Menu item counts for Dessert Beverages (non-alcoholic) are up an astonishing 62% on a “same chain” basis, as the variety of types and flavors of this profitable menu part have soared.

Desert Beverages appeal to all chain and independent and on-site market sectors, except fine dining. MenuMine identifies two general types. Creamy Dessert Beverages, including shakes/malts, smoothies, floats and sodas make up about 81% of menu listings and Iced Dessert Beverages consisting of slushes and chillers make up 19%. Most chains that serve a dessert beverage offer both types.

Listed above are the top Flavors of Beverage Desserts. Creamy Flavors are led by Strawberry, Vanilla and Chocolate. Platforms for Creamy Dessert Beverages are either Ice Cream or Yogurt, however, broad platform is not specified in the table. Notable Creamy Dessert Beverages include: Smoothie King’s Yogurt D-Lite, Cosi’s Wildberry Blast Smoothie, Johnny Rocket’s Vanilla Float and Wendy’s Tropicana Frosty.

Leading flavors for Iced Dessert Beverages include Lemon, Cherry, Strawberry, Orange and Vanilla. To cool off quick, try Dunkin Donuts’ Tropicana Coolata or Burgerville USA’s Triple Berry Blast or the Strawberry Squeeze from Nature’s Table or Strawberry Nirvana from Jamba Juice.