Could frappes be the new café essential? – BeanScene

As temperatures rise, Australians are seeking cool, indulgent café experiences — and frappes are fast becoming the star of summer menus. Once considered a niche offering, iced and blended beverages have grown into a must-have category, driven by younger consumers who want flavour, fun, and visual appeal in their drinks.

From Seasonal Indulgence to Menu Staple

Cold beverages are one of the fastest-growing café categories globally, with iced coffees, cold brews, and frappes leading the way. What was once seen as a summer-only item is now an all-year expectation, especially for Gen Z and Millennials who often lean towards iced drinks as opposed to traditional hot beverages.

Frappes provide more than just refreshment, they create an opportunity for indulgence, customisation, and social-media-ready presentation — all key drivers of customer engagement today.

Elevating the Cold Beverage Category

The advantage of frappes lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. With a consistent, café-quality base like Arkadia’s frappe range, baristas can expand menus quickly — whether that’s through chocolate indulgence, fruity refreshers, or signature seasonal creations.

Arkadia Brand Manager Kylie Chan says cafés are recognising frappes as a revenue-driving category.

“We’re seeing frappes evolve from a summer special into an everyday essential,” says Kylie.

“The opportunity lies in creating drinks that are both Instagram-worthy and satisfying, while still being simple for baristas to prepare.

“With customer demand for iced and blended drinks showing no signs of cooling, the opportunity for cafés is clear: deliver indulgent, nostalgic, and creative frappes that keep customers engaged all season long.”