Coffee and Tea Trends in 2021
If you’re like me, the sun gets brighter, birds start to sing and the morning gets just a bit easier after a little caffeine. Luckily the coffee and tea industry has us covered.
In recent years, your average cup of coffee is no longer cutting it. The coffee and tea industry has drastically changed to include a broader spectrum of tastes and trends from all around the world. We’ve tailored a list of some of the trendiest caffeine kicks and coffee alternatives.
Coffee Trends
Dalgona Coffee
Definitely the newest and trendiest coffee by far, Dalgona coffee has taken over Tik Tok. Also known as ‘whipped coffee’, Dalgona is a Korean-styled coffee that looks and tastes delicious. Using a milk frother https://www.islandsupply.co.za/?product=expobar-markus-espresso-machine, or whipping by hand, add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water together and mix until there is a thick consistency. Spoon the whipped coffee over milk of your choice to make this delectably creamy treat.
Vietnamese Coffee
Think you’ve had a strong cuppa joe? Think again. Vietnamese coffee proves dynamite really does come in small packages. Vietnamese coffee is generally served short, in a small tumbler. (most probably because any more caffeine could cause some health concerns). A swirl of condensed milk is often added to the coffee giving you a sugar kick as well!
Vietnamese coffee requires a bit of patience, but is well worth the wait. Made from Robusta beans (a higher caffeine content), a small stainless steel coffee filter, called a Phin, is placed on top of the glass. The grounded coffee and boiling water are added to the filter chamber. Put the lid on and wait for your coffee to drip through. It may take a few minutes but you couldn’t ask for a fresher cup of coffee!
Tea Trends
Tea trends are focusing on reaping the health benefits of tea plants. A study by GlobalData found that millennials and Gen Z are driving healthy tea trends more than any generation before. Teas such as Kombucha and Oolong tea are gaining mass popularity so we’ve added some hip teas as an alternative to coffee.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is known for its health benefits. It’s said to be a good source of probiotics, antioxidants and can kill gut bacteria. What a super drink right? The fermentation process is why it’s so healthy but the taste isn’t the number one consideration in the fermentation process. Luckily there are loads of different flavors that can hide the fermented taste. Lemon Ginger, strawberry, and apple cinnamon are all some of the top flavors for kombucha.
Oolong Tea
Why not invest in a tea infuser for loose tea drinks. They are toxic-free and bring elegance to tea time. Oolong tea is generally a loose tea leaf drink that’s been trending for its weight loss benefits and decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It is withered by the sun in a long process that oxidates the leaves. Infuse the leaves in the infuser and enjoy a cup of tea with a healthy kick!
Non-dairy Milk
With veganism continuing to take the world by storm one cafe at a time, baristas have had to keep up with the times. Alternative non-dairy kinds of milk have sprung to life. Who knew ‘milk’ could come from so many non-animal products? Oat, soya, almond, macadamia, cashew, coconut, pea, quinoa, and hemp are just a few. Seriously, the list goes on and on.
One non-dairy milk favorite that is popular at the moment, is oat milk. Besides the many vitamins and fiber found in oats, oat milk has a thicker and creamier consistency that makes it perfect for frothing and lattes. Why not make an oat milk honey latte, it’s so delicious ‘traditional’ milk drinkers will love it too!
Sustainability
Lastly, the importance of sustainability is a top priority for the hospitality industry, and rightly so. The coffee and tea industry is no different, a top trend is using environmentally friendly products. A trending product is reusable coffee pods.
Reusable coffee pods have so many added benefits. They are far more budget-friendly, they allow you to fill your pod with your favorite coffee of choice, and they are compatible with many different brands. Invest in these eco-friendly penny savers for your favorite brew.
What will be your choice for a morning caffeine kick or tea time cuppa?
The article was written by Christine Fay Smith
“Christine is a freelance lifestyle writer who focuses on interior and hospitality design. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Christine has embraced her knowledge of the visual world with her passion for culture and the exploration of visual experiences.”
