While the tradition of coffee consumption for a much-needed caffeine boost dates back centuries, the landscape of coffee culture has significantly transformed over time. From the beloved pumpkin spice latte to celebrity-endorsed espresso drinks at popular fast-food chains, the world of coffee continues to evolve. Though some may cling to their classic black drip coffee, numerous trends have shaped and reshaped coffee consumption over the years.
Coffee enthusiasts may be familiar with the progression of coffee culture through the first, second, and third waves, from mass-produced beans for home brewing to high-end barista competitions. Now, we are at the dawn of the fourth wave of coffee, characterized by innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. In 2025, the future of coffee is bright, with experts predicting seven major trends that will dominate the scene.
Meet Our Coffee Experts:
Cary Wong, Director of Coffee at Partners Coffee
Kathryn O’Connor, Chief Marketing Officer at La Colombe
Michelle Kawahara, West Coast Regional Trainer at Lavazza
Embracing Technological Advancements in Coffee
According to Cary Wong, the integration of technology into coffee brewing is on the rise. Smart espresso machines such as the Breville Oracle Jet and brewing recipe suggestion apps are becoming more prevalent. Wong also anticipates the use of artificial intelligence in cafes to streamline operations effectively.
Elevating Ready-to-Drink Coffee
When time is of the essence, and brewing coffee at home is not an option, ready-to-drink coffee products offer convenient solutions. Wong highlights the growing popularity of cold coffee and instant coffee options, including RTD cold espresso and non-alcoholic coffee cocktails. Premium and convenience-driven RTD coffee choices are expected to expand further in the market.
The Expansion of Cold Coffee Varieties
Kathryn O’Connor observes a surge in the popularity of cold coffee beverages, particularly among younger consumers like Gen Z, marking the fourth wave of coffee culture. This trend opens up opportunities for cafes to experiment with different cold coffee offerings, with on-tap cold brew emerging as a favorite choice across La Colombe’s cafe locations.
The Rise of Superfood-Infused Coffee
Michelle Kawahara notes the increasing demand for health-conscious coffee options, leading to the emergence of superfood-infused blends incorporating ingredients like turmeric, matcha, and adaptogenic mushrooms. Mushroom coffee, in particular, has gained traction, with brands like Feral Fungi and Four Sigmatic offering mushroom-infused coffee blends. These superfood additions are believed to provide various health benefits, including enhanced focus, increased energy, and improved gut health.
Creative DIY Coffee Trends
The viral whipped coffee trend of 2020 showcased the influence of social media on inspiring people to create innovative coffee beverages at home. O’Connor highlights the abundance of crave-worthy homemade coffee creations flooding social platforms and the availability of fun, customizable coffee options in stores, empowering consumers to
“Selecting their coffee based on sustainable farming methods is becoming increasingly important for consumers,” explains Michelle Kawahara, the West Coast regional trainer for Lavazza. She notes that companies are now placing a stronger focus on sustainability to meet the rising demand for ethically sourced coffee. Additionally, cafés are evolving their menus by introducing more innovative and specialty drinks, according to Kawahara. She highlights that as many people brew coffee at home regularly, they seek unique experiences when visiting cafés and are willing to invest in them. This shift has led to the rise in popularity of offerings such as single-origin pour-overs and creative cold brew variations like La Colombe’s half tan, which combines draft cold brew and draft latte. The coffee industry is experiencing a transformation as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and seek out new and exciting coffee experiences.”
