Starting May 6, ordering a drink at McDonald’s can cost you up to $4.50almost a dollar more than a traditional soft drink. The fast food chain announced the launch of six new specialty options in the United States, as part of a strong renovation of its menus.
But it is not the only chain that will make modifications. Taco Bell and KFC are also renewing their drink menu with a clear objective: What was once a cheap add-on can now be raise your purchase total in an unexpected way.
Why did chains stop selling only soft drinks?
The simple drinks business stopped growing. According to data from the analysis firm Technomic from April 2026, sales in chains specializing in drinks and snacks increased 8.1% in 2025while the sale of hamburgers barely grew one 0.2%. This indicates that profit margins on specialty beverages are considerably higher than those on food.
That is one of the reasons why McDonald’s closed its line of CosMc’s stores, focused on the sale of simplest drinks, although it kept the recipes to include them in its more than 40,000 restaurants worldwide and almost 14,000 in the US.
What McDonald’s launches on May 6
The six new products include three ‘refreshers’ drinks (cold fruity drinks with lemonade or tea bases) and three craft sodas. Among the announced options are: Mango Pineapple Refresher with Strawberry Boba, Blackberry Ardor Fruit Refresher with freeze-dried fruit and a Dirty Dr Pepper with vanilla and cold foam.
Alyssa Buetikofer, director of marketing for McDonald’s in the United States, indicated that these drinks “come in vibrant colors and are very photographable.” The strategy directly targets Generation Z, who spends more on afternoon drinks than on full meals.
Additionally, over the course of the year, the chain will also launch energy drinks, including a version with Purple Bullto compete with Starbucks Refreshers and Dutch Bros and Dunkin’ products. Prices will be lower than those brands, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Taco Bell now has its own cafeteria
Taco Bell was not far behind. The chain, which is part of the Yum Brands conglomerate along with KFC, launched its concept Are residing More Coffee inside their premises, where employees called ‘Bellristas’ prepare iced coffees, chillers and soft drinks, with costs ranging from $3.59 to $5.19according to the chain’s official menu as of April 28, 2026.
Chris Turner, CEO of Yum Brands, stated during a conference with investors in November 2025 that this new concept “could become a key component of Taco Bell’s long-term growth strategy” if sales continue at the expected pace.
KFC and its bet with ‘Kwench’
KFC is going the same way. The chain plans to expand its craft beverage platform called Kwench to some 3,000 restaurants in 2026with initial focus on the United Kingdom and Ireland, although it is actively evaluating its implementation in the United States.
Val Kubizniak, KFC’s marketing director, said the pace of development in beverages is “attractive and advantageous” for brands. The chain’s offering includes lemonades, refreshers, milkshakes and iced coffees.
What these changes mean for the Hispanic family that shops in chains
In total, these drinks cost between $1 and $2 more than a standard soda from the same restaurant. A family that visits McDonald’s twice a week and trades two sodas for craft drinks could spend between $8 and $16 extra per monthwithout changing a single dish from your ordinary order.
Chains are redesigning their spaces, digital menus and promotions to boost their sales. David Henkes, an indispensable analyst at Technomic, described them as “an affordable luxury” at a time when consumers are cutting back on eating out to save a few dollars.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the new drinks at McDonald’s, Taco Bell and KFC
When do McDonald’s new drinks arrive at its restaurants in the US?
McDonald’s confirmed that it will launch six craft drinks, three refreshers and three sodas, starting on May 6, 2026 at its locations in the United States.
How much do the new drinks cost compared to a traditional soft drink?
A standard soda at McDonald’s costs about $1.69. The new drinks are located between $3.29 and $4.50that is, between $1.60 and $2.80 more. At Taco Bell, refreshers and coffees range from $3.59 to $5.19.
What is a refresher and why does it appear on all the networks?
A refresher is a cold fruity drink, usually with lemonade grisly, green tea or mineral water. It doesn’t have a single definition, which allows networks a lot of creativity.
Is McDonald’s trying to compete directly with Starbucks?
Yes. The strategy is clear: offer drinks similar to Starbucks Refreshers and Dutch Bros at lower prices, capturing the customer looking for a special drink without paying a high price.
Will KFC also sell these drinks in the US?
KFC actively evaluates the launch of its platform Kwench in the United States, although the initial deployment of 3,000 stores In 2026 it focuses on international markets.
Conclusion
The change in the drink menu of these chains is not a fad: it is a reorientation of the business. When food profit margins are compressed and customers cut costs, the glass with fruit and foam becomes the most profitable bet on the menu.
The Hispanic consumer finds an economical option in these chains, but the real risk is that within a year it will be as difficult to find the $1.69 soda as it is to find the dollar menu.
Keep reading:
– Confirmed: McDonald’s McValue menu arrives on April 21 with combos from $4
– Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 arrives at McDonald’s Happy Meal
– Zab’s Hen Ranch Nacho Fries: Taco Bell’s bold new spicy bet