Posted in Desserts on September 23, 2026
While much attention is focused on consumers’ appetite for desserts you eat, the market is brimming with interest in drinkable desserts. Consumers are increasingly intrigued by the idea of beverages inspired by desserts, and dessert and snack operators thirsty for more sales will want to tap into the trend.
The market research firm Datassential reports that 40% of consumers are interested in trying dessert-inspired beverages at foodservice operations.1 In fact, dessert-inspired beverages are the highest-interest option among trending beverage concepts, and 34% of consumers expressed a hankering for over-the-top dessert beverages.1
What’s more, among consumers who are increasing their consumption of beverages as a treat, 32% say they’re more likely to replace desserts or sweet snacks with rich, scrumptious beverages.1 Milkshakes, for example, are a go-to treat for many consumers. Nearly 40% enjoy them as a dessert, and 37% choose them as a snack.2
For a colorful and flavorful milkshake with loads of visual appeal, menu a Strawberry Banana Milkshake made with OREO Cookie Pieces — a feast for the eyes that’s sure to generate social buzz as well as in-store sales. Consider a Dulce de Leche Milkshake made with Golden OREO Cookie Pieces as a refreshing, globally inspired treat that can help diversify dessert and beverage menus.
A Trend Spilling Over Into Opportunity
Rising demand for dessert beverages presents one of foodservice’s most accessible innovation opportunities. These beverages provide a convenient and cost-effective way to capture consumer excitement without the risk or operational demands of a full menu overhaul.
Beyond classic milkshakes and floats, today’s craft dessert beverages combine premium ingredients, playful customization and beverage-forward creativity, from dirty sodas with sweet pairings and candy-infused drinks to sparkling dessert spritzes and layered cold brew floats. The trend taps into consumers’ appetite for personalization while creating opportunities to drive higher check averages, social media engagement and repeat visits.
What makes dessert beverages particularly compelling is their ability to deliver high perceived value with relatively low operational lift. Modular builds, supplier-supported ingredients and minimal preparation requirements enable operators to test new flavors, explore global influences and keep menus fresh, minus the complexity of back-of-house operations.
Bear in mind that taste and flavor (70%) top the list of interests among consumers who drink dessert-like beverages, followed by high-quality or premium ingredients (31%).1 Beloved brand ingredients give dessert beverage concepts high perceived value and quality, which can help maximize sales.
Sweet, Sour and So Good for Sales
A fast-growing beverage company has partnered with SOUR PATCH KIDS on a new line of limited-time dirty sodas that capitalize on the trend of innovative flavor fusions in dessert beverages. Eye-catching and taste bud tantalizing, these delectable drink varieties are crafted around distinct sour-then-sweet SOUR PATCH KIDS flavors.
The same versatile, easy-to-apply SOUR PATCH KIDS syrups that bigger chains use are available to you through your distributor. Consider mixing them with different sodas and fruit purees to create your open, bold, blended flavor adventures that keep customers coming back for more.
Now is the time for dessert and snack operators with a thirst for labor-efficient innovation to explore beverage desserts as a high-impact, low-lift option. Given that many formats require minimal prep while delivering high perceived value, it’s easy to see why operators and consumers are so sweet on these drinkable treats.
For the scoop on other must-know dessert trends, be sure to check out “Sweet Success: How to Take Advantage of 4 LTO Dessert Trends.” To get your fill of insights and ideas, visit our Culinary Center and sign up for our emails.
1 Datassential, Beverage Bonanza: Elevate Huddle, December 2025
2 Datassential, Keynote Report: Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 2026
