Cold beverages have rarely been hotter. For example, cold brew coffee, beloved for its sweeter taste compared to traditional hot coffee, continues to gain popularity of late.
“Cold is the new hot,” noted Nestlé Professional Solutions (NPS) executive Nolan Andersky, who serves as the company’s Senior Manager Brand Cold Beverages, in a statement.
“The Gen Z mindset is changing coffee consumption patterns. Younger generations, including Gen Z and Millennials, are leading a shift from traditional hot brews to cold coffee. They are tech-savvy, socially conscious, and prefer unconventional choices,” said Dora Marquez, NPS’s Director of Brand Marketing for Coffee.
According to market.us, the global cold brew coffee market is expected to grow to reach $10.2 billion by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 20.4% until that juncture.
Demand for coffee creamer is also especially strong in 2025; according to Datassential, 65% of consumers take their coffee with creamer.
In general, there has been a recent shift in consumer behavior towards convenience, health, and premium experience, Marquez noted.
Cold Foam Frenzy
NPS also sees a significant growth opportunity with cold foam products, which are predicted to grow 261% on foodservice menus over the next four years. The fluffy, milk-based topping is increasingly used in drinks like iced coffee and iced lattes.
“Cold foam is more than a barista-inspired add-on to your coffee shop visit. We see big opportunities for cold foam to be used for out-of-home operators – anywhere a coffee or cold beverage is served,” noted Marquez.
Functional Juices on the Rise
When it comes to juices, flavors gaining the most traction these days include emerging variations like strawberry, pineapple, mango, and tart cherry juice.
Consumers are increasingly seeking juices that offer health benefits – including juices with real or natural ingredients, no artificial flavors or colors, and those fortified with vitamins or minerals.
“There is a growing demand for functional juices that provide additional health benefits, such as immunity-boosting ingredients like Vitamin C and probiotics,” noted Andersky.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans drink juice at least once per week, according to Innova Market Insights, with generations like Gen Z and Millennials most likely to consume it regularly.
Savor the Solutions
NPS boasts a multitude of top-selling beverage brands under its umbrella. NPS brands like NESCAFÉ®, Seattle’s Best Coffee®, Coffee mate®, and Nestlé Vitality® Beverages are widely appreciated by consumers.
NPS is also launching new beverage products later this year, including:
- NESCAFÉ Ice Roast
- Coffee mate Cold Foam
- Quenchers (lightly caffeinated cold beverages)
“These new products reflect NPS’s commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving preferences of modern consumers and businesses,” said Andersky.
To learn more about how NPS can help your business maximize its beverage sales, visit the NPS booth (Lakeside Center 12500) at the National Restaurant Association Show, May 17-20, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The Food Institute Podcast
This Episode is Sponsored by: RSM
It’s tariff time, and companies the world over are working to better understand how their operations will be impacted. Jodi Ader from RSM US LLP joined The Food Institute Podcast to discuss which products and inputs are currently subject to tariffs, and how to best mitigate supply chain risks.