August is National Coffee Month, and if there is one thing we know for sure, it is that coffee is no longer just a morning pick-me-up or a seasonal treat. It has become a culture, a daily ritual, and increasingly, a form of personal expression.
At Aramark Refreshments, we are celebrating by spotlighting the latest trends that are transforming how employees enjoy their brew. One trend stands out from the rest: the rise of cold coffee.
Year-Round Cold Coffee Craze
What was once considered a warm-weather indulgence has now become a year-round staple. From nitro cold brew to iced lattes and frozen blends, cold coffee is quickly becoming the drink of choice for many. Millennials and Gen Z, who grew up sipping iced beverages, are leading this shift and bringing their preferences to the workplace.
Cold coffee now accounts for the majority of both in-store and ready-to-drink coffee sales. With additions like cold foam, flavored syrups, and non-dairy milk alternatives, employees can customize their beverages just the way they like them. This personalization is not only fun but also fuels satisfaction, engagement, and even productivity.
Indulgence Meets Function
Today’s coffee offers more than just caffeine. Consumers are increasingly reaching for drinks that support wellness goals. From protein-infused cold brews to energy-enhanced coffee drinks and gut-friendly options made with oat milk and probiotics, functional beverages are taking center stage.
This fusion of indulgence and function speaks to a broader consumer trend: the desire for beverages that taste great and provide added benefits.
Flavor Exploration and Social Influence
Flavors are more adventurous than ever. Think lavender matcha, maple spice oat milk, or pistachio lattes. These unexpected combinations are delighting taste buds and turning ordinary coffee breaks into exciting experiences.
Social media is also playing a huge role. Visually stunning, colorful drinks are making waves online and inspiring workplace beverage programs to keep pace. Popular TikTok flavors are turning into workplace favorites, bringing fun and flavor into micro markets, cafes, and vending machines.
What It Means for Your Breakroom
This National Coffee Month, we are not just honoring the bean. We are embracing the evolution of how coffee is enjoyed, shared, and celebrated. Offering trendy, functional, and flexible coffee options is no longer just a perk—it is an essential part of the modern workplace experience.
Whether you are looking to refresh your breakroom menu, explore new brewing equipment, or add cold brew to your vending lineup, now is the perfect time to take your coffee offerings to the next level.
Cold is hot, and coffee is here to stay.
Want to bring these trends to your workplace? Aramark Refreshments can help you turn your coffee station into a destination. Contact us to explore how we can make your next cup trend-worthy.
