McDonald's Pours Energy into New Menu Item

McDonald's has introduced energy drinks to its menu for the first time with the debut of Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer. The drink combines Red Bull, blue raspberry flavoring, and freeze-dried dragonfruit pieces.

According to a Citi survey, 60% of energy beverage consumption at restaurants and coffee shops is incremental. Additionally, 49% of respondents said an energy drink purchased at a restaurant would replace one purchased elsewhere, while 74% are interested in buying energy drinks from a restaurant or coffee shop, with 44% being very interested.

Morgan Stanley believes the energy drink platform could be a 'swing factor' for McDonald's investors to watch in the second half of the year. The company has also added reduced-sugar options with Red Bull Zero and regular 8.4-ounce Red Bull cans.