Starbucks' 'The Medicine Ball' began as a secret menu item crafted by a fan, but its immense popularity of the cold-fighting beverage has led it to become a permanent menu item.
The Medicine Ball is crafted with equal parts hot lemonade and hot water, plus Peach Tranquility and Jade Citrus Mint teas from Teavana, as well as honey, which is known for its antimicrobial properties. The hot beverage is touted as one that's ideal for soothing sore throats and sinuses, both of which can be bothersome during cold and flu season.
As one Starbucks manager noted 20 orders for The Medicine Ball off the secret menu in a single day, the "sick tea" or the "coldbuster" can now easily be found by a greater number of consumers as an official addition to the chain's menu.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Cold-fighting Beverages
- Opportunity to create and market hot or cold beverages designed to boost immune system and combat common cold symptoms.
- Secret Menu Items
- Chance to develop unique and customizable offerings that cater to customer preferences and create a sense of exclusivity.
- Functional Ingredients
- Potential for incorporating natural ingredients known for their health benefits, such as honey, into various food and beverage products.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Beverage Industry
- Innovate and expand product lines to include more cold-fighting beverages that provide health benefits and cater to consumer demand.
- Food and Beverage Retail
- Strategies to create and promote secret menu items that foster customer engagement and loyalty, driving sales and differentiation from competitors.
- Health and Wellness
- Opportunity to develop and market functional ingredients for various products, such as honey with antimicrobial properties, to cater to the growing demand for healthy and natural options.
