will offer more than 30 handcrafted drinks. Among them, the Horchata Latte stands out, a blend that's already generating curiosity among fans.
The new cafés will have their own baristas, called “Bellristas,” who will be in charge of preparing each drink in a personalized way. Although this part of the plan is still expanding, Refrescas are already available throughout the United States. With their initial sales figures exceeding expectations, it seems clear that the reign of traditional sodas is starting to falter.