Cold, Customizable Drinks Were Front and Center at Coffee Fest Chicago – CoffeeTalk

At Coffee Fest Chicago, trends in the beverage market reflect a growing consumer appetite for cold coffee, customizable energy drinks, and refreshers. Coffee shop owners convened to explore global flavors and strategies to enhance revenue through signature drinks. The integration of cold beverages into menus, such as energy drinks and refreshers, has surged, driven by consumer demand for refreshing, all-day options, particularly among younger demographics. Datassential reports that energy drinks in coffee and bakery settings have seen a remarkable 187% increase over four years, while refreshers have grown by 115%.

Anna Gutierrez of Barista Twenty-Two highlighted that energy drinks now comprise a substantial portion of business for some shops in Washington state. At the festival, vendors showcased innovative products, including customized Lotus Plant Power energy drinks and Tiki Breeze’s Tropical Refresher, highlighting the trend towards vibrant, infused drinks.

The emergence of drive-thru coffee shop chains like 7 Brew and Dutch Bros has further fueled the popularity of cold beverages, with 59% of coffee drinkers opting for drive-through purchases, indicating a 9% rise since 2024, while app-based orders have increased by 6%.

A key focus for younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, is the exploration of global flavors. Matcha has transcended its traditional role, becoming a favored choice, with 60% of Millennials preferring matcha lattes over typical iced lattes. Innovations such as Dotti’s Matcha Concentrate facilitate quick and consistent matcha drink preparation, underscoring the demand for healthful offerings in coffee shops. Starbucks has introduced Protein Lattes and Cold Foam to meet this trend, while the emerging “fibermaxxing” reflects consumers’ desires for convenient health benefits.

Workshops emphasized the importance of multi-textured signature drinks that promote self-expression and personalization. By offering visually appealing beverages with diverse textures, such as layers of cold foam or fruit purees, coffee shops can attract customers who share their experiences on social media. Signature drinks can enhance brand identity and loyalty, with some shops reporting significant sales growth from these offerings.

Gen Z consumers demonstrate a particular interest in texture and contrast, seeking customizable drinks that reflect their preferences and individuality. This trend has led to the popularity of “dirty sodas,” which mix flavored syrups and creamers, further emphasizing the shift from simply ordering beverages to a more tailored beverage-building experience. Overall, the coffee and beverage market is evolving quickly, reacting to consumer preferences for innovation, health, and visual appeal.

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