Gen Z's Use of Coffee as 'Emotional Support Drinks' – CoffeeTalk

Joshua Thakur’s daily routine begins at 5 am with a pour-over coffee, which he regards as an essential part of his day. He sees beverages as “emotional support,” providing comfort and serving as rewards after completing tasks. With the ongoing Diet Coke shortage in India due to the US-Iran War, Gen Z faces challenges in accessing their preferred “emotional support drinks,” leading to a wave of social media discussions about coping without them.

Another Gen Z individual, Shivasree Venkateswaran, expresses a similar reliance on her morning beverage, a freshly brewed filter coffee that has become crucial for her focus and relaxation during stressful times. Clinical psychologist Dr. Rimpa Sarkar elaborates that the concept of an “emotional support drink” transcends the drink itself, symbolizing comfort and predictability amidst chaos.

Various drinks are preferred for their reliability, with Aaditya Sharma favoring Appy Fizz for its consistent taste and non-caffeinated nature. He consciously avoids associating stress with alcohol, highlighting that Gen Z embraces sobriety more than previous generations. This trend reflects a cultural shift where well-being takes precedence over social drinking, as evidenced by a recent UK study showing a significant reduction in alcohol expenditure among 20 to 24-year-olds.

Aesthetics also play a role in Gen Z’s beverage choices, with individuals like Bhumija Rishi enjoying their drinks in beautifully designed cups. Dr. Sarkar identifies underlying reasons for this trend, including the reliance on micro-coping mechanisms in a high-stress environment, the psychological benefits of ritualistic behaviors, sensory engagement through drinking, and the normalization of self-soothing practices. While these coping strategies provide short-term relief, they do not address deeper emotional issues, reflecting a genuine need for accessible strategies to manage daily stressors.

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