This summer, Jack in the Box, Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) is shaking things up—and not just with burgers or tacos. The fast-food chain known for its playful, offbeat innovation is diving headfirst into bold new beverage territory with the debut of an all-new, limited-time collaboration: SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon beverages.
In a partnership that combines two fan-favorite brands known for big flavor and even bigger attitude, Jack in the Box and SOUR PATCH KIDS® have joined forces to deliver a crave-worthy drink lineup infused with the candy’s signature SOUR THEN SWEET® personality. It’s a surprising fusion that pushes the boundaries of fast-food drink menus, combining nostalgia, novelty, and a refreshing twist—all in one cup.
A First-of-Its-Kind Sour Candy Beverage Experience
This is the first time Jack in the Box has teamed up with a sour candy brand, and the result is unlike anything the chain has offered before. The SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon lineup is centered around the juicy, tart, and slightly sweet flavor of watermelon—the unmistakable taste that fans of the candy know and love. But this isn’t just candy-flavored soda. It’s a fully-fledged beverage collection that reimagines familiar formats through a SOUR PATCH lens.
Here’s a breakdown of the tantalizing new drink options now available at participating Jack in the Box locations:
- Watermelon Shake – A delightfully creamy vanilla shake infused with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon flavor. This frozen treat delivers the full SOUR THEN SWEET® effect with every sip. Smooth and indulgent, it blends candy-inspired tanginess with dessert-like richness. Prices start at $5.19.
- Watermelon Twisted Soda – Jack’s take on a fizzy classic, this lemon-lime soda gets a sour watermelon twist, capped with whipped topping to balance the bite. Think soda, but elevated—with playful tartness that keeps your tastebuds guessing. Starting at $3.79.
- Watermelon Lemonade – A summertime staple gets a SOUR PATCH remix. This tangy lemonade takes a bold turn with a burst of watermelon sour flavor, creating the ultimate pucker-worthy refreshment. Perfect for cooling down on hot days, priced from $3.29.
- Watermelon Slushie – An icy, bright pink slush drink packed with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon punch. Offered only in select test markets—Austin, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City—this limited-location exclusive gives fans a reason to hunt down the flavor. Starting at $3.29.
Each drink in the lineup is made to deliver maximum refreshment with a mischievous edge, reflecting the fun, rebellious spirit of the SOUR PATCH KIDS® brand and Jack in the Box’s signature unconventional approach to menu innovation.
Limited Time, Unlimited Flavor
These drinks aren’t here to stay. Jack in the Box is clear: the SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon beverages are a limited-time offer. That means fans looking to indulge in the unique candy-inspired sips will need to act fast. Once summer winds down—or demand overwhelms supply—the drinks could disappear from the menu.
This collaboration follows a recent trend of unexpected flavor mashups in the QSR (Quick-Service Restaurant) industry, as brands seek to engage younger consumers with experiential flavors and pop culture crossovers. SOUR PATCH KIDS®, already a leader in the candy aisle, brings strong brand recognition and a devoted fanbase to the partnership—especially among Millennials and Gen Z customers who grew up with the brand.
Jack in the Box, meanwhile, continues to position itself as a challenger in the fast-food space by offering bold, outside-the-box menu items. With drink innovation becoming an increasingly important differentiator, this launch helps solidify Jack’s growing reputation for unique beverage experiences.
Expanding the Beverage Lineup
Jack in the Box has steadily been expanding its beverage portfolio beyond traditional sodas and shakes. Recent additions include Milk Tea with Boba, Red Bull® Infusions, flavored iced coffees with vanilla sweet cream, and a rotating selection of slushes and iced teas. The new SOUR PATCH KIDS® beverages are the latest example of the chain’s willingness to take risks in flavor development and stay competitive in the beverage space—a growing category across quick-service brands.
These innovations cater not just to taste preferences but also to the visual, shareable appeal of food. The SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon drinks are vibrant, colorful, and highly “Instagrammable,” tapping into the social media-driven consumer behavior that fuels buzz and foot traffic.
Beyond Beverages: Seasoned Fries Get a Flavor Makeover
In addition to the candy-inspired drinks, Jack in the Box is adding another twist to its summer menu—this time in the form of a fan-favorite side. The brand has introduced Flavored Seasoned Curly Fries, the first-ever flavor variations on its iconic curly fries.
The new options include:
- Chili Crisp – These fries are tossed in a fiery, crunchy seasoning blend inspired by the trendy Asian chili crisp condiment, offering layers of heat, savory umami, and subtle garlic depth.
- BBQ Potato Chip – Smoky, sweet, and unmistakably snackable, this seasoning delivers all the nostalgia of classic BBQ chips on a plate of curly fries.
The seasoned curly fries reflect Jack’s continued focus on creating menu items that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re sipping a SOUR PATCH shake or diving into a plate of flavored fries, the summer menu is clearly designed to surprise and satisfy.
Available Nationwide—But Not for Long
All new items, including the SOUR PATCH KIDS® Watermelon beverages and flavored curly fries, are now available at Jack in the Box restaurants nationwide. Customers can order in-store, online, or via the Jack app for added convenience. However, as with most of the brand’s limited-time offers, availability is only while supplies last.
With the launch, Jack in the Box continues to push boundaries and redefine what fans can expect from fast food. From sweet-and-sour drinks to savory fries with a twist, the chain is doubling down on creativity and bold flavor in a way few competitors are willing to match.
So whether you’re a longtime SOUR PATCH KIDS® lover, a Jack loyalist, or simply someone who appreciates a refreshing drink with a side of attitude, this summer’s lineup might be your favorite yet. But don’t wait—these drinks are here for a good time, not a long time.
