Taco Bell boosts beverage games with the nationwide release of “Refrescas”
Taco Bell is expanding its beverage experience with 30 new Live Mas Cafe locations in Southern California and Texas. (Scripps News)
Scripps News
If you’ve been to Taco Bell recently, you may have noticed some drink options available on the menu.
On June 26, the company announced that it would introduce a new drink called Refrescas to its menu nationwide. According to the chain, the drinks “heal the quenching of all kinds of cravings, whether they’re seeking a refreshing bite, a vibrant boost, or a frozen escape.”
Six drinks include 3 refreshes, 2 energy drinks and a cooling freeze. According to Taco Bell, the three Agua Refrescas have been permanently added to the menu after being first tested in Southern California in 2024, and have received a positive response.
Here’s what you need to know about the new Taco Bell Beverages:
What is Taco Bell Refrescas? New drink list
Taco Bell’s full lineup of Refrescas includes:
- Agua Refrescas (3 flavor options): Taco Bell twists over your beloved Mexican drink and mixes it with real lyophilized fruit and green tea to provide a subtle boost of caffeine (52 mg per drink). Available at Strawberry Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit Berryand Mango Peach Flavor.
- Rockstar Energy Refrescas (two flavor options): Available at Pineapple lime or Tropical Punch Flavor, each drink offers an energy boost (200 mg of caffeine per drink).
- Refresca Freeze: The Refresca lineup is frozen and features authentic freeze-dried fruits. Available at Strawberry lime Flavor.
How much is Taco Bell Refrescas?
Agua Refrescas cost $3.99 for a 20-ounce drink, while Rockstar Energy Refrescas cost $4.49 for a 20-ounce drink. Refrescas Freeze is available in 16-oz or 20-oz options and costs $3.79 and $3.99, respectively.
Why is Taco Bell adding Refrescas to its menu?
Taco Bell appears to be chasing young consumers looking for fresh drink options.
In a June 26th news release, Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, said: “So we’re making a huge investment to become the ultimate drink stop where fans can see the same bold and unexpected creativity in their cups that they do on the plate.”
Taco Bell Refrescas contains caffeine ranging from 52 mg to 200 mg. According to the FDA, healthy adults can usually consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without negative effects. However, the FDA warns about the high consumption of caffeine among children. “Too much caffeine in children and teens can lead to heart rate, heart movement pit, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep problems, digestive problems and dehydration,” the FDA says.
Taco Bell will also debut crispy chicken tacos, burritos and strips
In addition to the new drinks, Taco Bell announced last month that crispy chicken tacos and burritos will be available for a limited time at locations around the country.
Both items come with crunchy chicken strips inside, with a new spicy ranchero and avocado lunch sauce.
For $2.79, the Crispy Chicken Tacos layer a new crispy strip with purple cabbage, lettuce, pico de gallo and shredded cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, the crispy chicken burrito comes with two strips, purple cabbage, crispy pretas, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese for $5.49.
The chain also offers two crunchy chicken strips at a price of $3.99 to avoid confusing them with the crispy chicken nuggets that debuted last December and returned in April.
contribution:
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter for USA Today. You can follow him with X @geuna Alternatively, email him at gdhauari@gannett.com.
