Despite many opting for sugar-free drinks in hopes of both wellness and hydration, millions of people have stuck with sugary carbonated drinks. And recently, a new food trend has made its way to many fast-food chains and restaurants: Dirty sodas. And to no surprise, McDonald’s is testing dirty sodas at some of their chains in hopes of connecting with the younger generation.
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The concoction went viral on TikTok around 2022 and has since been popular in several chains, including Sonic. The combination of soda, coffee creamer, and flavored syrups would have wellness enthusiasts fainting, but the origins come from Utahns who abstain from alcohol and caffeine but still wanted a sweet treat to look forward to.
News has just come around that McDonald’s doesn’t want to miss out on this trend, and is planning on launching their own range of dirty sodas as part of their new “futuristic” menu range for the Fall. Taking inspiration from the fans, the fast-food chain is leaning into its drink spinoff brand, CosMc’s, to “turn up the flavors” and create an exciting range that resonates with Gen-Z audiences.
“Over the past year, we’ve been listening to fans, learning from our CosMc’s concept, and exploring what makes a drink moment truly special,” the chain said in a press release. The concept was teased in 2023, with the first location opening in 2024.
Over 500 restaurants across Wisconsin, Colorado, and surrounding areas will begin rolling out the new lineup of drinks, according to McDonald’s. Along with the dirty sodas, CosMc’s menu will include cold coffees, fruity refreshers, and energizing sips.
“We’re seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people — especially our Gen Z fans — turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat,” Alyssa Beutikofer, chief customer experience and marketing officer of McDonald’s USA, said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to meet our US customers’ evolving tastes and show up in new moments, like afternoon refreshment or snack breaks.”
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