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Although it feels like spring has just begun and flowers are finally blossoming, many restaurants and fast-food chains are getting ahead of the game by teasing and unveiling their new summer menus for 2025. Seasonal menus are a popular tradition in the food and beverage market because businesses can test new products and experiment with seasonal ingredients. These menus let chain restaurants keep up with trends without investing too heavily in something that might not work in the long run.
💵💰 Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 💵💰Limited-time menu offerings also intrigue customers, keeping them engaged and generating buzz. This can potentially reach new audiences and develop brand loyalty, which can boost sales and increase traffic.Related: McDonald’s teases return of item fans have long clamored forMost consumers love seasonal menus as much as businesses do, because they can finally order items they have been awaiting all year, or even discover new favorites.
Starbucks to release new seasonal summer menu items.Image source: Getty Images Starbucks reduces its menu and banishes iconic itemsLate last year, Starbucks (SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol announced his plan to reduce the Starbucks menu by 30% to simplify it and focus more on coffee as part of the company's turnaround plan.Because the coffee chain is known for its iconic food and beverage creations and wide range of customizations, many loyal Starbucks fans were shocked upon hearing the news, with some fearing that their best-loved menu items could be on the chopping block.
Related: Starbucks CEO announces new requirement for workersIn February, Starbucks made a massive menu reduction, getting rid of nine Frappuccinos and multiple handcrafted beverages. Although the company has discontinued many menu items and scaled back on customizations, one tradition it refuses to end is its popular seasonal menus. Starbucks teases the release of its 2025 summer menuLast spring, Starbucks released the Summer-Berry Refresher, which featured a blend of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors shaken with ice and poured over a layer of popping raspberry-flavored pearls.
To offer more ways to enjoy this refreshing drink, Starbucks provided the option to turn it into a lemonade or add coconut milk for a more creamy beverage called the Summer Skies Drink.Because this innovative beverage has become a fan favorite, Starbucks is bringing it back, along with its customizable options, so customers can enjoy it all summer long.If you are more of a coffee drinker, Starbucks is launching a new Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
This new beverage is inspired by the Latin American drink horchata, which is either rice-, nut-, or coconut-based, mixed with cinnamon, and sometimes — depending on the region —dairy.However, this new drink is Starbucks' own version, since it mixes the classic Shake Espresso beverage with oatmilk and a secret new horchata syrup. The coffee chain previously launched a horchata-inspired beverage, releasing the Horchata Almondmilk Frappuccino in 2017.
Still, it was only a limited-edition beverage and was eventually discontinued, never to be seen again. More Food & Beverage News:Burger King makes menu changes, adding value, new itemAfter closing restaurants, burger chain adds all-you-can-eat dealMcDonald's menu adds new item that Chick-fil-A fans loveStarbucks is unfortunately not offering many new food items for this summer. Nevertheless, it is still satisfying guests' appetites with the new Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop, which consists of a strawberry cake base, a buttercream center, and a red chocolate coating.
No official date has yet been given for the release of the summer menu, but it is set to launch sometime in May. Last year, the Starbucks summer menu began on May 7, so if the pattern continues, these items could be available at all locations nationwide in only a few days.Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast.
