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Gen Z’s “Bevolution” is Changing the Fast Food Menu—in 3 Ways

This summer, fast food brands have been making menu adds that resonate with Gen Z’s love of colorful, fruit-forward, and customizable drinks…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Aug 13 2026
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

McDonald’s is turning its drinks into fruity, colorful treats made just for Gen Z
Starbucks is leaning into photogenic and nostalgic drinks to reclaim its spot in Gen Z’s lives
Dunkin is banking on collabs, novelty, and of course fruity flavors to make its drinks the must-haves of the summer

Scroll through TikTok, and you’ll see it more times than you can count: Gen Z sipping on a “little treat.” Instead of cigarette breaks, they’re taking “Diet Coke” breaks; instead of expensive spa days, they’re splurging on Erewhon smoothies or their go-to Dunkin’ order (a.k.a. their “daily Dunkies”). YPulse has said before that for Gen Z, food and drinks are the new luxury. When everything is expensive, that $6 drink can still feel like an affordable way for Gen Z to treat themselves. But now, Gen Z’s little treat culture has evolved into what YPulse calls Gen Z’s “Bevolution.” Many...