The practice of drinking coffee for a caffeine boost dates back to the 15th Century, but human coffee consumption has certainly evolved since that time. See: The pumpkin spice latte or a celebrity branded espresso drink at a popular quick service chain. And while some may adamantly stick to their morning ritual of a hot mug of black drip, there are plenty of coffee trends that have seeped in and out of coffee consumption culture throughout the years.
Coffee nerds may be familiar with the first, second, and third waves of coffee culture, starting with mass-manufactured beans to brew at home all the way through ritzy barista competitions. Now, we’re entering the fourth wave of coffee. 2025 is all about innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. Here are what coffee experts predict will be the seven major coffee trends this coming year.
- Cary Wong, director of coffee at Partners Coffee
- Kathryn O’Connor, chief marketing officer at La Colombe
- Michelle Kawahara, Lavazza’s West Coast regional trainer
Coffee Gets Smarter
“We’re definitely going to see more tech making its way into coffee,” says Cary Wong, director of coffee at Partners Coffee. Look for smart espresso machines like the Breville Oracle Jet, and apps that suggest brewing recipes. Wong also says AI will help cafes streamline operations.
Ready-to-Drink Coffee Gets Up to Speed
When you don’t have time to brew coffee at home, you didn’t plan for cold brew, or you need an instant pick-me-up, there are more options than ever. Cold coffee and instant coffee are only getting bigger, says Wong. “RTD cold espresso and N/A coffee cocktails are gaining traction, and I think we’ll see even more premium RTD and convenience-driven coffee options popping up.”
Cold Coffee Branches Out
“We’re now in the fourth wave of coffee, which is being defined by a cold coffee frenzy. Cold coffee’s growth is largely being driven by younger consumers, primarily Gen Z,” says Kathryn O’Connor, chief marketing officer at La Colombe. She notes this rising interest presents an opportunity for cold coffee experimentation in cafes. On-tap cold brew is the second most popular beverage across La Colombe’s 30 cafe locations.
Superfood Coffee Goes Mainstream
Coffee used to be just coffee, but now health-conscious coffee options are on the rise, says Kawahara. Expect to see more blends infused with superfoods like turmeric, matcha, and adaptogenic mushrooms. Mushroom coffee, whether mushrooms added to ground coffee, like Feral Fungi or Four Sigmatic, is widely available. Other alternatives, like turmeric, are more DIY. Why would you want them in your coffee? “These ingredients are believed to offer various benefits, including improved focus, increased energy, and better gut health,” she says.
DIY Coffee Drinks Gain Momentum
“If the viral whipped coffee trend from 2020 tells us anything, social media has been a huge influence on people making creative coffee drinks at home,” says O’Connor. She notes how craveable at-home coffee creations flood social feeds and says consumers now have access to more fun, customizable options in the coffee aisle so we’re all potentially baristas in our kitchens now.
Sustainability Comes to the Forerfont
“More people are prioritizing fair trade practices and environmentally friendly farming methods when choosing their coffee,” says Michelle Kawahara, Lavazza’s West Coast regional trainer. And companies are placing a greater emphasis on sustainability, aligning with the growing consumer demand for ethically sourced coffee she reports.
Cafés Get More Creative
Cafés are redefining their menus by introducing more innovative and specialty drinks, says Kawahara. She explains that with so many consumers regularly brewing coffee at home, when they visit cafes, they want and are willing to spend on unique experiences. As a result, offerings such as single-origin pour-overs and creative cold brew variations like La Colombe’s half tan, a combination of draft cold brew and draft latte, are gaining popularity.
