Restaurants Embrace Teas, Chillers, and Natural Beverages to Bring in Consumers: A Look at What Makes Americans’ Mouth Water

BevIndustry.com’s recent report on quick service restaurants highlighted the unmatched growth of the fast-casual dining segment during current economic recovery. This segment of slightly higher quality fast-restaurants, like Five Guys, Go Roma, and Noodles & Co, has garnered a growth of over 11% in the last 5 years, in comparison to the 1.4% overall growth of quick-service offerings. One reason for this sector’s rebound is its investment in high-quality, all-natural beverage options. Consumers are willing to spend slightly more in exchange for the natural, quality, and unique drinks that have come to define the fast-casual dining experience.

The entire quick-service restaurant segment has been quick to respond, with an increase in pricier, unique beverage offerings. McDonald’s Chillers with “100% fruit juice and natural flavors” as well as Wendy’s  “cane sugar” all-natural lemonade demonstrate the growing popularity of premium nature-based beverages, even in a time of economic hardship. BevIndustry highlights the swift response of beverage providers to create offerings that consumers are craving. Caribou Coffee introduced its newest line of all-natural sparkling teas and juices, and Numi Organic Tea invested in five, Fair Trade, organic brewed iced tea options.

NextLevel Markteting identified consumer’s primary concern for quality over affordability when selecting a restaurant or fast-casual experience. Beverage selection has become a determining factor, and companies like Coke have worked to increase the assortment and number of their beverage options at restaurants, via new Fountain machines. Coke Freestyle, interactive fountain machines with 100+ flavors are experiencing increased distribution and are available in over 4000 locations. 

Beverage-concentrate provider, Multi-Flow Industries, addressed consumer interest in natural ingredients by offering zero-calorie, natural choices like nourisH20 vitamin-enhanced water and all-natural, sugar-sweetened Fountainhead Gourmet Craft Sodas. The company continues to address American’s long-time desire for fountain drinks. However, it now ensures that there are options for the “modern socially-aware consumer” at a time when the “natural’ trend is the single largest [trend] affecting food and beverages.” Multi-Flow anticipates increased investments in lemonade, smoothies, energy drins, and iced tea products as soft drink consumption remains flat or declines. With consumers’ primary concerns moving toward the natural and innovative, restaurants are taking the time and money to create drinks that will bring customers in and leave them coming back for more.

Blog post written by Deutsch Intern: Olivia Lassoff

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