In the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), soft drinks are more than just side items; they are profit multipliers, customer favourites, and one of the easiest ways to increase average order value. Whether you’re running a chicken shop, burger takeaway, pizza outlet, dessert parlour, or café, your soft drink selection directly influences customer satisfaction and profit margins. 

But not all drinks sell equally. Some move fast because they’re classics. Others drive premium margins due to exclusivity. And a few are essential simply because customers expect to see them. This guide breaks down the top-selling soft drinks every QSR in the UK should consider and explains why they perform so well. 

Why Soft Drinks Matter So Much in QSRs? 

If there’s one category that consistently brings in high profits with minimal effort, it’s soft drinks. And the reasons are clear: 

  • Higher margins than most food items. 
  • Quick service and no prep time. 
  • Low staff training required. 
  • Strong brand recognition. 
  • Impulse-driven purchasing behaviour. 
  • Year-round demand. 

A fully stocked drink fridge can increase impulse sales by 20-35%, especially in busy QSR environments where customers make rapid decisions. 

The Top Soft Drinks That Sell Best in Quick-Service Restaurants 

Below is a breakdown of the drinks your customers expect and the ones that earn you the healthiest returns. 

1. Cola Classics: The Non-Negotiables

No QSR can operate without cola. It remains the highest-selling fizzy category across the UK. 

Best Picks 

Why They Sell 

Cola drinks do not require promotion; they sell themselves. Customers order them automatically with meals, making them the safest and most reliable items to stock. 

2. Lemon-Lime Favourites: The Safe Second Choice

After cola, lemon-lime drinks are the next most requested refreshers in QSR environments. 

Top Sellers 

These flavours pair extremely well with fried foods, pizza, spicy meals and kebabs, making them a go-to for many UK takeaways. 

3. Fruit-Flavoured Fizzy Drinks: Flavour First, Impulse Always

Fruit-based carbonated drinks continue to grow in popularity, especially among younger customers. 

Key High-Performing Options 

Why They Sell 

These drinks offer bold flavours, bright packaging and strong visual appeal in fridges, perfect for impulse buys. Many QSR customers choose these when they want something more exciting than cola. 

4. Still & Sparkling Water: Essential and Increasingly Popular

While water isn’t always the first thing customers think of in a QSR, it is essential to stock and often sells better than expected. 

Recommended 

Why They Sell 

More customers today prefer lighter, healthier drink options, especially during lunch or when ordering salads and grilled food. 

5. Fruit Juices & Juice Drinks: A Strong Alternative to Fizzy

Not every customer wants carbonation. Offering juices gives customers a choice, boosting overall satisfaction.

Popular Choices in QSRs 

  • Orange Juice 
  • Apple Juice 
  • Tropical blends 
  • Mango, guava or mixed fruit drinks 

These pair beautifully with breakfasts, kids’ meals and coffee-based menus. 

6. Energy Drinks: High Margin and High Demand

QSRs located near workplaces, industrial areas, and universities see strong performance from energy drinks. 

Best Sellers 

  • Monster Energy 
  • Red Bull 
  • Rockstar 
  • Relentless 

Why They Work 

Energy drinks attract loyal, repeat customers and provide excellent margin opportunities. Many QSRs find that energy drinks become one of their top-selling items during lunchtime and late hours. 

How to Choose the Right Soft Drinks for Your QSR? 

The best drink selection isn’t the biggest, it’s the smartest mix of essentials, high-margin items and trending flavours. 

Use this framework to curate your menu: 

1. Cover the Essentials

At a minimum, include: 

  • One cola 
  • One diet/light cola 
  • One lemon-lime option 

2. Add FlavourVariety 

Include 2-3 fruit-flavoured fizzy drinks to appeal to younger customers. 

3. Include Healthier Picks 

Still water, sparkling water, and low-sugar options cover a wider audience. 

4. Add a Premium/High-Margin Category 

Imports, energy drinks or premium juices lift average order value. 

5. Keep your Fridge Well-Stocked and Well-Lit 

Visibility = sales 

An empty fridge reduces customer confidence and hurts impulse buying. 

Soft Drink Trends QSRs Should Watch 

Recent UK trends indicate growing demand for: 

  • Imported branded fizzy drinks 
  • Zero-sugar variants 
  • Exotic fruit flavours 
  • Functional drinks (hydration, energy) 

Magna Foodservice already stocks many of these high-demand products, giving your business a competitive advantage. 

Final Thoughts 

Soft drinks remain one of the most important revenue drivers for QSR businesses. The right selection improves customer satisfaction, increases profitability and keeps your menu competitive. 

By stocking essential favourites, mixing in premium flavours and keeping an eye on UK demand trends, your QSR can boost sales every single day. 

Magna Foodservice offers a comprehensive wholesale range of soft drinks from cola classics to premium imports, helping UK QSR owners build a powerful, profitable drinks selection.