The Future of Coffee: Emerging Trends in 2021 and Beyond

Healthy Coffee Drink Blends

Plenty of studies have been carried out with regard to the health benefits of coffee, but when copious amounts of sugar, syrups and other ingredients are added, coffee can lose its health credentials. However, in 2021, the focus will be on healthier beverages that will be made with organic ingredients and alternative milks, such as almond or oat milk. There will be a trend of health-boosting ingredients such as cacao, matcha and turmeric added to coffee drinks to improve our health.

Coffee Subscriptions

The coffee subscription model has grown exponentially, with Covid-19 lockdowns making it impossible to sit-in at coffee shops. In order for enthusiasts to get their fix, companies have begun offering coffee subscriptions to deliver coffee straight to the customer’s door. This model provides a convenient way for customers to get fresh coffee regularly without needing to visit the coffee shop in question, which avoids it going stale before it can be used, and it also provides a way for businesses to promote different blends.

Conscious Coffee

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of where they shop, and food and drink is no exception. With sustainability a growing priority, customers are making changes to their buying habits to reduce waste and avoid ramifications elsewhere along the supply chain. Coffee enthusiasts are moving towards better quality products, uniqueness and buying just enough rather than excessive quantities. The right packaging is critical for coffee companies to ensure that customers can retain freshness with their products and avoid waste, which is better for the environment and the consumer alike.

Supporting Local Coffee Shops

Coffee shops have long been a social hub for people and, in 2021, there will be an upward trend in people investing in their local communities and supporting local cafés and suppliers. Whether it’s a place to work, a break from the home routine or simply to catch up with the people we’ve missed contact with over the past year, there are countless reasons why more of us are choosing to head to our local coffee shops this year. There’s also the fact that many small businesses have struggled during lockdown, so there’s a desire to support the businesses around us.

Nitro Coffee

Nitro coffee is an emerging trend that is a step up from cold brew and is expected to increase in popularity over the coming years. Nitro coffee is made by infusing coffee with nitrogen gas through a pressurised valve which adds smaller bubbles to improve the texture and flavour of the coffee. The bubbles are smaller than in fizzy drinks such as canned drinks, so it doesn’t taste carbonated, but simply smoother and more luxurious than regular coffee. Nitro is not the simplest beverage to prepare, but the popularity makes it a worthwhile investment for coffee shops.

Final Thoughts

The coffee industry is one which is continually evolving and there are new customer demands coming in all the time. In order for coffee businesses to stay on top and compete with other brands in the industry, it’s important to stay aware of upcoming trends and developments so that businesses can offer customers the drinks and products they’re looking for.

To learn more about choosing the right packaging for your coffee products, contact The Bag Broker today.