Our categorywatching Hot Beverages 2024 report is now available on the hub! So grab a cuppa while we deep dive into all things tea, coffee and hot chocolate, exploring the latest flavour and format innovations.
Ahead of diving into the full report, here are three key takeouts to give you a taste of what to expect:
1. Cuppa Wellness – As consumers look for ways to improve their health and wellness, they turn to functional hot beverages for an easy boost to their daily routine. And there's a beverage for all needs… from prebiotic iced coffee for added gut support to 'sleepy tea' containing valerian root, chamomile, and linden blossom. Women's health remains a hot topic too, as hot brews offer a helping hand in hormone balance, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause; think functional mushroom blends and ashwagandha root-infused teas. Meanwhile, adaptogens, nootropics and natural energy sources look to replace the traditional coffee kick.
2. Chocolate, Please! – Hot chocolate receives a gourmet renaissance as we welcome an influx of extra thick and creamy textures (you'll need a spoon!), indulgent toppings and caramelised cooking techniques. And there are no limits…Pile your hot chocolate with marshmallow gelato, cosmic brownies, and banana custard or enjoy 70% chocolate with torched marshmallow fluff and hazelnut crunch toppings. And it's not just hot chocolates that are gaining all the attention; chocolate is trending across the board. That's right! Think thick chocolate slabs placed over mugs melted into coffee, white chocolate matcha served with extra chocolate for dunking and rich chocolate sticky chai teas. Yum!
3. Brews, Upgraded – Considered an affordable luxury, consumers are splurging on their hot beverages for a little daily indulgence. Whether it's sipping on ceremonial grade blueberry matcha sourced from Japan, indulging in a white chocolate and coconut hot chocolate with all the trimmings, or nipping to a coffee shop at lunch to enjoy a limited-edition single-origin small batch coffee – the flavour and experience is much appreciated! Even instant drink powders upgrade in quality; far from the sediments floating at the bottom of mugs, now we see instant organic tea with functional mushrooms and 'superfood' additions!
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trendhub subscribers can access the full 113-page Hot Beverages report on the hub, here. If you're not yet subscribed but are interested to find out more, please get in touch.