Did you know that the majority of U.S. coffee drinkers do not drink their coffee black? According to the most recent National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Drinking Trends (NCDT) report, 68 percent of coffee drinkers add some type of non-dairy or dairy product to their coffee, and about 50 percent add a sweetener.
Cream & Sugar Trends
- Dairy and Non-Dairy Additives
- 35% add a non-dairy creamer (or coffee whitener, as it is known in some regions)
- 14% use half and half
- 13% prefer whole milk
- 5% enjoy a non-dairy milk alternative
- Coffee Flavoring Preferences
- 21% prefer the flavor to be in a powder or liquid creamer
- 5% would rather add the flavoring by itself
- Demand for “clean label” creamers or creamers made from natural ingredients including plant-based creamers has surpassed demand for “traditional” flavored creamers
- Increased Demand for Sweeteners
- 38% use sugar
- 12% prefer artificial sweeteners
With an increase in the type and number of potential options that can be used to change the flavor or sweetness of a cup of black coffee, it is important to take the time to understand your employees’ preferences. If their preferences aren’t available, they are likely to go offsite to find that “perfect” beverage.
Cafe-Style Coffee Service
Offering cafe-style office coffee service in the office break room is a cost-effective way to help encourage San Diego employees to stay onsite when they want a cup of coffee. To make sure everyone is able to customize their coffee, consider offering a mixture of the following products in the office break room:
- non-dairy creamer (or coffee whitener): a plain or flavored liquid or granular substance added to coffee, tea or hot chocolate
- half-and-half: contains equal parts of whole milk and light cream, and has 10 to 12 percent fat content (more fat than milk, but less fat than cream)
- milk: cow’s milk that has been fortified with vitamins A and D, and is available as whole milk (~3.5% fat), 2% reduced-fat milk, 1% low-fat milk, and fat-free or skim milk
- non-dairy “milk” options: almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, etc.
- sugar: granulated or “regular” sugar, cane sugar, organic sugar, etc.
- artificial sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, etc.
Which items do your San Diego employees request the most? Are they available? Whether your current coffee service needs a tune-up or you want to create the ultimate break room by adding cafe-style coffee service, Tri-R Coffee & Vending can help. For more information, contact us at (760) 753-1112.