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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Taco Bell menu tries wild items, new kind of shell
For anyone who consumes fast food regularly, it's likely you've already noticed that your favorite drive-through joint (along with all the others) are always offering up something new. The race to innovate and disrupt is present at pretty much all casual service chains. Sure, a customer might buy food or even become a regular. But if you don't offer new things, you risk losing their loyalty. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter You'd think McDonald's, the biggest of the fast-food giants, wouldn't have this problem, as its menu is full of classics that people have been buying for decades. But even this powerhouse chain is not immune. During its most recent earnings call, McDonald's reported a year-over-year decline in net revenue - $1.87 billion in Q1 2025, versus $1.93 billion in Q1 2024 - as well as a same-store sales drop of 3.6%. Related: McDonald's launches unusual new drink to recover customers While McDonald's attributed the drop to dampened consumer sentiment around geopolitical tensions, it's also known for being a more classic brand and experimenting in a more traditional way than some of its competitors. Swing the pendulum to the opposite side, and there you have Yum! (YUM) Brands-owned Taco Bell, which has done everything from create a taco using a Doritos shell to reimagining the tostada atop a giant Cheez-It. Now the chain is back at it with another wild invention, and this one might be even more unhinged than all the ones that came before it. In an Instagram post shared on July 18, food blogger Snackolator gave us a closer look at what Taco Bell is working on next: a taco with a shell made entirely of cheese. This is the Quesocrisp Taco that Taco Bell showed off at its Live Mas event a few months ago. The all-cheese shell is filled with a choice of beef or cantina chicken and topped with Jalapeno Ranch sauce. There are reports that this item has been popping up in the Orange County area, with some consumers taking to Reddit to post about their experience with the new taco. "Not that good," Reddit user Panda42 wrote in their post. "The quesocrisp they advertised at the Live Mas event was nothing like this, and only makes this even more disappointing. I'd rather pay $5 for a double-stacked taco instead of one of these again." Related: Taco Bell menu adds a popular McDonald's favorite Snackolator's post also mentioned the new Tacodilla, which is basically a very long soft taco that comes stuffed with steak, melted cheese, and a red chile sauce. This one has been spotted in Detroit, Columbus, and Toledo so far. Another Redditor tried out the Tacodilla, and the reviews were far better compared to the Quesocrisp. "Reporting in. The Tacodilla is amazing, and big," Reddit user 0pThomas_Prime wrote in a post from June 17. "Sorry I didn't have a banana for scale. Definitely going back for this. I know it's a bit pricey, but it's easily 2 chalupas worth of food. That sauce is tasty!" The Tacodilla originally appeared on Taco Bell's "Dreams" list during its Live Mas event, which meant the brand was unsure if the item would ever make it to the official menu - and now it has. While some other chains are reporting that customers are pulling back from eating out amid worries about economic uncertainty, Taco Bell doesn't seem to be having those problems. It reported a strong first quarter during its April earnings call, with U.S. same-store sales up by 9% in Q1, while system sales were up 11%. "A tough operating environment probably favors Taco Bell. It's just firing on all cylinders right now," Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs said during a June 18 earnings call. "Penetration is going up, bringing more customers into the brand with things like Cantina Chicken. Value stands out. And innovation - nobody else sells anything close to what we sell. We're in an enviable position," he said. Related: Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC face a major change The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Coca-Cola quietly revives 1980s cult classic as rivalry shifts from Pepsi to Dr Pepper
Coca-Cola is bringing back its fan-favorite Diet Cherry Coke, five years after quietly pulling it from shelves. The relaunch puts Coca-Cola in direct competition with Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry, which has been a staple since 2009. Coca-Cola bosses increasingly see Dr Pepper as a threat. Dr Pepper's sales have steadily risen in recent years, and last year it overtook Pepsi to become America's No 2 soda behind Coke. The returning Diet Cherry Coke will feature retro-style packaging inspired by the original 1980s design. It's expected to hit Kroger shelves next month, with Costco stores in Canada also planning to stock it. Diet Cherry Coke became an instant hit when it launched in 1986 and was popular into the 1990s. But its popularity faded and it was axed in 2020. Now, nostalgia — and some competitive pressure — is bringing it back. 'It's been years since the OG Diet Cherry Coke has been out so I'm really looking forward to getting it again,' Food blogger Snackolator wrote on their Instagram post. 'Where can I find! This is an emergency!,' a commenter joked on Instagram. The news comes months after Coca-Cola launched its Orange Cream soda. The company told in December that it was developed 'in direct response to consumer demand for the iconic and nostalgic taste of orange cream.' Social media users were thrilled to learn about the Orange debut, and had 'high hopes' for success. The beverage is expected to be available on store shelves until next year. Coca-Cola also sparked a social media frenzy in April by relaunching its fan-favorite 'Share a Coke' campaign. Besides Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola is in friendly competition with Olipop and Poppi beverages through its Simply Pop prebiotic soda brand. The Simply Pop sodas come in five flavors: strawberry, pineapple mango, fruit punch, lime and citrus punch. The company managed to launch these wide array of beverages before consumers noticed it quietly tweaked its Coke Zero recipe. Coca-Cola had been making headlines for its relationships with Costco and Subway. Costco announced plans to replace Pepsi with Coca-Cola products in food courts last year. The first Coca-Cola machine was seen at a newly-opened California store in March. But while Coca-Cola gained Costco, it lost Subway. The sandwich chain entered a 10-year deal with PepsiCo in 2024 to supply all US restaurants with Pepsi products. Despite pushback from some franchise managers who wanted to keep Coke, Pepsi drinks were in all locations throughout the nation by January 1.
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Diet Cherry Coke returns to US with limited edition retro packaging
Fans of Diet Cherry Coke, rejoice. After disappearing from store shelves in 2020, the beloved cherry-flavored version of Diet Coke is making a comeback. The news was first broken by Instagram food influencer Snackolator, who wrote, 'Diet Cherry Coke is returning for a limited time with retro packaging!' The caption added, 'It's been years since the OG Diet Cherry Coke has been out, so I'm really looking forward to getting it again.' A post shared by Snackolator (@snackolator) The soft drink, originally launched in 1985, is expected to return to shelves this summer with packaging inspired by its original 80s look. The relaunch will likely include 20-ounce bottles, 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, and even 24-packs exclusively for Costco members in Canada, according to multiple reports. While Coca-Cola has not yet made an official statement, the buzz online has made fans hopeful. The company recently brought back another vintage flavor from 1905. Last year, Coca-Cola quietly phased out two of its offerings: Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla and Diet Coke with Splenda. While there was no formal press release, the company did confirm the discontinuation on X (formerly Twitter). 'We decided to discontinue Coca-Cola Cherry Vanilla due to consumers' taste preferences and lifestyles constantly changing,' the company wrote. 'As a Total Beverage Company, we are always searching for ways to evolve our product portfolio to bring consumers the beverages they want.' Back in 2018, Coca-Cola gave the Diet Coke lineup a fresh spin, launching bold new flavors like Feisty Cherry and Ginger Lime to attract a younger crowd. To make room, old favorites like Diet Cherry Coke were pulled from shelves and made available only through Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. Then came the pandemic. With aluminum shortages and supply chain chaos, Coca-Cola was pushed to prioritise top-selling items. The company explained the decision as part of its ongoing strategy to adapt to changing consumer preferences and said it is 'always searching for ways to evolve [its] product portfolio to bring consumers the beverages they want.' On June 5, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida appointed Leroy Yancey, Jr as Vice President of Distribution Operations and James 'Jim' Boyce as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. A cherry-flavored, low-calorie version of Diet Coke, originally launched in 1985. It was discontinued from stores in 2020, but is making a return for a limited time now with retro packaging. A bolder cherry-flavored Diet Coke launched in 2018, discontinued in 2020 during a product lineup refresh. It offered a bolder cherry taste with a hint of spice.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Diet Cherry Coke: Diet Coke is making a comeback in US after four years and internet can't keep calm
Diet Cherry coke returning to US ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Coca-Cola has appeared eager to sideline Diet Coke in favor of Coke Zero Sugar, but loyal customers haven't let that happen. While some consumers do prefer Coke Zero, it remains a third-tier brand in the U.S., trailing behind both Coke and Diet Coke. Unlike when Diet Coke replaced TaB—arguably because it tasted better, a point still debated by TaB loyalists—Coke Zero functions more as a niche product. It supports Coca-Cola's broader lineup but doesn't threaten Diet Coke's established place in the cola foodie Snackolator broke the news in a post, writing, 'Diet Cherry Coke is returning for a limited time with retro packaging!', reports The Delish. Coca-Cola has decided to bring back the original Diet Coke spinoff flavor.'It's been years since the OG Diet Cherry Coke has been out, so I'm really looking forward to getting it again,' the caption read."I am way too excited for this one — Diet Cherry Coke is returning for a limited time with retro packaging!It's been years since the OG Diet Cherry Coke has been out so I'm really looking forward to getting it again," shared the popular Snackolator Instagram page. "This does not appear to be an exclusive release, but I'll update as it arrives on store shelves."Where can I find this?! It's an emergency! " one fan exclaimed. Another chimed in, "As if Diet Coke couldn't get any better ."Well, it looks like the soda gods at Coca-Cola have finally heard the cries of loyal fans. We've literally been begging for this flavor to make a comeback. (Even as someone who's not a big cherry fan, I've been counting down the days to get my hands on this beauty!) Now let's just hope it sticks around for good instead of being a limited-time hey, Coca-Cola—since you're clearly reading the comments... any chance we can get Diet Coke with Lime back too? The people have one fan put it, 'Now we need a return of Diet Coke with lime, please.'While the health benefits of Diet Coke are still debated, many consider it a better option than regular Coke or other full-sugar sodas. Recently, some sodas have started incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and other ingredients marketed as Coca-Cola's first-quarter earnings call, CEO James Quincey was asked about the growing trend of 'wellness' and 'functional' sodas.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Diet Coke is making a comeback in US after four years and internet can't keep calm
Diet Cherry coke returning to US Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Coca-Cola has appeared eager to sideline Diet Coke in favor of Coke Zero Sugar, but loyal customers haven't let that happen. While some consumers do prefer Coke Zero, it remains a third-tier brand in the U.S., trailing behind both Coke and Diet Coke. Unlike when Diet Coke replaced TaB—arguably because it tasted better, a point still debated by TaB loyalists—Coke Zero functions more as a niche product. It supports Coca-Cola's broader lineup but doesn't threaten Diet Coke's established place in the cola foodie Snackolator broke the news in a post, writing, 'Diet Cherry Coke is returning for a limited time with retro packaging!', reports The Delish. Coca-Cola has decided to bring back the original Diet Coke spinoff flavor.'It's been years since the OG Diet Cherry Coke has been out, so I'm really looking forward to getting it again,' the caption read."I am way too excited for this one — Diet Cherry Coke is returning for a limited time with retro packaging!It's been years since the OG Diet Cherry Coke has been out so I'm really looking forward to getting it again," shared the popular Snackolator Instagram page. "This does not appear to be an exclusive release, but I'll update as it arrives on store shelves."Where can I find this?! It's an emergency! 😂" one fan exclaimed. Another chimed in, "As if Diet Coke couldn't get any better 😍😍😍😍😍."Well, it looks like the soda gods at Coca-Cola have finally heard the cries of loyal fans. We've literally been begging for this flavor to make a comeback. (Even as someone who's not a big cherry fan, I've been counting down the days to get my hands on this beauty!) Now let's just hope it sticks around for good instead of being a limited-time hey, Coca-Cola—since you're clearly reading the comments... any chance we can get Diet Coke with Lime back too? The people have one fan put it, 'Now we need a return of Diet Coke with lime, please.'While the health benefits of Diet Coke are still debated, many consider it a better option than regular Coke or other full-sugar sodas. Recently, some sodas have started incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and other ingredients marketed as Coca-Cola's first-quarter earnings call, CEO James Quincey was asked about the growing trend of 'wellness' and 'functional' sodas.
