Americans Shift to Cold Coffee, Trends Surge

Between 2016 and 2023, consumer spending on cold coffee in the U.S. has more than doubled, marking a significant shift from traditional hot coffee. Cold coffee drinks, which include iced coffee, cold brew, and frozen variants, saw an impressive rise as consumers increasingly favored these refreshing beverages. Coffee chains like Dunkin' and Starbucks report a substantial increase in iced drink sales, with Dunkin' highlighting a 50% growth since 2019. Today's generation, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are driving the trend, redefining cold coffee as a year-round choice rather than a seasonal one. Interestingly, while cold coffee consumption has soared, traditional hot coffee remains the most popular choice among older generations. Younger Americans are attracted by the customizable nature of cold coffee beverages, which allow for creative flavor combinations and a refreshing experience, ideal for social media sharing. This trend is further emphasized by a growing demand for ready-to-drink coffee options, with significant increases in cold brew sales as brands like Nespresso and Keurig innovate to align with consumer preferences. Despite the challenges of tracking at-home cold coffee consumption, the current trajectory indicates that cold coffee will likely continue to gain market share as more restaurants and coffee shops expand their cold beverage menus.