Sip Happens: How Specialty Drinks Are Taking Over Fast Food—and Winning Our Hearts

Fast food runs? They’re officially leveling up—and the secret weapon is specialty drinks. We asked 1,000 consumers ages 13 to 65 what’s shaking in the QSR world, and spoiler alert: these wild, colorful, customizable sips are turning quick stops into flavor fiestas.

Drinks Are the New VIPs

Three out of four people (75%) say they’ve snagged a specialty drink from a fast food or QSR spot in the last three months. Coffee shops might still hold the crown (83%), but big players like McDonald’s (73%), Taco Bell (54%), Wendy’s (50%), Chick-fil-A (50%) , and Sonic (41%)are bringing serious heat to the drink game.

Gen Z & Millennials: The Sip Squad You Can’t Ignore

The young and thirsty crowd is leading this tasty takeover. A whopping 85% of Gen Z and 77% of Millennials are all about specialty drinks from fast food. Gen Z is also hitting convenience stores for drinks—70% can’t get enough of the grab-and-go goodness.

It’s All About That Beverage-First Life

Here’s the twist—drinks aren’t just an afterthought anymore. Forty percent regularly make trips just for a specialty beverage, and over half do it at least sometimes. Gen Z is basically living by the motto: “Sip first, ask questions later.”

Social Media: The Ultimate Drink Hype Machine

Ready for the tea? (Or boba?) 71% say seeing a drink trend on social media makes them want to try it. And it’s not just taste—68% say the way a drink looks matters big time. So those neon colors, funky layers, and insta-worthy swirls aren’t just pretty—they’re powerful.

Drinks Make Fast Food Fun Again

Coffee shops might still snag most of the “fun drink” cred (47%), but 77% of consumers agree specialty beverages make fast food feel way more exciting. Plus, 71% say creative drinks seriously boost their opinion of a brand. Drinks aren’t sidekicks—they’re the stars of the show.

Drinks Open the Door to Food

Here’s the kicker: 65% say they’re more likely to buy food when they stop in for a drink—even if they didn’t plan to. Drinks = the ultimate appetizer to the main event.

Flavor, Flexibility, and Fabulous Looks

What’s fueling the obsession? Unique or exclusive flavors (71%), the freedom to customize (63%), and eye-popping, Instagrammable looks (56%)—and even more for some fan favorites.

Flavor Trends That Are Poppin’

Tropical vibes (45%), dessert-inspired sweetness (34%), and sweet & salty combos (33%) are crushing it. Plus, spicy flavors and bubble tea/boba are bubbling up as the next big thing.

Bottom Line: Fast Food’s Drink Game Is ON FIRE

Specialty drinks are changing the game—bringing flavor, fun, and a splash of social media sparkle to fast food. For brands ready to shake things up, the playbook is clear: bold flavors, endless customization, and drinks so good-looking you can’t help but snap a pic.

Because when it comes to fast food, it’s not just about the food anymore—it’s all about that sip-tacular experience.

Thirsty for Insights?

With Pollfish by Prodege, we connected with 1,000 consumers in less time than your drive-thru order. Whether you need to know what your audience craves, what they expect, or what will keep them coming back, we’ll help you serve it up—fast, fresh, and on point. Let’s get started.