· By Charles Kuti
The Rise of Iced Coffee Throughout Time
The History of Iced Coffee
Iced coffee has come a long way since its humble origins in the 1840s. From the battlefields of Algeria to trendy coffee shops worldwide, the cold coffee beverage has evolved and gained immense popularity, especially in recent years. In this blog post, we will explore the journey of iced coffee, the current trends driving its growth, and the factors contributing to its rising popularity.
The history of iced coffee dates back to the 1840s when the French military developed a cold coffee drink called mazagran during the Battle of Mazagran in Algeria. Running out of milk, the soldiers added water to their coffee and consumed it cold to beat the scorching heat. After returning to Paris, they introduced the idea of serving this refreshing drink in tall glasses to café owners, leading to the birth of café mazagran. Over time, variations of iced coffee emerged in different countries, each with its unique twist.
Fast-forward to the 1920s, and iced coffee experienced a significant surge in popularity, thanks to a successful marketing campaign by the Joint Coffee Trade Publicity Committee in the United States. The beverage gained traction, appearing on menus and in recipes worldwide. Since then, iced coffee has become a beloved and sought-after drink, particularly among the younger generation.
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The Popularity of Iced Coffee Today
Today, iced coffee has found a special place in the hearts of millennials. This generation is more likely to choose cold and frozen coffee drinks over hot ones, as they believe that the coldness enhances the overall drinking experience and brings out more nuanced flavors. It has become more than just a drink; it is now an experience they seek and are willing to splurge on, viewing it as an affordable luxury.
Another reason for the rising popularity of iced coffee among millennials is its convenience. Ready-to-drink cold coffee products in sealable glasses and cans are widely available in convenience and grocery stores, making it easy for millennials to grab a refreshing coffee while on the go or at home.
The success of iced coffee is not limited to just the traditional café setting. The cold coffee market has evolved significantly over the years. Cold brew, in particular, has gained immense popularity due to its convenience and high-quality flavor profile. Many specialty coffee shops now offer cold brew as a staple on their menus, and it has become a year-round favorite for coffee lovers.
Younger coffee consumers, including millennials and Gen Zs, are increasingly selective with their spending. They demand innovative and sustainable products, and cold RTD coffee beverages check all the right boxes. The availability of plant-based milk options, especially oat milk, has further fueled the growth of iced coffee, despite the increasing prices of non-dairy alternatives.
While iced coffee is undeniably popular, it can also be more expensive than its hot counterparts. The extra labor, machinery, and packaging required for iced coffee contribute to its higher price. However, the demand for this refreshing beverage justifies the higher costs in many coffee establishments.
From its humble beginnings as mazagran in Algeria to the modern-day iced coffee craze among millennials, the popularity of cold coffee drinks has soared. Driven by convenience, high-quality ingredients, and an evolving market, iced coffee has become an integral part of coffee culture worldwide. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the future of cold coffee remains dynamic and exciting, with constant innovation shaping the ever-growing specialty coffee market.
