UK coffee industry trends this summer

Cold Coffee Season Is Here

With temperatures rising, many people are setting aside their morning hot latte or cappuccino and embracing their favourite beverage — but with ice. This is the time of year when most coffee shops shine with their marketing, introducing new flavours that are social media-ready and just waiting for the likes and comments to roll in. So, will you be opting for your usual beverage served over ice, or will you be diving in and trying a vanilla cold brew? Perhaps an iced matcha latte is your go-to solution to beat the heat.

Coffee & Wellness

Another trend taking the UK coffee industry by storm is coffee that does more than just wake you up on the way to work, it also gives your body a nutritional boost. From retail brands to independent cafés, many are now infusing their coffee offerings with protein, vitamins, minerals, and even collagen, turning your daily brew into a functional beverage.

Coffee & Sustainability Go Hand In Hand

With more companies becoming conscious of their carbon footprint and environmental impact, the UK coffee industry is following suit. Coffee shops across the country are beginning to champion ethically sourced beans, encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups, or serving drinks in compostable packaging.

Tech Meets Coffee

As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, it’s also finding a place in the coffee world. From AI-driven brewing recommendations to mobile apps that enhance the customer experience through personalisation and efficiency, tech is transforming how we serve, enjoy, and engage with coffee.

Bold Flavours & Global Inspirations

This summer, consumer taste buds are going global. From the spicy kick of chilli lattes to the tropical twist of coconut water Americanos, coffee shops are embracing bold and surprising flavour combinations that challenge the traditional coffee experience.

Ready-To-Drink Coffee Is On The Rise

With the cost of living still a concern in the UK, many people are trading their daily coffee shop visits for ready-to-drink (RTD) options available in supermarkets. Brands like Starbucks, Costa, and Nescafé are dominating the RTD space with canned and carton-based offerings with Nescafé now even introducing concentrated cold brew.

The Coffee Influencer In Your Pocket

Whether you love it or loathe it, social media is here to stay and it’s changing the way consumers discover coffee. Many now turn to TikTok or Instagram instead of Google, and a growing number of amateur coffee enthusiasts are becoming influential voices in the space. These coffee content creators are now one of the key drivers of foot traffic for both major chains and independent cafés.

Coffee For All

Inclusivity is becoming more visible on coffee menus, with cafés offering greater flexibility to meet individual dietary needs. From dairy alternatives and sugar-free options to allergen-friendly recipes, more shops are ensuring that anyone, regardless of preference or restriction can enjoy their coffee just the way they like it.

Its All In The Craft

Thanks to social media and a growing passion for specialty coffee, consumers are becoming more educated. Terminology once reserved for baristas such as single origin, bloom, or cupping are now common knowledge for many coffee lovers. There’s a rising appreciation for artisanal roasting, craft brewing, and the care that goes into every cup.

Coffee In The Community

Gone are the days when a coffee shop was just a pitstop on your commute. More cafés are embedding themselves in their local communities acting as informal co-working spaces, event venues, and hubs for connection. Whether you're working remotely or hosting a community group, the local coffee shop is becoming more than just a place to grab a drink, it’s where community happens.