Costa Coffee, the United Kingdom’s leading coffee house chain, has announced the nationwide launch of its 2026 summer menu. Debuting on 30 April, the lineup features a diverse range of iced lattes, fruit-based refreshers, and high-protein options. The strategy represents a move to transition everyday coffee routines into "feel-good rituals," leveraging visual appeal and artisanal textures to drive footfall during the warmer months.
The launch is supported by a multi-channel distribution strategy, with several new SKUs available through the company’s estate of Costa Express machines, ensuring national accessibility for "on-the-go" consumers.
Beverage Innovation and Category Expansion
A primary pillar of the 2026 menu is the technical expansion of the iced coffee category. Costa is introducing several "whipped" and "velvet" formats designed to provide a premium mouthfeel that differentiates the brand from standard chilled offerings.
Iced Oat Velvetino 🌾🧊
A modern plant-based twist on iced coffee utilising agave syrup for a refined sweetness profile.
Hazelnut Crème Range 🌰🍦
Includes an Iced Whipped Latte and a Frappé, utilising a rich nut-based sauce to target the indulgent treat segment.
Sweet Ube Series 🥥💜
Building on initial success, the brand has added an Iced Whipped Latte and an Iced Matcha featuring the signature purple yam flavour and hue.
Fruit Refreshers and Teas 🍎🫐
New additions include an Apple and Kiwi Refresher and a floral Jasmine Hibiscus Iced Tea.
Food Portfolio Diversification and High Protein Options
To complement the beverage rollout, Costa is expanding its lunchtime offerings with a focus on high-protein, "grab-and-go" formats. This strategy addresses the increasing consumer demand for substantial, flavour-forward meal solutions during the work week.
Chicken Gyros Style Flatbread 🍗🫓: Features roasted onions, peppers, and a garlic-mint yoghurt sauce in an oregano-infused flatbread.
Chicken Fajita Wrap 🌯🔥: A tomato-based wrap with roasted vegetables and mozzarella.
Hot Meal Boxes 🍝🥘: Including Meatball Marinara Pasta and Chicken and Spicy Korean Style Rice, intended for a hearty midday meal.
Furthermore, the brand is introducing a new kids’ meal deal with a philanthropic component. For each meal sold, 30p is donated to the Costa Foundation, supporting education projects in global coffee-growing communities.
Nishant Bhatia, Global Food and Beverage Director at Costa Coffee, noted that the summer menu is designed to reflect shifts in consumer pace and behaviour. By partnering with established heritage brands like McVitie’s, Costa aims to leverage existing consumer nostalgia while providing a novel format for high-volume consumption.
Partnership with McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes
In a significant move for the brand’s ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio, Costa Coffee has collaborated with Pladis-owned McVitie’s to launch the Jaffa Cakes Frappé 🍫🍊. This limited-edition SKU reimagines the chocolate and zesty orange profile of the iconic biscuit within a smooth iced coffee format.
Merchandise and Lifestyle Integration
Rounding out the summer strategy is a move into lifestyle-led merchandise. Costa is introducing two new 40oz tumblers in "Mango" (orange) and "Dragon Fruit" (pink) colourways, catering to the ongoing consumer trend for high-capacity, reusable hydration vessels.
The inclusion of a "Made With Heart" tote bag further aligns the brand with summer outing occasions, reinforcing the brand's presence beyond the physical store environment. This holistic approach ensures that Costa remains integrated into the consumer's seasonal lifestyle, driving both brand loyalty and ancillary revenue through high-margin non-food items.
