Chick-Fil-A's New Drink Features This Unusual Berry

As the fall colors cast a vibrant glow all around, Chick-fil-A is adding a burst of flavor and color to its popular Sunjoy beverage. When Sunjoy —  the combination of the iconic Chick-fil-A lemonade and iced tea — became a permanent menu item in April 2021, many customers were excited. As Tiffany Samuels from Chick-fil-A's menu development team said in a press statement, "Sunjoy beverages have always been a guest-favorite drink." While the refreshment's popularity has never waned, the fast food chain appreciates that its options cannot stay stagnant. 

That's why Chick-fil-A will be offering a new Cloudberry Sunjoy drink as a special limited offering. Available at restaurants in Augusta, Georgia, guests can get a first sip from October 18 through October 30, or while supplies last. While the classic Sunjoy beverage is at the heart of the new offering, the drink adds cloudberry and cherry blossom flavors. The additional flavors should offer another layer of both sweet and tart to the Sunjoy beverage. Although the taste delivers refreshment, the enticing color will capture guests' attention. 

As Chick-fil-A debuts its new Cloudberry Sunjoy beverage, it begs the question, what is cloudberry? Before people start to conjure images of fruits floating in the sky, these berries might be slightly rarified but they are not a mythical treat. According to Farm Flavor, cloudberries are usually foraged fruits that are often found in Scandinavian countries. Described as sweet and tart, the berries are said to have a texture similar to blackberries or raspberries, but with fewer seeds (via Serious Eats). Although these berries have not been cultivated, more cooks are exploring their flavors. Even with a limited late summer season, the jams made from these fruits are quite delightful. 

Although cloudberries might not be a staple in that berry salad, the inclusion in the Chick-fil-A Sunjoy beverage is a bold choice. Whether it is a new interest in Scandinavian cuisine, a craving for a tart berry, or just wanting a name and a flavor that stands out in the crowd, this new fast food beverage will have people talking. Even if the name is more enticing than a totally unique flavor, the inclusion of cloudberries will set Chick-fil-A apart from the quick service restaurant crowd. Beyond the brand putting hospitality first, it might be turning a corner and putting food trends on the top of the menu board.