Coke Rolling Out Super Drink Dispenser

McDonald's Corp. will soon start testing Coca-Cola Co.'s new Freestyle self-serve fountain-drink dispenser, which can pour more than 100 different mix combinations from a single machine, reports CNN. Coca-Cola had already begun adding the Freestyle to a test group of 53 restaurants in the Atlanta and Southern California markets this summer, including Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box. and Pei Wei units.

The Freestyle uses small cartridges of highly-concentrated beverages instead of large bags of syrup, allowing more choices are available in traditional machines. The cartridges are also easier to replace and their smaller size helps cut shipping costs as well. For a broader discussion of beverage customization trends, which Freestyle promises to abet, see FM's story on DIY Dispensers.