Are you wondering why iced coffee is so popular? It’s super versatile, refreshing, and packs a punch, so it’s really no wonder iced coffee is more than a fad.
One thing that always stood out during my corporate days was the absurd number of people holding their cups of iced coffee. Everywhere I looked, from the moment I walked towards our office building until I reached my desk, there was always that chilly cup of Joe.
But why is iced coffee so popular? Here are some interesting insights as to why it is becoming the coolest drink for diligent workers of today.
1. Iced Coffee Wakes You Up Faster
I always asked my coworkers why they prefer iced coffee in the morning, and they said it was more refreshing for them without a deeper explanation.
You will feel your mood start to improve and feel more alert. The latter is important if you are the type to drive yourself to work.
2. Iced Coffee Is Getting Love From Different Generations
Some people will think iced coffee is just a young millennial or Gen-Z thing, but that is simply not the case! In fact, according to Allegra’s World Iced Coffee report for 2020, cold coffee beverage consumption is constantly growing across different generations! They found that around 29% of cold coffee consumers are aged 45 to 59, and about 27% are aged 30 to 44.
Food establishments have been taking note of this growth, leading to an increased number of restaurants and cafés offering iced coffee and cold brew drinks. In 2021, Starbucks reported that almost three-quarters of its beverage sales in the third quarter were part of the “cold category.” Those are cool numbers!
The iced coffee surge may have something to do with hotter temperatures, but there are no conclusive studies yet if it has something to do with climate change. If you are a coffee lover who wants to live a greener life, you might want to consider Fair Trade coffee.
3. Iced Coffee Offers An Experience Hot Coffee Can’t Give
Dunkin surveyed 500 iced coffee drinkers to find out why this cool beverage is their preference. The simple answer is that it has perks you can’t enjoy with hot beverages. Case in point, 21% of these coffee drinkers said that they enjoy being able to drink it faster than your steaming java.
Additionally, 90 respondents said they appreciate consuming their drink through a straw. Interestingly, the same survey also showed that 48% of the respondents enjoy iced coffee even during wintertime. We can be unpredictable sometimes.
4. Iced Coffee Doesn’t Burn You
Boiling hot coffee can be a bit of a hazard, especially if you spill it. Although the chances of this happening to you now are very slim, drinking too quickly from your hot coffee can still result in minor burns. This is an inconvenience you won’t get from iced coffee but even so, be wary of the occasional brain freeze if you sip too fast.
Another perk of iced coffee is that you can carry it anywhere without worrying about spilling your drink. Even if you accidentally spill it on yourself or others, you will only have to worry about the stain it leaves. If this does happen, you can be prepared by reading our guide on how to remove coffee stains from your clothing!
5. Iced Coffee Has A Fuller Flavor With Less Acidity
Good news for the hyper-acidic! Iced coffee tends to be more flavorful, whether it is a mocha, a latte, or a typical iced black coffee. This is especially the case with a cold brew!
The cold temperature during its making process doesn’t allow the acidic oils to be released. As a result, a typical serving of cold brew can be 60% to 70% lower in acidity levels!
You have to note that this might not be the case for the caffeine content, as it can vary depending on how it was brewed. Thankfully, diluting your drink with water or ice doesn’t affect the caffeine content but will weaken the taste.
You’ll love our guide on the best coffee for iced coffee.
6. Iced Coffee Can Help Your Heart
Literally or figuratively speaking, iced coffee can be good for your heart! Coffee is a great source of antioxidants. These compounds can help safeguard you from heart attacks and other ailments.
This is supported by the American College of Cardiology, which states that drinking at least two to three cups of coffee a day is associated with longevity and decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Of course, adding lots of sugar or syrups can negate these benefits.
7. Iced Coffee Is Versatile
What people love about iced coffee is that you can find it anywhere, but you won’t get the same flavor twice! If you are a black coffee lover, you can have an iced Americano or an iced Long Black.
If you are looking for something more flavorsome, Starbucks and other brands offer numerous options for refreshing iced coffee. If you are always on the go, iced coffee from your nearest Dunkin’ will do the trick to perk you up on your way to work!
Exploring other countries might offer a new iced coffee experience, as well! Asian countries such as Japan and Vietnam have brewing methods that will pique your interest. For instance, Japan has the aisu kohi, their take on iced coffee that is flash-chilled.
In Vietnam, they have the cà phê đá, a robust iced java that is brewed using a traditional metal Vietnamese drip filter and mixed with sweetened condensed milk.
