03 Sep Top Office Coffee Trends in 2024
Coolbreakrooms have cool coffee. What are the top coffee trends to watch this fall? We investigate so you don’t have to.
At Coolbreakrooms, we believe that a great breakroom starts with great coffee. As we move into the cooler months, it’s the perfect time to explore the top coffee trends that are transforming office breakrooms this fall. From classic favorites to innovative newcomers, we’ve investigated the trends so you don’t have to.
While the comforting aroma of a hot cup of coffee with cream and sugar remains a timeless favorite, there’s a lot brewing in the coffee world that’s worth your attention. Let’s dive into the top coffee trends to watch this season.
Organic Coffee: Sustainability and Global Connection
Interest in organic coffee is nothing new, but what’s changing is the heightened demand for it. More consumers are actively seeking out organic options – and for good reason. According to Olivia Laskowski, marketing lead for Partners Coffee, “certified organic coffee is still catching up with consumer demand,” but the market is adapting, with consumers who are “paying the necessary price premium for them.” As climate change concerns grow, the demand for organic-certified coffee is also rising, making it a vital option for environmentally-conscious employees.
The global nature of the coffee industry means that every cup connects us to a worldwide community. It’s important to note that while many coffees are grown organically, the lack of proper documentation can prevent them from being officially certified, even if they’re technically meeting all requirements. This is a gap the industry is working to close, but it’s clear that organic coffee is here to stay, which offers companies a meaningful way to support global sustainability.
Plant-Based Milks: Healthier Office Coffee
Plant-based milks have been gaining traction, and they’re becoming staples in breakrooms everywhere. If you missed our recent Breakroom Beat, we discussed how to add alternative milks to your breakroom. Almond, oat, soy, and other plant-based milks aren’t just for those with dietary restrictions. Today, they’re for anyone looking to explore new flavors or make healthier choices.
Beyond milk, plant-based additives like adaptogens and even mushrooms are finding their way into coffee, reflecting a broader trend towards healthier coffee consumption. Plant-based alternatives to milk may be part of a greater trend of choosing healthier alternatives that also benefits the planet.
Iced Coffee: A Year-Round Favorite
Once considered a summer-only beverage, iced coffee has claimed its status as a year-round favorite. Whether it’s a classic cold brew, a flavored iced latte, or a nitro cold brew (cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas), iced coffee offers a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. The trend is particularly popular among younger generations; in fact, “60% of Gen Z coffee drinkers prefer iced coffee” over hot coffee.
Cold brews are smoother and less acidic in taste than their hot coffee counterpart. This might be why it’s trending. They’re fun, creative, and offer a refreshing twist on the standard morning cup of joe. For the fall season, Coolbreakrooms expects to see a variety of iced coffees at multiple times of the day.
Ready-To-Drink Coffee: Convenience is King
For busy professionals, convenience is everything, particularly with millennial and Gen Z demographics. This is where RTD (ready-to-drink) coffee comes in. These bottled or canned beverages provide a quick, high-quality coffee experience on the go. While a well-equipped breakroom with top-notch coffee machines like LaCimbali is essential, having RTD coffee options adds an extra layer of convenience that shouldn’t be underestimated. Even if your coffee machine can whip up a flat white in under a minute, RTD options offer instant gratification that fits seamlessly into a hectic workday.
Carbonated Coffee: Pushing the Boundaries of Tradition
This might be the most intriguing trend this fall: carbonated coffee. This fizzy twist on the traditional office coffee offers a refreshing alternative for those looking to try something new. Whether it’s RTD sparkling coffee, carbonated coffee cocktails, or innovative products like SmartSoda, carbonation is adding an exciting dimension to the coffee experience too. While it may not sound appealing to everyone, it certainly fits the increasing trend of carbonation across the beverage industry. Carbonated coffee is a must-try for anyone looking to stay ahead of the trend curve.
Gen Z and Coffee in the Workplace: The Influence We Can’t Ignore
As we investigate the top coffee trends in 2024, it’s impossible to ignore the growing influence of Gen Z in the workplace. Their coffee consumption habits are influencing these coffee trends. They are arriving on the work scene with a more cultivated coffee palette than previous generations. As a result, their preferences for organic, sustainable, and innovative coffee options is driving many of the trends we’re seeing today. Gen Z is reshaping the office coffee experience in breakrooms that will have a lasting effect.
If you’re looking for the best office coffee options this fall, look no further than Coolbreakrooms. We’re dedicated to bringing you the finest in breakroom design, office coffee service, health and wellness solutions, and much more. Let us help you create a Coolbreakroom with the assistance of our vast network of Authorized Providers. With our help, your employees can enjoy the latest coffee trends and feel energized all day long. Contact us today to caffeinate your breakroom the right way!