It may be the start of a new year, but consumer love for coffee and tea is here to stay! According to the National Coffee Association 2023 economic impact report, coffee alone accounts for 8% of the U.S. foodservice industry, and globally, tea is the second most-consumed beverage behind packaged water. Operators can buzz through 2026 and meet consumer demand by staying ahead of the latest trends in the coffee and tea industry.
Protein coffee
Pack a two-for-one punch with caffeine and protein combined to jump-start your patron’s morning. It is easy enough to add protein powder or get creative and add a protein boost through a protein-infused milk for lattes and protein cold foam. Shop Shamrock Farms Rockin’ Protein Builder Max with 50 grams of protein for a great-tasting and easy way to mix in protein in coffee beverages.
Loaded Teas
Move over traditional teas and make way for teas that have added energy drink-like ingredients such as caffeine, guarana, ginseng, vitamins and herbal extracts. Pair tea brands Tazo or Bigelow with Monin’s Immunity Boost (typically two pumps per tea serving) to give this trend a try.
Unique Flavors
With brands such as Torani and Monin, you can dream up any flavor pairings and creative beverage options for your patrons. Tap into current trending flavors such as yuzu and elderberry (try Monin’s Elderflower Syrup) to let consumers experiment with the niche and exotic flavors they are hearing about. An ice-cold glass of lemonade with .5 oz of flavored syrup is a fun and easy combination!
Premium Lattes
Add coffee drinks to your menu that feel like affordable luxuries with decadent ingredients, new textures and visual appeal. Look to viral trends like the iced cloud latte, crème brulee latte with caramelized sugar topping, or the classic coffee-enriched Italian dessert tiramisu. Another option to try incorporating is the globally inspired horchata latte by simply adding Big Train Vivaz Horchata Blended Creme Beverage Mix to your shopping list.
To make the horchata latte, blend or shake 4 tbsp. of the mix with 2 oz. of espresso, 8 oz. of cold milk, and ice, then pour over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Decaf Coffee
The popularity for decaf coffee will continue to grow in the new year, with the global decaf coffee market size projected to reach USD 28.98 billion by 2032 according to a SkyQuest study. Decaf options take out the jitters or sleep disturbances caffeine may cause but keeps the antioxidants and perceived health benefits of coffee beans. Shop Four Leaf Roasters AVE Electric Decaf Coffee at Shamrock Foodservice Warehouse today and add this to your menu.
Shop Teas & Coffess at Shamrock Foodservice Warehouse Today
Restaurant owners can capitalize on 2026 coffee and tea trends at Shamrock Foodservice Warehouse. Shop brands from Four Leaf Roasters to Bigelow Tea and high-quality syrups from Torani and Monin to create innovative beverage offerings that will keep customers coming back all year long!
And don’t forget to sign up for My Store Savings for exclusive savings every time you shop.
