The National Restaurant Association's 2026 Restaurant Beverage Trends report finds beverages are becoming a major growth driver for restaurants, with 87% of fullservice operators and 80% of limited-service operators saying beverages can drive traffic. The report, sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company, shows 72% of consumers see restaurants as a good place to discover new beverages, and 37% make beverage-only purchases at least weekly, including 50% of Gen Z adults and 47% of millennials. It also identifies packaging innovation as a key opportunity, with 83% of delivery customers saying they would order beverages more often if packaging improved. Operators are prioritizing smarter menus, with limited-service operators focusing on coffees, teas, smoothies, and wellness beverages, while fullservice operators expand cocktails, alcohol-free options, beer, and wine.
The Coca-Cola CompanyReport sponsored by Coca-Cola highlights beverages as key growth drivers, with high consumer interest and frequent beverage-only purchases.
