2024 Coffee and Tea Trends
, 3 min reading time
As we embrace the "new normal" and regain our momentum, coffee and tea shops are adapting to our changing preferences and needs. Sustainability, immune-boosting menus, convenience, and immersive experiences are driving the universal foodservice trends, offering unique opportunities and challenges for the coffee and tea industry. Here are the top trends to look out for in 2024.
As we embrace the "new normal" and regain our momentum, coffee and tea shops are adapting to our changing preferences and needs. Sustainability, immune-boosting menus, convenience, and immersive experiences are driving the universal foodservice trends, offering unique opportunities and challenges for the coffee and tea industry. Here are the top trends to look out for in 2024.
Coffee Trends:
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Coffee Concentrate: Busy schedules demand fast and convenient coffee options. Coffee concentrates, such as cold brew concentrate and espresso concentrate, allow for quick and high-quality beverage preparation without the need for specialized equipment or lengthy brew times. Dilute the concentrate with water or incorporate it into milk for a richer drink.
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Cold Coffee: Cold coffee will dominate in 2024, catering to the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle. From classic iced coffee to premium cold brew and snap chilled coffee, these refreshing beverages are perfect for those who are always on the move. The rise in demand for cold coffee is also driven by climate change, with customers seeking chilled beverages year-round.
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Cold Foam: Cold foam is taking center stage as a topping for cold coffee beverages. Unlike hot foam, cold foam retains its creamy and meringue-like texture when added to cold drinks. It can be infused with various flavors, including seasonal and plant-based options, appealing to a wider range of customers.
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Protein Coffee (Proffee): Protein coffee, also known as proffee, is gaining popularity as a satisfying breakfast alternative. Coffee shops will offer protein coffee menu items, combining coffee with pre-made protein shakes or plant-based protein powders. This trend caters to customers who prefer a protein-packed start to their day without consuming a full meal.
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Food Topped Lattes: Coffee shops will serve lattes topped with food, drawing inspiration from beloved desserts. From oatmeal cream pie crumbles to freeze-dried strawberries and shortcake pieces, these visually appealing lattes create unique experiences and attract customers looking for indulgent treats.
Tea Trends:
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Kombucha: Kombucha will transition from a niche product to a staple in 2023. This effervescent, probiotic tea-based drink enriched with herbal additives, fruits, and spices offers numerous health benefits. The kombucha market is expected to grow significantly, driven by its popularity as a healthier alternative to soft drinks.
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Moringa Tea: Moringa tea, made from the leaves of the Moringa oleifera plant, is gaining traction for its health benefits and earthy flavor reminiscent of green tea. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, moringa tea is a nourishing choice that can be blended with mint, cinnamon, or lavender for added variety.
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Pu-erh Tea: With its higher caffeine content compared to other teas, pu-erh tea is emerging as a coffee alternative. It aids digestion, cleanses toxins, and may improve heart health. Pu-erh tea's flavor ranges from woody with subtle mushroom undertones to sweet and floral, becoming more desirable as it ages.
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Honeybush Tea: Honeybush tea, an herbal infusion from South Africa, offers a naturally sweet and caffeine-free option. Packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits, honeybush tea has a honied aroma and flavor that complements various preferences.
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Sparkling Tea: Responding to the demand for carbonation without the unhealthy additives, sparkling tea combines tea and carbonated water. These non-alcoholic beverages serve as the foundation for mocktails, with bartenders adding bitters, syrups, and edible flowers to create visually appealing and refreshing options.
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