5 Trends to Watch: Coffee

Coffee has long been more than just a morning ritual – it’s a canvas for creativity, a vessel for cultural influence, and a driver of lifestyle choices. This year’s trends will see coffee aficionados embracing indulgent experiences, drawing inspiration from Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, and seeking out nutritious options without compromising on flavor.

These exciting 5 Trends to Watch in 2025 featuring Coffee will cater to a spectrum of consumer desires and reshape how we enjoy our favorite brews, blending tradition with modern tastes and wellness.

Check out our 5 Trends to Watch in 2025 featuring Coffee:

1. The Partnered Pour

Co-branding has become a dominant trend in the ready-to-drink coffee market, with major brands partnering to create innovative, high-quality products that appeal to a wider audience. This category is the fastest growing in the beverage sector, boasting an impressive 71% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years. The success of co-branded coffee products reflects consumers’ increasing desire for convenience, premium experiences, and familiar brand names combined in one ready-to-consume offering.

2. Indulgence and Comfort

The trend of indulgence and comfort is a key driver in the coffee retail market, as consumers increasingly seek out beverages that offer both pleasure and relaxation. According to Innova Market Insights, 51% of consumers purchase coffee because it’s tasty, while 30% purchase it to lift their mood and make themselves happy. This desire for comforting and flavorful experiences highlights the growing preference for coffee products that provide a sense of indulgence and personal satisfaction, leaning toward continued innovation with dessert, bakery and sweet brown profiles.

3. Healthier Options

There is a growing trend toward healthier options in ready-to-drink coffee products, with 22% of consumers drawn to brands that emphasize “made with real or natural ingredients.” Vegan claims are also gaining traction, as more consumers seek plant-based choices in their coffee beverages. Additionally, the use of alternative sweeteners is on the rise, as health-conscious buyers opt for lower-calorie, sugar-free options to reduce their overall sugar intake.

4. Mexican Inspiration

Mexican beverages have gained significant popularity in recent years, with drinks like horchata, a rice-based refreshment, and the carajillo, Mexico’s twist on the espresso martini, leading the way. The next trend to watch is café de olla, which is expected to appear on menus and in grocery stores. This traditional drink offers a warm, comforting experience, made with coffee brewed with cinnamon, piloncillo, and occasionally orange peel, anise, and cloves.

5. Evolving Coffee Culture

Coffee culture has evolved significantly in recent years, with consumers increasingly gravitating toward iced coffee formats as a refreshing and versatile option. There is also a growing awareness around caffeine levels and consumption, with many individuals seeking to balance their energy needs while avoiding overconsumption. Additionally, coffee tourism has gained popularity, as enthusiasts travel to coffee-growing regions to experience the origins and production processes behind their favorite brews.

Let’s Chat

To help deliver consumer expectations for bold and unique flavors in functional products, Synergy’s beverage experts will help you every step of the way. From masking off-notes to introducing global flavors, our collaborative environment will help you create great-tasting beverages with our natural flavors, extracts, essences and taste modulation solutions.

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