The reviewer strongly dislikes Sprite + Tea, describing it as a terrible combination that tastes bad, looks unappetizing, and should be banned from stores, recommending sticking to regular Sprite instead.
Dunkin' is launching a new 40-ounce "Wicked Lahhhge" tumbler, inspired by the Boston accent, at select locations just in time for Memorial Day weekend. This tumbler is larger than any single-serving beverage currently offered by Dunkin', with the largest iced drink being 32 ounces. The name and size are a nod to New England culture, and this follows a recent promotion where Dunkin' renamed its "small" iced coffee as a "Short King."
Dunkin' is launching a new 40-ounce "Wicked Lahhhge" tumbler, inspired by the Boston accent, at select locations just in time for Memorial Day weekend. This tumbler is larger than any single-serving beverage currently offered by Dunkin', with the largest iced drink being 32 ounces. The name and size play on regional slang and accent, continuing Dunkin's trend of creative promotions.
Han’s Fruit and Vegetable Market, a 45-year-old Korean grocer on the Upper West Side, is closing at the end of April due to worsening business conditions, with the owner stating that it's even worse than during COVID. Meanwhile, Sake Bar Asoko, a new bar highlighting sake and shochu, is set to open in Chinatown this summer, while non-alcoholic drinks chain Boisson has closed all eight of its retail locations to focus on distribution and online sales. Additionally, former Chez Panisse chef Cal Peternell has opened a Mediterranean- and Italian-leaning restaurant called Finnbar in New Jersey.
Subway will replace Coca-Cola products with Pepsi at its U.S. locations starting in January 2025 as part of a new 10-year partnership with PepsiCo. The switch will include Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Tropicana, Gatorade, Aquafina, and other Pepsi beverages. Frito-Lay snacks will also remain available at Subway restaurants through 2030. The move aims to streamline Subway's snack and beverage portfolio and increase efficiency. This change follows Subway's previous initiatives, such as adding automatic deli slicers and introducing new sandwich options, contributing to positive same-store sales for 12 consecutive quarters.
Liquid Death, a brand selling water in a can, has reached a valuation of $1.4 billion with $263 million in global sales and triple-digit growth for the third consecutive year. The company's success is attributed to its subversive branding, social media presence, and appeal to the sober and "straight-edge" consumer market. By packaging water in aluminum cans and leveraging a humorous marketing approach, Liquid Death has gained popularity at live events and is expanding into sparkling water and iced tea to capitalize on evolving consumer preferences.
Former ad man Mike Cessario birthed the $1.4 billion beverage unicorn, Liquid Death, by creating a hardcore brand selling water in a can, leveraging self-aware, photogenic marketing to attract Gen Z consumers and utilizing irreverent, punk-inspired branding. The company's success is attributed to its unique, shareable product design, irreverent online presence, and rapid revenue growth, leading to a recent $67 million funding round and a valuation doubling since 2022. With a following of almost 8 million on Instagram and TikTok, Liquid Death continues to expand its product line with agave-sweetened seltzers, iced tea, and electrolyte powders, maintaining its humorous and irreverent brand identity.
Coca-Cola has introduced a new flavor called Coca-Cola Spiced, which features notes of raspberry and spices and comes in regular and no-sugar varieties. The company describes it as their "boldest tasting brand innovation yet" and it will be available at retailers across the country starting on February 19. The new flavor is part of Coke's focus on innovation and offering customers more choice, developed in just seven weeks in response to the trend of people wanting to experiment with unique flavors.
Prebiotic sodas, such as OLIPOP and Poppi, are gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional sodas due to their lower sugar content and inclusion of prebiotics that support gut health. While experts agree that prebiotic sodas can offer some health benefits, moderation is key, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or certain gastrointestinal conditions. It's important to remember that prebiotic sodas are not a substitute for a balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are natural sources of prebiotics.
Coca-Cola introduces Coca-Cola Spiced, a new permanent offering in the U.S. and Canada, featuring a hint of raspberry and undisclosed spices to appeal to younger consumers' evolving taste preferences. The company aims to replicate the speed of its development process for future products in response to the rapidly changing market.
McDonald's spinoff CosMc's, a drive-thru-only concept focusing on beverages and small snacks, saw more than double the number of visitors than a typical McDonald's location chainwide in December 2023, despite being open for only a few weeks. The pilot restaurant in Bolingbrook, Illinois, experienced overwhelming demand, with lines as long as six hours, and local police directing traffic. The smaller, 2,500-square-feet footprint and unique menu featuring "Signature Galactic Boosts" and breakfast options contributed to its success. McDonald's plans to open about 10 more pilot locations in Texas by the end of 2024.
McDonald's ensures that Coca-Cola tastes better at their locations by following guidelines set by Coca-Cola, cleaning soda fountains with filtered water, pre-chilling the water and syrup, using stainless steel tanks for syrup delivery, and using wider straws to enhance the taste experience.
A new beverage claims to help with sleep by combining natural ingredients like chamomile, lavender, and valerian root, which are known for their calming properties. The drink, marketed as a natural remedy for insomnia, is said to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, but experts advise caution and recommend consulting a healthcare professional before trying new sleep aids.
Coca-Cola has released its latest limited-edition flavor, Coca-Cola Y3000, which was created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The company used AI to determine the flavor and packaging, aiming to appeal to younger consumers and keep them excited about the brand. The flavor is designed to be mostly like Coke with a unique twist, and the packaging features a Y2K aesthetic. Customers can scan a QR code on the package to access online experiences related to the future. Coca-Cola has previously released limited-edition flavors through its Creations platform, partnering with brands like Riot Games and musicians Rosalía and Marshmello.
Dunkin' is reportedly planning to launch Dunkin' Spiked, a new line of hard iced coffees and teas, as evidenced by label approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The line will include flavors such as Slightly Sweet, Half-and-Half, Strawberry Dragon Fruit, and Mango Pineapple for the iced teas, and Original, Caramel, Mocha, and Vanilla for the iced coffees. The drinks are expected to have an alcohol content of 5-6% ABV and will likely be available in mixed packages and single-flavor six-packs. Dunkin' has collaborated with Harpoon Brewery in the past, and it is speculated that they may be involved in the production of these spiked beverages.