Burger King New Drinks 2025
In a strategic move to capture more beverage market share, Burger King has launched a new line of iced coffees and fruit-based lemonades, directly targeting rivals McDonald’s and Starbucks. This bold menu expansion aims to attract customers during non-meal hours and boost profit margins with high-value drinks.
With summer heating up, so does the competition among fast-food giants. Burger King is the latest to join the beverage war with six new drinks—four cold foam iced coffee variations and two refreshing lemonades.
Why Beverages Matter in Fast Food?
While fast-food chains rarely share beverage sales data, experts estimate beverages contribute up to 40% of quick-service restaurant (QSR) sales, according to FastCasual.com. What’s more significant? Profit margins on beverages can soar up to 90%, particularly for self-serve soft drinks and hand-crafted coffee.
Restaurant margins typically hover between 3-5%, but drinks often provide a lifeline. For chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks, beverages are not just add-ons—they are strategic anchors. McDonald’s even tested a beverage-focused concept called CosMcs, aimed at coffee and specialty drink lovers. Although it eventually shut down, some drinks from CosMcs will be integrated into McDonald’s main menu.
Burger King Joins the Beverage Battle
Now, Burger King is making its play. As part of its ongoing $400 million “Reclaim the Flame” initiative, the chain is modernizing its brand and expanding offerings to better compete with rivals.
This summer, participating U.S. locations are rolling out:
New Cold Foam Iced Coffees (Starting at $2.99):
Vanilla Cold Foam – Brewed iced coffee with cream, vanilla syrup, and cold foam
Mocha Cold Foam – Iced coffee with mocha syrup, cream, and foam topping
Plain Cold Foam – Classic iced coffee with cream and smooth cold foam
Black Cold Foam – Straight iced coffee finished with a creamy foam top
New Fruit Juice Lemonades:
Strawberry Lemonade ($3.39) – Lemonade blended with strawberry puree and natural flavors
Mango Peach Lemonade ($2.99) – A mix of lemonade and tropical mango-peach puree
These drinks aim to drive foot traffic throughout the day, not just during traditional meal times. And with prices ranging from $2.99 to $3.39, they hit a sweet spot for customers looking for value without compromising taste.
Nutrition Snapshot of Burger King’s New Drinks
Here’s a quick glance at calorie and sugar counts for small-sized options:
| Drink | Calories | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Cold Foam | 270 | 28 | 16 |
| Mocha Cold Foam | 280 | 26 | 16 |
| Plain Cold Foam | 280 | 29 | 16 |
| Black Cold Foam | 120 | 8 | 9 |
| Strawberry Lemonade | 300 | 73 | 0 |
| Mango Peach Lemonade | 300 | 72 | 0 |
While the fruit lemonades offer a refreshing kick, they also pack a sugar punch, making them more of an indulgent treat than a health beverage.
Strategic Importance of New Beverages
Burger King’s beverage push comes at a time when consumers are demanding more value meals and discounts. Drinks—especially those with high margins—help offset lower profit from meal deals.
Industry analysts note:
Drinks drive repeat visits, especially between meals.
Coffee and cold beverages can command high loyalty, much like Starbucks’ core appeal.
To stay competitive, Burger King must offer equivalents to McDonald’s McCafé and Starbucks Refreshers.
With margins as high as 80-90% on beverages, this shift isn’t just about offering something new—it’s about protecting and growing revenue in a crowded fast-food marketplace.
Burger King’s Comeback: The Numbers Behind the Strategy
Burger King’s reinvention strategy appears to be working. In 2024, the brand saw a 1.5% increase in comparable U.S. sales, outperforming major burger chains, according to parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI).
RBI CEO Josh Kobza emphasized the turnaround’s success:
“Burger King U.S. outperformed major burger QSR peers… a solid achievement following last year’s 6.4% increase.”
The addition of specialty drinks is expected to fuel further growth, giving Burger King a competitive edge and positioning it as a credible player in the booming beverage space.
Final Thoughts: Will Burger King’s New Drinks Make a Splash?
Burger King’s latest move is more than just a seasonal refresh. By tapping into high-margin, customizable, and trendy beverages, it’s signaling a shift from traditional fast-food expectations.
In a market where drinks can define brand loyalty and daytime traffic, this move could be pivotal in helping the burger giant reclaim ground lost to McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin’.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a fruity summer sip, Burger King’s new lineup could give you a reason to swing by—even if you’re not craving a Whopper.
