A few years ago, “dirty soda” was largely a phenomenon only found in Utah. Today, it’s one of the fastest growing beverage trends in foodservice.
Google searches for dirty soda increased 50 percent in 2025, showing a sharp growth in consumer interest for soft drinks enhanced with cream, flavored syrups, fruit purees and other mix-ins. What began as a niche concept is quickly moving into the mainstream; regional chain Taco John’s is adding sweet cream to fountain beverages and cookie giant Crumbl has started offering d
irty soda in select markets.
For operators, the appeal is obvious. Beverage limited-time offers can increase check averages, generate strong margins and create menu excitement without requiring significant equipment investments or extensive staff training.
But dirty soda is just the latest example of a much larger shift happening across beverage menus.
The Rise of Crafted Beverages
Today’s consumers aren’t looking for just a drink, they want something that provides a sensory experience while feeling personalized and premium, according to Chef Michael Buononato, Senior Vice President of Creative Food Solutions.
Restaurants are moving beyond the basics toward beverages that feel handcrafted and indulgent. Whether it’s a dirty soda topped with sweet cream, a creative mocktail or a functional energy drink, consumers increasingly demand beverages that offer more.
One common thread connecting many of these trends is texture. According to industry research, 28% of consumers want to see creamy coffee, soda and lemonade on menus. Creamy textures add indulgence, visual appeal and a sense of customization that resonates with today’s appetites.
For operators, that means this rapidly expanding beverage category brings new ingredients and preparation methods to incorporate with their current processes.
Additional Beverage Growth Opportunities
Dirty sodas may be attracting headlines, but they’re not the only beverage gaining momentum. Mocktails continue to experience explosive growth, with menu offerings increasing 233 percent over the past four years. Although the same study found that more than 1/3 of consumers now enjoy a mocktail at least once a week, only 20 percent of restaurants currently have them on the menu.
At the same time, functional beverages are evolving beyond traditional energy drinks. High fiber ready-to-drink teas, and coffees with protein and soda with prebiotics have all grown significantly. While these trends represent valuable space on the menu, they also create new operational demands behind the scenes.
The Beverage Trend Survival Kit
From dirty sodas to mocktails, every new beverage trend requires additional ingredients that must be stored, prepped and organized in the same maxed out kitchen that’s already bursting at the seams. Syrups, creams, fruit purees, garnishes, functional add-ins and specialty ingredients all require systems that support speed, food safety and efficiency.
The back of house is responsible for whether each new menu item succeeds or stalls, and that’s where Cambro’s flexible operational solutions become critical.
Storage: Prep It Once, Keep It Fresh Many trending beverages rely on prepared bases, infused teas, housemade syrups, creams, concentrates and purées. Expedite prep, reduce waste and promote freshness with Camwear® Pans, Camsquares® FreshPro and FreshPro CamRounds™ topped with Seal Covers.- Shelving: Give Every Ingredient a Home All of those new ingredients are going to need a home. If you’re still using rusty, inefficient wire shelving, this is the time to switch to Camshelving®. Designed to use every inch of your square footage thanks to shared posts and corner connectors, Camshelving is guaranteed against rust and corrosion for life.
- Allergen Separation: Keep Them Safe Whole milk, oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk…and that’s just a few of the milks that are requested now. Cambro’s purple Allergen-Free CamSquares and Measuring Cups reduce the risk of cross-contamination when using allergen-free products.
- Beverage Servers: Batch It, Hold It, Pour It Camtainers® and Cambro’s 6 gallon Beverage Dispensers hold and serve batched mocktails, infused teas and refreshers at the ideal temperature through your busiest rush and any event. For smaller portions, use the CamLiter® with Flip Lid for a clean look, easy pouring and no breakage.
- Garnish Station: Good Looks without Cross-Contamination One reason beverages have become such a powerful menu category is their visual appeal. Fresh fruit, herbs, flavored creams, colorful inclusions and eye-catching garnishes all contribute to the sensory experience consumers crave. CamSquares FreshPro mini maintain freshness and save space in coolers thanks to their square shape. (We’re looking at you, deli containers!) Create a visually appealing garnish station and significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination using Camwear Pans with FlipLids®.
The Next Big Sip
Food and beverage trends are constantly being reinvented. In fact, one of the strongest emerging themes for 2026 is “newstalgia,” which is the resurgence of familiar flavors like cola, cherry and citrus reimagined with modern ingredients and better-for-you benefits.
While consumer preferences will keep shifting, operational fundamentals required to support them will stay the same. No matter what the next big beverage trend looks like, restaurants need solutions that help them store, organize, prep, transport and serve ingredients efficiently.
Although beverage trends may come and go, Cambro products will continue to help restaurants adapt while keeping food safety and efficiency a top priority.
