When Will Coffee Soda Have Its Breakthrough?

From classic iced coffee to nitro cold brew, cold coffee drinks are incredibly popular among today’s consumers. But despite favorable forecasts for the wider category, sparkling coffee—which sits at the intersection of soda and…
by Chloé Skye Weiser | March 5, 2025

Why You Should Keep Your Eye on Cascara in 2025

Cascara—the dried skin of coffee cherries—is growing in popularity among beverage manufacturers thanks to its novel flavors, mild caffeine boost, and sustainability. The next step? Getting consumers on board.
by Chloé Skye Weiser | February 28, 2025

Behind the Headlines: Science Says Morning Is the Best Time To Drink Coffee. What Do the Pros Think?

Results from a new study show that drinking coffee in the morning can benefit cardiovascular health. But what do the pros have to say about their favorite time to drink coffee?
by Amber Gibson | February 5, 2025

Beyond the Headlines: Has Starbucks Killed the Cortado?

Starbucks recently announced it will add a cortado to its menu, but in a size that varies from established industry norms. We asked coffee shop owners to weigh in on the news—and whether it…
by Amber Gibson | January 24, 2025

The Mocktail Movement Comes to Coffee Shops

More people are opting for low and no alcohol drinks, and with the right tools, coffee shops can welcome a whole new crowd of mocktail enthusiasts.
by Garrett Oden | January 22, 2025

Canned Coffee Was Big in 2024—Here’s How Specialty Roasters Can Profit in 2025

Canned coffee beverages already dominate grocery shelves, and the category is still growing. Here’s how specialty roasters can get in on the RTD action.
by Amber Gibson | January 15, 2025

Behind the Headlines: Is Starbucks Writing Names on Cups Again Sweet or Silly?

Starbucks’ announced they’ll return to hand-writing customers’ names on their cups. We interview shop owners and ask: is writing names on cups silly or a way to build connection with customers?
by Amber Gibson | December 11, 2024

In Pursuit of Sustainable, Allergy-Inclusive Packaging

Some cafes are turning to biodegradable and edible packaging as a way to reduce waste. But many of these items contain major allergens—here’s what you need to know to keep patrons safe.
by Chloé Skye Weiser | November 20, 2024

What Makes Packaging Sustainable?

Single-use packaging might seem like an inevitable part of a coffee business, but learning the basics of sustainable design can help owners reduce waste and align packaging needs with their values.
by Chloé Skye Weiser | November 13, 2024

Behind the Headlines: Starbucks Cut Back on Discounts, But Were Discounts Ever Worth It? 

Following Starbucks’ recent decision to cut back on drink promotions, we asked coffee shops if offering discounts is ever really worth it—and how they find success through thoughtful, targeted promotions.
by Amber Gibson | November 6, 2024