For the first time in five years, In-N-Out has added two new menu items, both in the beverage category.
Lynsi Snyder, CEO of the traditionally secretive burger chain, announced the news Tuesday on Instagram: “Now serving Lite Pink Lemonade and Cherry Coke! We are so excited to share two new options on our beverage menu that we think you are going to love! Stop by an In-N-Out Burger today to try our new beverages. #innout
According to a report on KTLA 5 in Los Angeles, the lemonade is made with real lemon juice and sweetened with stevia leaves and monk fruit.
The last time Irvine, Calif.-based In-N-Out added a new menu item was in 2018, when it introduced hot cocoa.
But the beverage category is becoming increasingly competitive in the fast-food sector. McDonald’s ramped up the competition earlier this month with the launch of CosMc, its new drive-thru beverage concept located in a Chicago suburb. The company plans to open nine more units in Texas next year. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski told analysts at a recent McDonald’s Investor Day that the specialty beverage category is a $100 billion global business.
Starbucks claims a major share of that business, but more brands are moving in. While innovative cold beverages are a longtime signature of Sonic Drive-in, other quick service chains, including Taco Bell, are actively trying to grab a bigger share of the market with new products and LTOs. And smaller players such as Swig, Sip Fresh and Gong Cha are growing their presence with trendsetting and customizable soft drinks.
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