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Time Out
7 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Taco Bell ups its beverage game with a new 'mocktails' menu
This summer, Taco Bell is rolling out a new beverage lineup that's as bold as its tacos: Say hello to Refrescas, a six-drink menu crafted to quench every craving, from your midday slump to your late afternoon sweet tooth. The new Refrescas menu is split into three categories: Agua Refrescas, Rockstar Energy Refrescas and the icy cold Refresca Freeze. Agua Refrescas come in Strawberry-Passionfruit, Dragonfruit-Berry and Mango-Peach—each shaken with real freeze-dried fruit pieces and a gentle kick of green tea caffeine. They're the perfect sip for breezy afternoons. For a bigger jolt, Taco Bell teamed up with Rockstar to deliver two energy-charged drinks: pineapple lime and tropical punch, each packing 200mg of caffeine. And for those chasing the chill, there's the Refresca Freeze. This frozen strawberry-lime treat is loaded with freeze-dried fruit bits and is sure to tame those hot summer days. "We're seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it's for energy or a sweet treat," said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer in a statement. Following successful limited-time tests, Refrescas are now on menus nationwide, though officially for 'a limited time only, while supplies last.' Prices might vary depending on location. But Taco Bell's drink strategy goes beyond new flavors. By the end of the year, the chain plans to add 30 more Live Más Cafés inside existing restaurants across Southern California and Texas. These cafés focus on specialty drinks—colorful, Instagram-ready options—served by specially trained "Bellristas." It's all part of Taco Bell's push to make its beverages as iconic as its Crunchwraps. From tropical punch pleasers that double as energy boosters to frozen strawberry lime blends that taste like summer, Refrescas aim to be more than just drinks—they're an experience.


Indianapolis Star
7 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Taco Bell has 6 new beverages. What are Refrescas?
If you've gone to a Taco Bell recently, you may have noticed more beverage options to choose from on the menu. The company announced on June 26 it was introducing new beverages called Refrescas to menus nationwide. According to the chain, the drinks are crafted to "quench every kind of craving – whether you're seeking a refreshing sip, an energizing boost or a frozen escape." The six drinks include three refreshers, two energy drinks and a cooling freeze. According to Taco Bell, the three Agua Refrescas join menus permanently after initially being tested in Southern California in 2024, with a positive response. Here's what to know about the new Taco Bell beverages. Taco Bell's full lineup of Refrescas includes: The Agua Refrescas cost $3.99 for a 20-ounce drink while the Rockstar Energy Refrescas cost $4.49 for a 20-ounce beverage. The Refrescas Freezes are available in a 16-ounce or 20-ounce option and cost $3.79 and $3.99, respectively. Taco Bell is seemingly going after younger consumers searching for fresh beverage options. 'We're seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it's for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day,' said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, in the June 26 news release. 'So, we're making big investments to become the ultimate beverage stop where our fans can expect to see the same bold, unexpected creativity in their cups as they do on their plates.' Taco Bell Refrescas do contain caffeine ranging from 52 mg to 200 mg. Healthy adults can generally consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without negative affects, according to the FDA. However, the FDA warns about heavy consumption of caffeine among children. "Too much caffeine in children and teens can cause increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and lead to sleep problems, digestive problems and dehydration," the FDA says. In addition to the new beverages, Taco Bell also announced last month that Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos will be available at locations nationwide for a limited time. Both items feature a Crispy Chicken Strip inside and are available with new Spicy Ranchero and Avocado Ranch sauces. For $2.79, the Crispy Chicken Tacos layers its new crispy strip with purple cabbage, lettuce, pico de gallo and shredded cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, the Crispy Chicken Burrito includes two strips, purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese for $5.49. The chain is also offering two Crispy Chicken Strips for the price of $3.99, not to be confused with its Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which debuted last December and returned in April. Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY


USA Today
7 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Taco Bell has 6 new beverages. What are Refrescas?
If you've gone to a Taco Bell recently, you may have noticed more beverage options to choose from on the menu. The company announced on June 26 it was introducing new beverages called Refrescas to menus nationwide. According to the chain, the drinks are crafted to "quench every kind of craving – whether you're seeking a refreshing sip, an energizing boost or a frozen escape." The six drinks include three refreshers, two energy drinks and a cooling freeze. According to Taco Bell, the three Agua Refrescas join menus permanently after initially being tested in Southern California in 2024, with a positive response. Here's what to know about the new Taco Bell beverages. What are Taco Bell's Refrescas? List of new beverages Taco Bell's full lineup of Refrescas includes: How much are Taco Bell Refrescas? The Agua Refrescas cost $3.99 for a 20-ounce drink while the Rockstar Energy Refrescas cost $4.49 for a 20-ounce beverage. The Refrescas Freezes are available in a 16-ounce or 20-ounce option and cost $3.79 and $3.99, respectively. Why is Taco Bell adding Refrescas to the menu? Taco Bell is seemingly going after younger consumers searching for fresh beverage options. 'We're seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it's for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day,' said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, in the June 26 news release. 'So, we're making big investments to become the ultimate beverage stop where our fans can expect to see the same bold, unexpected creativity in their cups as they do on their plates.' Taco Bell Refrescas do contain caffeine ranging from 52 mg to 200 mg. Healthy adults can generally consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without negative affects, according to the FDA. However, the FDA warns about heavy consumption of caffeine among children. "Too much caffeine in children and teens can cause increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and lead to sleep problems, digestive problems and dehydration," the FDA says. Taco Bell also debuts Crispy Chicken Tacos, Burritos and Strips In addition to the new beverages, Taco Bell also announced last month that Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos will be available at locations nationwide for a limited time. Both items feature a Crispy Chicken Strip inside and are available with new Spicy Ranchero and Avocado Ranch sauces. For $2.79, the Crispy Chicken Tacos layers its new crispy strip with purple cabbage, lettuce, pico de gallo and shredded cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, the Crispy Chicken Burrito includes two strips, purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese for $5.49. The chain is also offering two Crispy Chicken Strips for the price of $3.99, not to be confused with its Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which debuted last December and returned in April. Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@


Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Taco Bell Announces Major Change to Menu
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A mixologist at Mexican fast food chain Taco Bell must have had their creative juices flowing; bosses have announced that six new mocktails are set to feature on menus this summer. The fruit-flavored soft drinks will be available at Taco Bell restaurants nationwide, with three of the "refrescas" already slated to become permanent additions to the brand's beverage offerings. Newsweek has reached out to Taco Bell seeking further information and comment. A Taco Bell restaurant on February 06, 2025 in Richmond, California. A Taco Bell restaurant on February 06, 2025 in Richmond, California.) Why It Matters Taco Bell serves 2 billion customers each year worldwide, and boasts 8,121 locations in the U.S, according to the company's website. California has the most branches, with some 415 venues dotted throughout the golden state. The drinks launch is part of the brand's "long-term beverage strategy as it aims to reach $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030," according to a press release issued by the company late last month. The chain previously ran limited-time offers and taste test trials and is now introducing six refrescas across the country. Three of the drinks will become permanent additions to the menu after being successfully trialled in Southern California last year. The new drinks being served at Taco Bell this summer. The new drinks being served at Taco Bell this summer. Taco Bell What To Know The six new drinks available in stores are: Agua Refrescas ($3.99; 20oz) Described by the brand as a "Taco Bell twist on the beloved Mexican beverage, mixed with real freeze-dried fruit pieces and green tea to provide a subtle boost of caffeine." The drinks contain artificial colors, the release added, and contain less than 1 percent juice. They are available in three flavors: Strawberry Passionfruit Dragonfruit Berry Mango Peach These three drinks will join menus permanently, Taco Bell has confirmed, saying a previous trial in California in 2024 showed a "positive response proving fan cravings for premium beverages that pair perfectly with Taco Bell favorites." Rockstar Energy Refrescas ($4.49; 20oz) These energy drinks "curated exclusively for Taco Bell" contain 200mg of caffeine. They do not contain any juice, despite the fruity-sounding flavors, and consist of a mix of natural and artificial flavors and colors. The restaurant chain said the energy refrescas are for "adult use only" and are not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or anyone sensitive to caffeine. Flavors include: Pineapple Lime Tropical Punch Refresca Freeze ($3.79/$3.99; 16oz/20oz) This beverage is a frozen take on the refresca lineup, featuring real freeze-dried fruit pieces. It doesn't contain any juice, and contains natural and artificial flavors and colors. It comes in the following flavor: Strawberry Lime The restaurant chain's press release said the drinks are available at "participating locations for a limited time only, while supplies last." Prices may vary. In addition to the new drinks, which are being rolled out at Taco Bells nationwide, the brand is also expanding its beverage-focused pop-up, known as Live Más Café. Some 30 more cafés are expected to open this year, some of which will be launched in partnership with franchise organization operators Diversified Restaurant Group (DRG). The baristas working at those venues are known in the company as "Bellristas." "Building on the success of its Live Más Café test location in Chula Vista, California, Taco Bell is scaling the specialty beverage-focused concept by 30 more restaurants across Southern California and Texas by this fall," last month's press release said. Fortune Magazine reported on the move, suggesting that Taco Bell believes there's still potential for growth in the specialty drinks space, and has apparently been despite McDonald's pulling the plug on its similar attempt to corner the market with CosMc's. Taco Bell is not the only restaurant chain tweaking its menu this summer. Pizza Hut has also updated its dishes, while Red Lobster also unveiled some new options as part of its annual "Crabfest" event. What People Are Saying Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer said: "We're seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it's for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day. So, we're making big investments to become the ultimate beverage stop where our fans can expect to see the same bold, unexpected creativity in their cups as they do on their plates." What Happens Next The drinks will be rolled out nationwide, with the chain's bosses hoping they're a hit with customers, so it can reach its target of hitting $5 billion in beverage sales by 2030.