With the dawning of a new decade, you better believe that coffee trends 2020 are going to be original as ever. We can expect to see new bold new flavors and innovative creations.
Say goodbye to plain old coffee with a splash of creamer or stopping by the local grocery store to pick up your regular mass-produced blend, and say hello to the coffee of the future
Coffee Trends 2020
#1. Focus on Sustainable Harvest and Production
As we continue to learn more and more about our planet, as well as our fellow earth inhabitants, we’ve developed a better sense of sustainability. The need to maintain our natural resources has made its way through clothing brands and other companies, but now we can expect to see this as a trend in coffee production as well.
With the sustainability trend comes the availability of sustainable coffee brands, from companies who pride themselves on caring for the environment as well as the communities that grow coffee.
The National Coffee Association has made sustainability one of its main focuses this year, hoping to create a wave of change throughout the industry.
#2. And Also Sustainable Packaging
It’s no secret that we over package everything. But again, with growing awareness comes change, and the coffee industry is looking to adapt. Coffee is something that doesn’t require a lot of packaging and waste, so it should be an easy change for most companies to make.
Today's consumers are very aware, and they’re looking for brands that use their materials wisely, with the focus being more on the product itself. With coffee drinkers following this same thought process, they’re more interested in reviews and what they’ve heard.
#3. Coffee Subscriptions
It seems like everything has a monthly subscription box these days. It’s a little crazy to think that a monthly coffee delivery hasn’t been presented until now. But, word on the streets is that coffee subscriptions will be a thing this coming year.
With the addition of this trend, you can essentially have everything you need to be delivered via monthly subscriptions, and you just might never have to leave the house.
#4. Coffee and Cola Combo
Some coffee drinkers are here for the caffeine, while others are in it for the flavor. As a member of both parties, I like to pack as much caffeine into my coffee as possible, without compromising flavor. Hot off the coffee press this year will be coffee infused with cola, marketed by one of the worlds’ leading beverage producers as reported by Money.
While some coffee shops and companies have dabbled in the coffee and cola experiment, it’s not been introduced to the masses as of yet. But 2020 is the time for trying new things, so keep your eyes peeled for this new merger in flavors.
#5. Coffee Spritzers
Bubbly, carbonated waters were a big thing to hit stores in 2019. It seems as though the carbonation trend will continue into 2020, and broaden the spectrum into coffees. It makes sense since many people crave something with bubbles to soothe morning tummy aches, and at the same time need caffeine to get up and moving.
Coffee plus carbonation sounds like a win-win for my mornings. It’s hard to get past the idea of the typically sweet bubbly beverages mixed with coffee, but those magical folks in the coffee industry never cease to amaze. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the arrival of any coffee spritzers.
Related Reading: How to Clean Coffee out of Carpet (3 Fail-Proof Solutions)
#6. Health Conscious Coffees
Everywhere you turn, there’s a new trend in being healthy. Last year, the food world shunned carbs and processed foods, which then encouraged people to follow the keto diet and focus on clean eating. This year, the coffee world is getting fit, too.
Coffee isn’t going to just be all about the caffeine anymore. Many coffee shops and companies are introducing creamers with benefits such as collagen (hello, anti-wrinkle coffee) and immunity boosters. It’s almost as if the smoothie craze of the early 2000s is back but in the form of coffee.
#7. Non-Dairy Creamers
I know what you’re thinking, these have been around for awhile. They’re not new to 2020. It’s become the norm at most places to be able to order a nondairy creamer for the past couple of years, but this year the options have expanded.
While almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk were on most menus last year, this year you can expect to see these milk options:
While the effort is there, the consumer opinion remains to be seen. Some of these milk and creamer replacements sound like viable dairy substitutes, while the jury is still out on others.
#8. Snapchilled Coffee
Cold-brew has been around for a long time, but last year it rose to fame when several big-time coffee markets made it available to everyone. Cold-brew is really easy to make at home with a cold brew maker, or soaking grounds overnight. Either way, it takes some time to get it just right.
Enter snap-chilled coffee. With the help of a special machine developed in Massachusetts by MIT grads, coffee is brewed with hot water to maximize the flavor extraction but then run through this apparatus that quickly cools the coffee. And according to Food & Wine Magazine, snap-chilled coffee is the “Kobe beef” of the coffee world.
#9. Ready to Drink Coffee
Although the idea of sitting down to a warm cup of coffee sounds like a fanatic start to the morning, it’s just not a reality for most of us. Often times, our on-the-go lifestyle doesn’t allow for a lot of downtime, so stopping to drink coffee just isn’t an option.
The coffee world is making changes, and we’re starting to see more and more variety in the grab and go coffee section. New flavors and brews will be available in bottles and cans, ready to pop open and start sipping right away.
This means we won’t be seeing nearly as many social media posts of snap worthy coffees, steaming in their fancy mugs with just the right filter. Instead, the new norm will be popping bottles of coffee.
#10. Shop Local
Coffee shop, that is. While some of the bigger chains made coffee accessible to almost everyone, they pushed out a lot of smaller, local cafes. Once again, as we become more educated consumers, a growing awareness has brought back a feeling of community, and with that brings local coffee shops.
These are a great place to gather and meet friends while supporting local business owners. The shop small movement has done wonders for boutiques and restaurants, so now it’s the cafe owners turn to shine.
About the Author: Amy Anthony is a stay-at-home-mom, coffee-addict, and home cleaning and organization authority. Amy enjoys teaching others how to remove stains, make laundry a breeze, and keep their home spotless with minimal effort.
