Latest news with #ColdBrew
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's to Test ‘Dirty Sodas' and Flavored Cold Brews to Cash In on Drinks Craze
McDonald's wants to put more of its business on ice. The chain behind the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets is gearing up to offer Creamy Vanilla Cold Brews, Popping Tropic Refreshers and other brightly colored, iced drinks. How McDonald's Lost Its Value Edge—and Is Trying to Claw It Back Intel to Lay Off 15% of Workers, Cancel Billions in Projects in Bid for Rebound Trump's Tariffs Are Being Picked Up by Corporate America A Failed Microsoft Security Patch Is the Latest Win for Chinese Hackers Israel's 12-Day War Revealed Alarming Gap in America's Missile Stockpile McDonald's plans to test-launch the range of coffees, refreshers and 'dirty sodas'—spiked with add-ins such as dried fruit and flavored syrups—at several hundred of its U.S. restaurants in September. The Golden Arches joins a broader fast-food industry push into premium drinks, which is powering sales for rivals such Taco Bell and Wendy's. 'The trends are all pointing in the same direction, and we can say that's driven by Gen Z,' said Charlie Newberger, head of McDonald's beverage and dessert offerings. The chain intends to learn what customers want to sip, and how the novelty drinks can be worked into the chain's busy kitchens. Beverages have been one of the hottest growth businesses for U.S. restaurants at a time when the industry has struggled to draw inflation-fatigued consumers. Sales at beverage- and snack-focused restaurant chains grew 9.6% in 2024, the biggest annual increase of any restaurant category, according to market-research firm Technomic. Burgers generated higher sales overall last year, but they grew 1.4% over the same period. That's putting fast-food chains into competition with coffee chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin' and Dutch Bros. McDonald's has estimated beverages could represent a $100 billion consumer market in the U.S., Canada, Australia and parts of Europe. The drinks tend to attract younger consumers and deliver higher profits for operators, according to executives. McDonald's took one shot in December 2023 with the launch of an alien-themed spinoff called CosMc's. The goal was to test the market for novelty beverages without gunking up the works in McDonald's existing restaurants—Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski's phrasing at the time. The company built a total of eight CosMc's locations in Illinois and Texas. The first stores initially attracted big lines of customers ordering Churro Cold Brew Frappés and dozens of other nonalcoholic drinks, but the sensation faded and McDonald's pulled the plug in May, saying CosMc's had served its purpose. Newberger, who also led CosMc's, said the sci-fi experiment was instructive. The Turmeric Spice Latte was a bit too edgy for the McDonald's crowd, he said, while its Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwiches and other food options couldn't compete with McDonald's fries. 'The purpose of CosMc's was for us to push the fringes,' he said. CosMc's customers didn't customize their drinks as much as the company had anticipated, Newberger said, making it more realistic for McDonald's to offer a streamlined range of toppings and syrups for the coming beverage test. McDonald's will introduce around 10 drinks in roughly 500 McDonald's restaurants concentrated in Wisconsin and Colorado. The company also aims to test novelty beverages internationally, with different flavors. Europeans tend to prefer lemon, orange and mint drinks, while Americans prefer berry and citrus flavors, Newberger said. Meanwhile, Taco Bell recently released a line of fruity Refresca drinks, and later this year aims to expand a beverage-focused concept called Live Más Café within more than 30 of its restaurants. KFC is dabbling in the dirty soda beverage trend, while Burger King released a Frozen Cotton Candy drink this summer. Newberger said McDonald's aims to move swiftly to act on what it learns from the pilot. 'You can sense this urgency from us as an organization to get in,' Newberger said about drinks. Write to Heather Haddon at FCC Approves Paramount's $8 Billion Merger With Skydance The More Trump Pressures the Fed, the Less Likely He Gets Lower Rates Elon Musk Tells Tesla Investors to Focus on a Future Filled With Robots Is AI Killing Google Search? It Might Be Doing the Opposite UnitedHealth Confirms Civil and Criminal Justice Department Probes Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
NDTV
24-07-2025
- General
- NDTV
Cold Brew Vs Americano: Which One Has Stronger Caffeine Kick? Find Out Here
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just someone who needs a caffeine fix to survive a 9 AM meeting, you've probably come across two popular options on cafe menus: Cold Brew and Americano. Both look similar in colour, are smooth and unsweetened and are known for their bold flavour. But when it comes to strength, many are often confused about which one to rely on for a caffeine kick. Do you often find yourself in a similar dilemma? Not anymore! Below, we'll discover which one is actually stronger. But first, let's understand what cold brew and Americano are individually. Also Read: From Black Ivory To Kopi Luwak: 6 Of The Most Expensive Coffees In The World What Is A Cold Brew? Cold Brew is made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. It's then filtered and served chilled, often over ice. What Is An Americano? Americano is made by pouring hot water over one or two shots of espresso. This dilutes the espresso but retains its deep, roasted notes. It's typically served hot, but iced Americanos are also common. Caffeine Showdown: Cold Brew vs Americano So, does cold brew have more caffeine than an Americano? Let's break it down. According to the U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA), a 16-oz cold brew typically contains around 200-250 mg of caffeine, with levels varying depending on the concentrate's strength. In contrast, a 16-oz Americano made with two espresso shots and hot water has about 150-170 mg of caffeine. Clearly, cold brew takes the lead in terms of caffeine content. Cold brew generally outdoes Americano in caffeine per serving, especially with strong concentrates or longer steeping times, though caffeine levels can vary across cafes due to different preparation methods. Whether you're brewing it yourself at home or having it delivered to your doorstep via an online food delivery app, both cold brew and Americano are sure to hit the spot and satisfy your coffee cravings. Which Coffee Has More Flavour Intensity? Cold Brew or Americano? When it comes to flavour intensity, the game changes. Espresso-based drinks like the Americano boast a bold and rich taste due to the high-pressure extraction process. Even with hot water added, that sharp, roasted flavour persists. Cold brew, on the other hand, is smoother, with lower acidity and bitterness thanks to its cold-water brewing and long steeping time. It often tastes mellow, with hints of chocolate or nuts depending on the beans. Which Coffee Is Best For Acidity? Among cold brew and Americano, cold brew has lower acidity, making it easier on sensitive stomachs and teeth. Americanos retain the acidity of espresso, although less so than straight espresso shots. If you have a sensitive stomach and love coffee but want to avoid acid reflux, cold brew is the gentler option. The Verdict: Which One's Stronger? If you're talking caffeine content, the crown usually goes to cold brew. If you're referring to flavour intensity, Americano delivers a stronger and punchier taste. And if you're looking for the smoothest ride, cold brew wins for being easy on both the palate and the stomach. Both drinks are staples in the caffeine world, and your choice might come down to personal preference. The best part is that you can easily make both at home or order them from your favourite cafe using an online food delivery platform. Pretty convenient, right? Also Read: Move Over Cold Coffee, Coffee Milk Is The Chill You Need To Try
Time Out
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Starbucks' secret menu is now official, and you could win $25,000 for submitting your own creation
Secret menus—unofficial, creative combinations of standard menu options—have been a thing at many chains over the years, including Starbucks. Most remain secret, but Starbucks just pulled back the curtain by officially adding four "secret" drinks to their menu. Plus, they've launched a contest to find the next big drink and you could win big. Starting today, Starbucks is putting its most talked-about drink hacks front and center in the Starbucks app. The legendary 'secret menu' that's fueled Reddit threads and fan sites with the likes of Butterbeer Frappuccinos and Thin Mint Cold Brews is now officially endorsed. Rewards members can tap the "offers" tab in the app and find the first four creations, each already customized and ready to order with a single click. Here's what's in the inaugural lineup: Cookies on Top: Cold Brew with two pumps of vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and a cookie crumble topping Lemon, Tea & Pearls: Black tea and lemonade with raspberry popping pearls Just Add White Mocha: Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso upgraded with White Chocolate Mocha Sauce and Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam The move is inspired by Starbucks' Not-So-Secret Menu broadcast channel on Instagram, where creative mashups have been shared for months. Now, these viral drinks can finally be ordered easily, without awkwardly reciting the recipe at the counter. But Starbucks isn't stopping there. To celebrate, they're launching a contest to find their next big drink. From now through July 20, submit your dream drink customization via the secret menu contest page. Four finalists will snag $5,000 and see their drink featured in the app from August 18–25. The drink with the most fan votes on Starbucks' Instagram wins an extra $25,000.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Starbucks Secret Menu Drinks get official app with $25,000 contest
Starbucks has finally made it official. After years of fans creating their own custom drink recipes, the Starbucks secret menu drinks are now available to order directly from the app. No more awkwardly explaining long customizations at the counter, now your favourite 'secret' drinks are just a tap away. You can find the secret menu in the 'Offers' tab of the Starbucks app, where the brand will feature new combinations regularly. Starbucks said the popular Starbucks Not-So-Secret Menu Instagram channel inspired this update. What drinks are on the Starbucks Secret Menu? There are currently four drinks on the app's secret menu: Cookies on Top: Cold Brew with vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam, and cookie crumble topping. Dragonfruit Glow-Up: A Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher blended with peach juice and topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam. Lemon, Tea & Pearls: Black tea and lemonade with raspberry popping pearls. Just Add White Mocha: Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso with White Chocolate Mocha sauce and Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam. Starbucks fans can submit their own creations To celebrate the secret menu's launch, Starbucks is also hosting a contest from July 14 to July 20. Customers and employees can submit their own favourite custom drink ideas on the Secret Contest page. 📲Go to for more info. The 'Secret Menu' option is under 'offers' tab at participating locations nationwide. (News/Image::Starbucks)Thoughts👇🏻 Four finalists will be picked, and fans can vote for their favourite drink between August 18 and 20 on Starbucks' Instagram. Each finalist will see their creation featured on the secret menu and will get $5,000. The overall winner will receive an extra $25,000. More summer drinks and store updates This move comes as Starbucks continues expanding its summer lineup with new Frappuccinos like Salted Caramel Mocha and Strawberry Matcha. The chain also introduced the Iced Horchata Oat Milk Shaken Espresso and a Summer Berry Refresher with raspberry-flavoured pearls. Alongside the drinks, Starbucks plans to renovate 1,000 stores over the next year to bring more customers back inside.
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
Starbucks launches Secret Menu in app with 4 new custom drink options
Plus, how customers can enter their favorite drink to contend for a cash prize. 3:57 For years, Starbucks fans have found ways to enjoy secret menu items -- custom creations that flew under the radar from the public eye -- and now, the Seattle-based coffee chain is adding a not-so-confidential offer for customers to get a taste and test their own creativity. On Monday, Starbucks announced its Secret Menu will be available in the Starbucks app, including four new drinks. What's on the new Starbucks Secret Menu? From twists on fan-favorites to completely new concoctions, the Starbucks Secret Menu, which can be found in the "offers" tab of the app, will regularly feature new drink customizations. Starting Monday, there are four beverages hitting the menu: Cookies on top: For cookies and cream lovers, order a Cold Brew with two pumps of vanilla syrup, Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and cookie crumble topping. Dragonfruit glow-up: The Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher gets an addition of peach juice that's blended and topped off with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam. Lemon, tea & pearls: Black tea and lemonade with an extra pop of flavor from raspberry-flavored popping pearls. Just add white mocha: This is a spin on the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, with two pumps of White Chocolate Mocha Sauce and topped with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam. Once received, Starbucks will narrow down a final four of customized beverages and feature the finalists' creations on the secret menu from Aug. 18-25. Those top four finalists will win $5,000. Sponsored Content by Taboola
