15 Unexpected Ingredients Showing Up in Coffee Shops This Year

Coffee culture is evolving into a playground for experimentation and curiosity, and 2025 has brought a wave of unexpected ingredients into coffee shops around the globe. Baristas are blending traditional techniques with unconventional ingredients, transforming everyday lattes and cold brews into multi-layered experiences. Social media platforms like TikTok are also fueling these innovations, helping unusual drinks go viral overnight. Consumers are now seeking more than caffeine—they want beverages that surprise, energize, and even nourish. The following list showcases 15 ingredients that are rewriting the rules and transforming every sip into a moment of discovery.

Thick Viennese-Style Whipped Creams

Viennese-style whipped creams are returning to menus, especially in the Bay Area, inspired by classic European coffeehouse traditions. These thick, indulgent layers top espresso and matcha beverages, enhancing both texture and visual appeal. Traditional drinks like the Einspänner are being modernized, creating a luxurious mouthfeel without overwhelming the drink. Baristas are experimenting with slight variations in sweetness and firmness to complement different bases. Consumers are drawn to the creamy consistency and nostalgic nod to old-world coffee culture.

Protein Cold Foams

Protein cold foams are redefining coffee as a functional beverage, adding 15–36 grams of protein per grande drink. Starbucks spearheaded this trend in September 2025, merging nutrition with everyday coffee indulgence. Cold foams are crafted to maintain frothy texture while enriching the beverage with amino acids. This approach appeals to health-conscious consumers who treat coffee as both fuel and flavor. Protein lattes are now considered an accessible way to boost daily intake without extra effort.

Onion

Onion-infused coffee drinks are gaining viral attention on platforms like TikTok, where onion lattes and other dark cuisine creations intrigue adventurous palates. Incorporating onions introduces subtle sweetness and savory umami notes that challenge traditional flavor expectations. Coffee shops are experimenting with roasted, caramelized, and powdered forms of onion for layered complexity. Trend-driven menus showcase the versatility of vegetables in beverages, blurring the line between food and drink. Social engagement demonstrates that unusual combinations can create memorable tasting experiences and conversation starters.

Chocolate Cream “Protein” Cold Drinks

Chocolate cream protein cold drinks combine indulgence and functionality in one beverage. Options like Starbucks’ Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha mix creamy chocolate foam with protein-enriched milk for a balanced nutritional boost. Sweet and smooth textures complement the functional benefits of added protein, offering both enjoyment and practical value. Health-focused consumers appreciate the creative integration of flavor and wellness. Coffee shops leverage these beverages to attract audiences seeking decadent options without sacrificing nutritional intent.

Adaptogens, Mushrooms, Functional Blends

Functional blends featuring adaptogens and mushrooms, such as lion’s mane and chaga, are rapidly entering mainstream coffee menus. These drinks aim to improve focus, immunity, and stress resilience while offering earthy, herbal undertones. Consumers increasingly prioritize beverages that deliver wellness benefits alongside traditional caffeine stimulation. Mushroom coffees integrate into smoothies, lattes, and even cold brews, offering versatility across menus.

Alternative Milks Beyond the Usual

Alternative milks are expanding beyond oat, almond, and soy to include options like potato milk, prized for its creamy texture and mild taste. Potato milk is free of lactose, soy, nuts, gluten, and added sugar, making it suitable for diverse dietary needs. Its subtle flavor allows coffee and tea profiles to shine while providing a sustainable, environmentally conscious choice. Coffee shops are pairing potato milk with syrups, spices, and foam for inventive drinks. The shift highlights growing consumer curiosity toward plant-based options that balance taste, health, and sustainability.

Vitamins / Collagen / Functional Add-Ins

Vitamins, collagen, and functional add-ins are increasingly incorporated into coffee beverages, reflecting a health-conscious beverage market. Starbucks has introduced options that integrate these nutrients directly into drinks, turning daily coffee into a wellness boost. Consumers benefit from antioxidants, collagen peptides, and vitamin complexes without altering flavor drastically. This trend aligns with the broader functional beverage movement that emphasizes holistic health. Coffee shops leverage these ingredients to differentiate offerings and attract nutrition-focused audiences.

Brown Sugar Flavors

Brown sugar flavors are resurging, adding depth and caramelized sweetness to coffee drinks. Syrups, foams, and latte blends now frequently feature brown sugar for its rich, molasses-like complexity. The ingredient evokes nostalgia while offering a slightly less processed alternative to refined sugar. Coffee lovers enjoy its ability to complement espresso’s bitterness and milk’s creaminess. This flavor trend illustrates a shift toward more nuanced sweetness profiles in specialty coffee.

Cloud Coffee / Coconut Water-Based Blends

Cloud coffee and coconut water-based drinks are creating airy, refreshing alternatives to heavy lattes. Coffee shops are experimenting with foams that mimic cloud textures while using coconut water for hydration and subtle sweetness. These beverages are lighter on calories while maintaining creamy mouthfeel through innovative frothing techniques. Cloud coffee offers visual appeal with floating layers and soft peaks that enhance presentation. Trend adoption reflects consumer interest in refreshing, playful coffee experiences.

Upcycled Ingredients

Upcycled ingredients like coffee fruit, fruit peels, and vegetable scraps are being incorporated to reduce waste and enhance flavor complexity. Using typically discarded parts introduces subtle fruity, earthy, or aromatic notes to beverages. Sustainability-conscious coffee shops showcase environmental responsibility alongside culinary creativity. Upcycled ingredients provide cost-effective flavor enhancement while engaging socially aware consumers. This trend reinforces coffee culture’s role in driving zero-waste innovation in food and drink.

Floral, Citrus & Herbal Infusions

Floral, citrus, and herbal infusions are expanding coffee’s aromatic palette with ingredients like lavender, hibiscus, rose, yuzu, and cardamom. These components offer delicate flavor complexity, ranging from bright and tangy to earthy and fragrant. Infusions are used in lattes, cold brews, and teas to enhance sensory experience without overwhelming sweetness. Coffee shops are experimenting with garnishes and syrups to amplify visual and flavor appeal. This approach caters to consumers seeking elevated, nuanced beverages beyond traditional flavor profiles.

Pistachio

Pistachio has emerged as a leading flavor in 2025, featuring prominently in lattes, cold brews, and seasonal beverages. Chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ reintroduced pistachio drinks, appealing to consumers craving nutty sweetness with a creamy finish. Social media virality further amplifies awareness, driving experimentation among home baristas and coffee shops. Its distinctive color and texture make it visually appealing in layered beverages. Pistachio flavors balance sweetness and richness, providing a comforting yet modern twist on classic coffee drinks.

Hot Honey

Hot honey, a blend of chili-infused honey, is appearing in coffee for a sweet-spicy kick. This flavor adds warmth and complexity without overpowering espresso or milk. While still emerging, hot honey reflects a growing trend of incorporating bold, unexpected ingredients into beverages. Coffee shops pair it with autumn or winter drinks to enhance aroma and depth. Consumers enjoy the novelty of gentle heat balanced by natural sweetness in their drinks.

Salted Caramel

Salted caramel continues to dominate coffee menus, adding a sweet-and-salty depth that pairs well with espresso and milk. Its buttery, rich flavor enhances lattes, frappes, and even cold brews. Coffee shops are experimenting with caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and even salted caramel foam. The combination of sweet and salty satisfies cravings while offering complexity in every sip. Its popularity is fueled by both nostalgic comfort and social media-worthy presentation.

Tahini

Tahini is making a bold entrance into coffee drinks, delivering a nutty, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with espresso. Lattes featuring tahini, like the Salted Tahini Honeycomb Latte, have seen searches spike by 900% on Yelp in March 2025. Its inclusion provides a subtle richness, balancing sweetness and bitterness in complex ways. Nut-based flavors appeal to both traditional and adventurous coffee consumers, offering a satisfying depth. Coffee shops increasingly view tahini as a versatile ingredient, pairing it with honey, chocolate, or spices for unique creations.

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Let’s revisit 15 iconic snacks that shaped childhoods but look strikingly different now. Some products leaned into health-conscious tweaks, while others banked on their retro appeal to win back millennials who grew up with them. Even with new packaging and formulas, they carry the same energy of a decade that was bright, bold, and sugar-heavy.

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15 Snack Trends from Around the World You’ll Love

Many of these snacks have been around for centuries in their native lands, but their growing popularity proves how food travels across borders faster than ever before. Globalization, social media, and adventurous eaters have helped these treats reach supermarket shelves far beyond where they originated. What makes them fascinating is not just their flavors but the traditions and innovations behind them. Exploring these global snacks is like tasting history and modern cravings all at once. 

Read the Full List Here