Burger King Menu Change: New Beverage Options Announced Amid Rivalry with Starbucks, McDonald's

Burger King is expanding its drink offerings with a new lineup of cold beverages, marking a significant burger king menu change as it looks to rival Starbucks and McDonald's in the highly competitive drinks space.

The update introduces six beverages, which includes four Iced Coffee Cold Foam options and two Real Juice Lemonades, now available across the US. These additions reflect the chain's effort to refresh its menu and draw in customers during off-peak hours, when drinks often become key revenue drivers.

New Drinks on the Burger King Menu

The revamped Burger King menu now includes vanilla, mocha, plain, and black iced coffee cold foam drinks. Each version starts with brewed iced coffee and is finished with a layer of cold foam. The plain option, however, is limited to select locations.

Also launched are two Real Juice Lemonades, which include Strawberry Lemonade and Mango Peach Lemonade. Both are made with actual fruit juice. The strawberry option uses a lemonade-strawberry purée blend, while the mango-peach variety combines lemonade with mango and peach purée.

Prices start at $2.49 for a small size, though costs may vary depending on region. The drinks have also been confirmed to contain high sugar content and calories. Some, such as the Vanilla Cold Foam, reportedly reach 270 calories per serving, and the Strawberry Lemonade tops 300 calories and 73 grams of sugar, as noted by the Economic Times.

Targeting a Growing Beverage Market

The new rollout comes amid increasing pressure from competitors. Both McDonald's and Starbucks have seen success through expanded drink offerings in recent years. According to Burger King executives, the addition is meant to help capture market share in what has become a fast-growing segment within quick-service restaurants.

A Newsweek report cited a company spokesperson describing the drinks as part of an initiative to provide 'delicious and refreshing' alternatives to traditional meals. They are also aimed at boosting traffic during non-meal times, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon hours.

The move follows the release of the BBQ Brisket Whopper, which was developed through the company's 'Whopper by You' programme that encourages customers to pitch new sandwich ideas.

Part of a Broader Strategy

The drink update forms part of Burger King's wider 'Reclaim the Flame' strategy. This aims to modernise the brand and increase its competitiveness in the American fast-food landscape.

According to National World, the drinks are only available in the United States for now, with no immediate plans to launch in the UK.

Industry analysts note that beverages typically have higher profit margins than food. Some estimates suggest drinks can yield margins of up to 90 per cent. This is compared to the 3–5 per cent average for restaurant food items. This financial incentive may help explain Burger King's focus on expanding its beverage portfolio.

Looking Ahead

Burger King is not expected to stop here. The company has indicated that it plans to continue introducing new items that respond to changing consumer tastes and demands.

While the new drinks are not part of the Burger King breakfast offerings, they could serve to complement morning orders. These could attract customers who might otherwise opt for coffee from rival outlets.

Whether the strategy pays off remains to be seen, but for now, the Burger King menu has been visibly retooled to meet the challenges posed by Starbucks, McDonald's, and other coffee-forward brands.