The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with beverage innovation playing a significant role in driving consumer engagement and satisfaction. As consumer preferences shift toward more adventurous, health-conscious, and visually appealing options, QSR brands are leveraging creativity and global inspirations to introduce compelling beverage offerings. This report explores the key QSR drink trends 2025, providing insights into the innovative flavours, ingredients, and presentation techniques that are capturing the market’s attention.
Spicy beverages with a fruity twist
Consumers are increasingly seeking bold and adventurous beverage experiences, with spicy flavours gaining traction across various categories. The appeal of heat, when balanced with fruity undertones, creates a unique sensory experience that resonates with flavour-seeking customers. A notable example of this trend is Stow Cider’s Peach Habanero cider, which artfully combines tart cider with the warmth of habanero peppers. This innovative pairing demonstrates how QSR brands can experiment with similar flavour profiles, offering beverages that deliver both excitement and refreshment.
Additionally, the use of spices such as cayenne, chili, and ginger, blended with tropical fruits like mango and pineapple, has emerged as a popular choice. These combinations not only appeal to adventurous palates but also align with the growing demand for exotic and globally inspired flavours.
Functional and health-enhancing ingredients
The health and wellness movement continues to shape consumer choices, with many individuals seeking beverages that offer more than just hydration or taste. Functional ingredients such as adaptogens, nootropics, and probiotics have become increasingly prominent in the QSR landscape. Black Sheep Coffee’s Lion’s Mane Latte exemplifies this trend by incorporating adaptogenic mushrooms known for their cognitive benefits, promoting mental clarity and focus.
Similarly, beverages featuring ingredients like ashwagandha, turmeric, and collagen are gaining popularity, particularly among consumers focused on holistic wellness. By integrating such ingredients into their product offerings, QSR brands can position themselves as leaders in the health-conscious market segment.
Protein-enriched beverage solutions
Protein, once primarily associated with fitness supplements, has successfully transitioned into mainstream beverage offerings. The rising consumer interest in protein-enriched diets has prompted QSR brands to incorporate this macronutrient into various drink formats. 712 Nutrition’s Pineapple Whey Protein Shake and Dunkin’s StrongBrew iced coffee illustrate this trend, offering beverages that cater to fitness enthusiasts seeking convenient, on-the-go protein options.
Beyond traditional protein shakes, protein-infused cold brews, smoothies, and flavoured milk beverages have gained momentum. This trend underscores the opportunity for brands to innovate by combining protein with indulgent flavours such as chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel, appealing to both health-conscious and flavour-seeking customers.
Health-conscious beverage alternatives
Health-conscious consumers continue to prioritize low-sugar, low-calorie, and naturally sweetened beverage options. The success of offerings like Scooter’s Coffee’s sugar-free Caramelicious iced coffee and Poppi’s zero-calorie sparkling drinks highlights the importance of meeting these evolving dietary preferences.
To address this trend, QSR brands are increasingly turning to natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol. Additionally, the use of botanicals, such as hibiscus and elderflower, adds complexity and flavour without relying on traditional sugars. Developing beverages that deliver both indulgence and nutritional benefits will be essential for brands aiming to capture the health-conscious market.
Interactive and visually engaging drinks
Social media’s influence on consumer behaviour has made the visual appeal of beverages more important than ever. Interactive and aesthetically pleasing drinks, designed to be “Instagram-worthy,” are becoming a staple in many QSR menus. Dutch Bros and Cali Coffee have successfully tapped into this trend by incorporating edible glitter into their beverages, adding a whimsical and eye-catching element.
Other brands are exploring techniques such as layered drinks, gradient colours, and toppings like boba pearls, whipped cream, and fruit pieces to enhance visual appeal. Customisable drinks, where customers can mix and match flavours, colours, and toppings, further contribute to engagement and brand loyalty.
Sub-zero sips: The rise of frozen beverages
Frozen beverages, offering a slushie-like texture and refreshing sensation, are enjoying renewed popularity. Chick-fil-A’s Frosted Key Lime Lemonade and Hungry Jack’s Frozen Coca-Cola Zero showcase the appeal of these icy concoctions. By introducing innovative frozen beverages, QSR brands can attract consumers seeking novel textures and flavours, particularly during warmer months.
The growing interest in frozen coffee-based drinks, such as frappes and blended cold brews, further supports this trend. Pairing these beverages with bold or exotic coffee syrup flavours, such as lychee, tamarind, or passion fruit, adds an element of surprise that resonates with adventurous drinkers.
The dirty drink phenomenon
“Dirty” beverages, characterised by the addition of syrups, creams, or candies, are experiencing a surge in popularity. Dirty sodas, like Del Taco’s combination of Dr. Pepper and vanilla shake mix, and Sonic’s dragon fruit Sprite with Nerds candy, exemplify this playful and indulgent trend. The visual appeal created by these ingredients’ dynamic interactions further enhances their appeal, particularly among younger demographics.
Dirty shakes, which take the concept a step further by incorporating cookies, chocolates, and even alcohol, offer an elevated indulgence. Johnny Rockets’ chocolate shake topped with Oreo crumbles and Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers is a notable example, catering to dessert-loving customers seeking a decadent experience.
Global flavour influences
As consumers become more adventurous with their food and beverage choices, QSR brands are increasingly incorporating global flavours into their drink offerings. Latin American influences, particularly Mexican flavours, have gained considerable popularity. The Human Bean’s Mexi-Oat Shaken Espresso, blending dark cocoa, cinnamon, and brown sugar, reflects the rich, comforting flavours of traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
Vietnamese coffee, with its distinctive blend of robusta coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and tapioca pearls, has also captivated consumers. Niko Niko Boba’s Vietnamese boba coffee showcases this growing trend. Meanwhile, Thai-inspired beverages, such as Shake Shack’s Thai Iced Tea Shake, introduce a balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy elements that appeal to a wide audience.
Nostalgic and dessert-inspired creations
Nostalgia remains a powerful driver in beverage innovation, with many QSR brands turning to childhood favourites for inspiration. Cereal-topped drinks, such as Dutch Bros Coffee’s offerings featuring Froot Loops and freeze-dried marshmallows, evoke comforting memories while delivering visual and textural intrigue.
Dessert-inspired beverages, including Starbucks’ chocolate hazelnut cookie cold brew and Sonic’s red velvet cake shake, replicate the flavours of beloved treats. These drinks cater to consumers seeking indulgence and familiarity, often resulting in increased customer engagement and repeat visits.
At-home coffee solutions
The shift toward at-home consumption, accelerated by the global pandemic, has prompted QSR brands to offer coffee products that replicate the in-store experience. Dunkin’ and McDonald’s have responded by selling branded coffee beans, pods, and ready-to-drink products, enabling customers to enjoy their favourite beverages from the comfort of home.
This trend presents opportunities for brands to expand their reach beyond physical outlets, fostering brand loyalty and driving sales through retail channels.
Stay ahead of the competition
The QSR beverage industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences, global culinary influences, and the growing impact of social media. From bold, spicy creations and health-enhancing formulations to visually captivating and nostalgic drinks, beverage innovation remains essential for sustained success in this competitive market.
By staying attuned to these emerging trends and continuously experimenting with flavours, ingredients, and presentation techniques, QSR brands can effectively engage consumers, build loyalty, and secure long-term growth in the evolving landscape of 2025 and beyond.
At Simpsons Beverages we have over 90 years of experience in developing and manufacturing beverages, which means we are well-positioned to support drink brands and manufacturers in navigating these trends. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and explore innovative beverage solutions.
Image source: Trendhub The Food People 2025
