The “pumpkin tax” is real. As pumpkin spice lattes top seasonal café menus across the country, a new study reveals that the specialty-flavored items carry an average 8.4% markup over standard versions. That’s up from a 7.4% markup just two years ago — though still down from 2022’s 14.1% spike, when pumpkin harvests were suffering … Read more
As flu season heightens, it’s important to prioritize immune system support, which includes eating a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods, experts say. The immune system is directly connected to the gut, so consuming the right nutrients can positively affect both. “If we’re not getting enough fiber, fermented foods or the right nutrients, we can get … Read more
There’s nothing sweet about this. Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit over protein drinks marketed as “sugar-free” that allegedly contain anywhere from 13 to 21 grams of sugar. The apparent contradiction has left consumers scratching their heads — and wondering what’s really in their cups. Starbucks was slapped with a proposed class action lawsuit … Read more
The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could be changing more than what Americans put on their plates, as restaurants increasingly look to wellness drinks and other alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. The National Restaurant Association’s new 2026 Restaurant Beverage Trends report found growing interest in a wider range of drink choices, particularly among younger consumers, as restaurants … Read more
Dunkin’ diehards will see another round of free drinks today. Last week, the coffee behemoth served up one million free medium Refreshers for folks who had the secret code, and that’s happening again. The java giant dropped the post in an Instagram broadcast channel — a public messaging tool where creators and brands can send … Read more
Starbucks announced on Monday that its classic Pumpkin Spice Latte will be returning to store menus later this month. The popular drink will be joined by new beverages and food items and as limited-time merchandise collections. While the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte returns Aug. 25, Starbucks will add new pumpkin spice-flavored drinks, including the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken … Read more
Aunt Flo has arrived — and this time, she’s bringing a beverage cart. Period-friendly drinks have flooded the wellness world, with brands promising their specially formulated concoctions can help take the edge off that time of the month. The Cycle, for instance, sells two canned drinks it markets as supporting hormonal health around your period, … Read more
And, poof — there goes your Disney dining budget. The most magical place in California is raising its prices on its already expensive food and drink. At Disneyland, more than 800 menu items have quietly increased in price across 178 dining locations in both parks and resort hotels. With an average increase of 8%, popular … Read more
Ditch the high-stakes snack selection. As the flight attendant pushes that cart down the aisle while you’re half-asleep, the pressure to choose the perfect snack and beverage is real. The highly anticipated mid-air snack time is disappointing when the options are stale or unpalatable. Delta Airlines dominated the survey with 30% of the vote and … Read more
They’re moving the goal posts on concession prices. Soccer fans have sparked debate online after revealing the alleged extortionate prices vendors are charging for food and drinks at a FIFA World Cup venue. In a viral TikTok clip with over 100,000 views, the American ticketholder meant to “expose the prices” the stadium was charging — … Read more
Thundering bass rattled the dance floor as a sea of sweat-soaked revelers threw their heads back and belted in unison: “Let’s make the most of the night like we’re gonna die young.” The irony was impossible to miss. Just hours earlier, many of the same people had been on a mission to outsmart Father Time, … Read more
The latest beverage trend is far from clean – and it’s raising red flags with doctors. Known as a “dirty soda,” it’s a soft drink that also includes a combination of added ingredients, such as flavored syrups, creamers, fruit juices, and other garnishes. The result is a sweet beverage that’s a combination of a soda, … Read more
The Devil Drinks Starbucks. Starbucks launched a secret menu to celebrate “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which hits theaters May 1. The coffee giant is introducing a curated lineup of beverages inspired by the characters of the highly anticipated sequel, which are available exclusively in the Starbucks app. Each beverage is meant to reflect the … Read more
McDonald’s is shaking up its beverage menu. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the fast-food chain is set to offer energy drinks and specialty sodas as part of a broader overhaul of its cold drinks menu at US restaurants later this year. Internal company documents viewed by WSJ indicate that the new … Read more
Spring break is a full time job for these Gen Z influencers. Savvy social media stars have stuffed their suitcases with bathing suits, ring lights and cosmetics and headed for Florida’s beaches, but they’re in for a payday rather than a party. And its serious business, with some making more than $20,000 per post, an … Read more
Once a staple of house parties and college gatherings, Jello-O shots are making a comeback — and not just at home. A neon-colored party gimmick of days gone by is now being reimagined with craft spirits and layered flavors at bars across America. This isn’t the first time the gelatin-based drink has surged in popularity: Jell-O shots drew national … Read more
Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken aim at Starbucks and Dunkin’ over sugar-loaded coffee drinks — but how much sugar do those drinks actually contain? During an “Eat Real Food” rally in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 26, Kennedy referenced plans to challenge the two brands on the amount of sugar their iced coffee drinks … Read more
Got milk? This new wearable can tell you exactly how much. Coro, a first-of-its-kind breastfeeding monitor from Irish startup Coroflo, made its debut this month at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where it snagged several awards, including Best Parent Tech. At first glance, the device looks like a classic silicone nipple shield … Read more
Most restaurateurs would consider serving free drinks a losing proposition. For Michael Della Femina, who recently opened a Soho branch of his Beverly Hills hit Croft Alley, it’s about building community. At the West Coast location, he set up a vintage red light on a bar that’s visible from outside and which staff turn on … Read more
Bartenders spend their shifts crafting drinks to suit their customers’ many tastes — but their own preferences often look quite different once the bar closes. After hours of mixing cocktails, some bartenders reach for something familiar and comforting, rather than what patrons might expect. Sometimes it’s a popular staple; other times, it’s a lesser-known pour reserved for … Read more