Strawberry summer: Restaurants, beverages, and more adopt the food flavor trend

Even though strawberries can be enjoyed all-year round, the juicy berry is often referred to as “June-bearing,” which celebrates the peak of its flavor. As the warmer months approach, it seems that many food brands are celebrating a strawberry summer. From beverages to candy, the table is overflowing with delicious options.

Certain fruits have broad popularity. Strawberries are one of those fruits. From jam to fruit salad to a strawberry shortcake, there are plenty of ways to enjoy that sweet, juicy berry.

This year, it seems that many food brands are putting the strawberry front and center. Restaurants, in particular, are celebrating that ingredient.

One example is Perkins Strawberry Fresh-tival menu. From sweet to savory, the food offerings show how versatile the berry can be. Fresh Strawberry, Walnut & Grilled Chicken Salad with its strawberry vinaigrette has a punch of flavor. This one salad hits all the flavor profiles, especially sweet and savory while still being a light bite. Of course, Perkins had to include a pie. The Fresh Strawberry Pie is the perfect ending to that salad meal.

For guests who prefer breakfast inspired dishes, there are several strawberry options. From the Fresh Strawberry Croissant French Toast Platter to the Fresh Strawberry Crepes Platter, those juicy berries are the star of every plate.

While Perkins has a robust menu, Wendy’s chose to bring back that Strawberry Frosty that fascinated guests last year. Made with the best strawberry fruit puree and the classic Frosty base, the spoonful or sip is one of the tastiest ways to cool off this summer. It will be interesting to see if the Strawberry Frosty becomes a summer tradition.

Another restaurant took one of its iconic menu items and gave it a strawberry twist. Sonic’s Strawberry Shortcake Snowball Slush Float captures that classic strawberry and cream flavor but in a beverage option. Whether enjoyed as a mid-afternoon snack or sipped while watching those nighttime fireworks, there is always a reason to place an order.

Restaurants are not the only food brands who have joined the strawberry summer trend. Monster launched Strawberry Dreams. The zero-sugar Ultra Strawberry Dreams hits that slightly tart note with just enough sweetness. It is very easy drinking. Instead of grabbing a bitter coffee to kick off the day, this fruit forward caffeine boost adds a burst of brightness to the day.

While beverages are embracing the strawberry summer mindset, Tic Tac joined the conversation, too. Its Strawberry and Cream flavor gives the fans another fruit forward options from the Ferrero candy brand.

This candy captures that balanced combination of bright fruit and sweet cream. In some ways, it is like having a taste of the classic dessert combination in a more portable way. When the craving hits, it is time to shake open that container and satisfy it.

These items are just a few of the many food choices that celebrate the strawberry summer. There might be fireworks at night and sunny days ahead, but this summer is all about that juicy, berry flavor.