If you’ve gone to a Taco Bell recently, you may have noticed more beverage options to choose from on the menu.
The company announced on June 26 it was introducing new beverages called Refrescas to menus nationwide. According to the chain, the drinks are crafted to “quench every kind of craving – whether you’re seeking a refreshing sip, an energizing boost or a frozen escape.”
The six drinks include three refreshers, two energy drinks and a cooling freeze. According to Taco Bell, the three Agua Refrescas join menus permanently after initially being tested in Southern California in 2024, with a positive response.
Here’s what to know about the new Taco Bell beverages.
What are Taco Bell’s Refrescas? List of new beverages
Taco Bell’s full lineup of Refrescas includes:
Agua Refrescas (three flavor options): A Taco Bell twist on the beloved Mexican beverage, mixed with real freeze-dried fruit pieces and green tea to provide a subtle boost of caffeine (52 mg per beverage); Available in strawberry passionfruit, dragonfruit berry, and mango peach flavors.
Rockstar Energy Refrescas (two flavor options): Available in a pineapple lime or tropical punch flavor, each drink delivers a boost of energy (200 mg of caffeine per beverage).
Refresca Freeze: A frozen take on the Refresca lineup, featuring real freeze-dried fruit pieces; available in a strawberry lime flavor.
How much are Taco Bell Refrescas?
The Agua Refrescas cost $3.99 for a 20-ounce drink while the Rockstar Energy Refrescas cost $4.49 for a 20-ounce beverage. The Refrescas Freezes are available in a 16-ounce or 20-ounce option and cost $3.79 and $3.99, respectively.
Why is Taco Bell adding Refrescas to the menu?
Taco Bell is seemingly going after younger consumers searching for fresh beverage options.
“We’re seeing today that people, especially younger consumers, are reaching for refreshing drinks as part of their lifestyle, whether it’s for energy or a sweet treat throughout the day,” said Liz Matthews, Taco Bell’s Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, in the June 26 news release. “So, we’re making big investments to become the ultimate beverage stop where our fans can expect to see the same bold, unexpected creativity in their cups as they do on their plates.”
Taco Bell Refrescas do contain caffeine ranging from 52 mg to 200 mg. Healthy adults can generally consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day without negative affects, according to the FDA. However, the FDA warns about heavy consumption of caffeine among children. “Too much caffeine in children and teens can cause increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and lead to sleep problems, digestive problems and dehydration,” the FDA says.
Taco Bell also debuts Crispy Chicken Tacos, Burritos and Strips
In addition to the new beverages, Taco Bell also announced last month that Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos will be available at locations nationwide for a limited time.
Both items feature a Crispy Chicken Strip inside and are available with new Spicy Ranchero and Avocado Ranch sauces.
For $2.79, the Crispy Chicken Tacos layers its new crispy strip with purple cabbage, lettuce, pico de gallo and shredded cheddar cheese. Meanwhile, the Crispy Chicken Burrito includes two strips, purple cabbage, crisp lettuce, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese for $5.49.
The chain is also offering two Crispy Chicken Strips for the price of $3.99, not to be confused with its Crispy Chicken Nuggets, which debuted last December and returned in April.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Taco Bell rolled out 6 new beverages: Here’s what’s in Refrescas
