Deciding how you’ll dispense drinks probably isn’t the most thrilling part of opening a foodservice business. But the system you choose influences everything from service speed to operating costs, making it worth slowing down to pick the right system.

There are two main ways you’ll see drinks dispensed in most food businesses: either pre-mixed beverages ready to go or post-mix soda machines that mix a beverage concentrate, usually a bag-in-box soda syrup, with carbonated water. (Bag-in-box packaging can be used in both pre- and post-mix systems, depending on the setup.)

Both systems get the job done: it’s just a matter of figuring out which suits your operation. Let’s break down the differences so you can pick the system that’s best for your business.

What’s a Pre-Mix System? What’s a Post-Mix System?

Post-mix dispensers mix syrup and carbonated water at the moment of dispensing, while pre-mix dispensers serve beverages that are already mixed and carbonated.

You’ve likely seen a post-mix soda machine in a movie theater or fast-food chain: when you put a cup under the nozzle, syrup mixes with carbonated water to give you a freshly poured soda.

Usually, these systems use bag-in-box soda syrups, in which the soda concentrate is held in a sealed bag and then attached to tubes that connect it to the dispensing system.

Pre-mix systems typically include pre-packaged bottles and cans, as well as dispensing systems that deliver the beverage fully finished and ready to serve—such as beer taps that dispense from kegs rather than concentrates.

Key Differences Between Pre- and Post-Mix Systems

Often, the choice between pre- and post-mix systems is a question of scale and the kind of business you run: what volume do you plan to handle, and how many types of drinks do you want to serve?

For example, a post-mix system works well for a movie theater, which mainly sells soda and serves hundreds of people in quick succession. Most people are familiar with post-mix soda machines, so venues can let patrons serve themselves rather than having an attendant fill drinks. Guests can experiment with customizations, and refills are easy to offer.

Post-mix systems are cost-effective at scale because concentrates are cheaper than fully finished beverages. However, they require a much larger initial investment: post-mix machines need CO₂ tanks, water lines, and space for syrup.

A pre-mix system is excellent for smaller venues or where precision and service are key. Although per-drink costs might be higher, with a pre-mix system, you often don’t have to pay for extra equipment. Drinks also come just as the manufacturer intended, and there’s no major maintenance or upkeep.

Which Should You Pick: Pre- or Post-Mix?

Let’s look at a few scenarios and figure out which system works best for each:

High-volume spots: A post-mix system makes the most sense for foodservice businesses serving large groups. It allows you to serve lots of drinks at a cost-effective rate. Syrup + CO₂ can range in price, but usually costs less than $0.10 per 12-oz serving (and maybe significantly less if you’re buying bag-in-box options in bulk), while a can of soda can cost $0.50–$1.00 or more per 12-oz can.

Small or pop-up setups: A pre-mix systems work best here. A post-mix system requires a lot of setup, can take up a lot of space, and might offer more options (and more of a headache) than you need in a small space. Also, post-mix systems aren’t designed to travel, so if you’re moving around a lot and doing mobile events, they may not work for you.

It’s also important to consider local regulations and health code requirements (such as whether you need special equipment for water filtration or whether syrups must be stored in accordance with specific rules).

There are also environmental factors to consider. While a post-mix system might seem more environmentally friendly, it can still generate waste from single-use cups and plastic bags.

Likewise, a pre-mix system might be more wasteful than intended—consider how people seek beverages when interacting with your business (and think of ways to encourage more environmentally mindful practices, like maybe a discount for reusable cups).
The decision to go pre- or post-mix really depends on the kind of business you’re running. If you’re still not sure, reach out to us at Foxx and we can figure out the best system for you.