- Cold Brew Coffee: Cold brew coffee had gained significant popularity. It’s made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smoother and less acidic coffee concentrate that’s often diluted with water or milk before consumption. This trend led to variations like nitro cold brew (cold brew infused with nitrogen gas for a creamy texture) and flavored cold brews.
- Dalgona Coffee: This trend emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic and gained popularity through social media. Dalgona coffee is a South Korean frothy coffee made by whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water to create a fluffy, caramel-colored foam that’s spooned over milk.
- Plant-Based Milk Options: With the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, many coffee shops started offering a variety of non-dairy milk options such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and more, to cater to customers with dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Coffee Cocktails: Coffee-based cocktails started to gain traction, merging the worlds of coffee and alcoholic beverages. Espresso martinis, coffee-infused liquors, and creative coffee-based mixed drinks were becoming more popular at coffee shops and bars alike.
- Adventurous Flavor Profiles: Coffee shops began experimenting with unique flavor combinations and ingredients. This includes adding spices like cardamom or cinnamon, experimenting with different types of syrups and sweeteners, and even incorporating unexpected ingredients like herbs and botanicals.
- Single-Origin and Specialty Coffee: As people started to appreciate the nuances of coffee flavor, there was a growing interest in single-origin coffee beans and specialty coffee. These coffees often come from specific regions and are known for their unique flavor profiles.
- Whipped Coffee Creations: Apart from Dalgona coffee, other whipped coffee creations emerged, often featuring colorful and creative designs on top of various types of milk or milk alternatives.
- Coffee Subscriptions: With the rise of online shopping and the desire for convenience, coffee subscription services became more popular. These services deliver freshly roasted coffee beans to customers’ doorsteps on a regular basis.
- Health and Wellness Coffees: Coffee blends infused with functional ingredients like adaptogens, collagen, and vitamins gained popularity, capitalizing on the trend towards wellness-focused products.
- Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: Many coffee enthusiasts began to prioritize coffee that’s ethically sourced and environmentally sustainable, leading to increased awareness about fair trade practices and environmentally-friendly growing methods.
Dalgona Coffee Ingredients and Preparation: Dalgona coffee is known for its visually appealing presentation, featuring a whipped coffee foam on top of a glass of milk. The foam is made by vigorously whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it becomes light, fluffy, and caramel-colored. The foam is then spooned over a glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy), creating a two-layered coffee drink. Origin: The name “Dalgona” comes from a type of Korean honeycomb toffee candy that shares a similar appearance to the coffee foam.
Dalgona coffee itself is said to have gained popularity in South Korea during a time when people were staying at home more due to social distancing measures. Its simplicity and the fact that it can be made with common pantry ingredients contributed to its widespread appeal. Where People Drink It: Dalgona coffee was initially popularized in South Korea, but its trend quickly spread to other parts of the world, especially thanks to social media platforms. People started sharing their attempts at making Dalgona coffee online, leading to viral challenges and videos showcasing the process of whipping up the frothy coffee foam. Due to its vibrant appearance and the interactive nature of creating the foam,
Dalgona coffee became a hit on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In addition to being made and enjoyed at home, some cafes and coffee shops in various countries also started offering Dalgona coffee on their menus, capitalizing on its popularity. Its simple recipe and eye-catching presentation made it accessible to coffee enthusiasts of all skill levels.It’s worth noting that trends like Dalgona coffee can be quite transient, and their popularity might have evolved or waned since my last update in September 2021. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about Dalgona coffee and other coffee trends, I recommend checking out current social media platforms, food blogs, and coffee-related publications.