Vanilla and mocha will always have their place in the coffee world—but today’s consumers are craving more adventure in their ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee. As the category continues to boom, brands are finding bold, unexpected ways to stand out on shelves. From floral infusions to indulgent dessert-inspired notes, flavor is becoming a canvas for creativity.
Here’s a look at some of the emerging trends pushing RTD coffee beyond the basics:
- Lavender Honey: A Floral-Meets-Sweet Sensation
- Cinnamon Spice: A Cozy Kick with Global Appeal
- Salted Maple: A Sweet-and-Savory Delight
- Toasted Coconut: A Tropical Twist with Depth
1. Lavender Honey: A Floral-Meets-Sweet Sensation
Lavender, once reserved for soaps and spa days, is now showing up in coffee cans—and it’s surprisingly delightful. Paired with a drizzle of honey, the delicate floral note balances the bitterness of coffee with a smooth, aromatic sweetness. The result? A drink that feels both refreshing and refined. It’s a great fit for consumers seeking a calm, cafe-style experience on the go.
Why it works: Lavender’s subtle earthiness adds dimension to coffee’s naturally bitter profile, while honey provides a smooth, clean sweetness without overwhelming the palate. Together, they strike a balance between bold and delicate—a pairing that feels indulgent but light.
This flavor also taps into a broader “calm energy” trend, where consumers are looking for ways to stay alert while also supporting wellness and mental clarity. Lavender, often associated with relaxation and stress relief, introduces a subtle functional angle to a daily caffeine habit.
How brands are using it:
- In cold brew with oat milk for a creamy, floral latte experience
- In lightly sweetened black coffees for a more aromatic finish
- Paired with adaptogens like ashwagandha for added calm focus
Perfect for:
- Consumers exploring floral flavors outside of tea
- RTD coffee lines targeting wellness-minded shoppers
👉 Shop our Lavender Flavor and Honey Flavor to bring this trend to life in your next coffee launch.
2. Cinnamon Spice: A Cozy Kick with Global Appeal
Warm, nostalgic, and endlessly versatile, cinnamon spice is bringing heat to the RTD coffee aisle in all the right ways. Whether it’s a subtle background note or the star of the sip, cinnamon adds a cozy, aromatic layer that instantly elevates any cold brew or latte.
Why it works: Cinnamon naturally complements coffee’s roasted depth, enhancing its warmth while cutting through bitterness. It offers just enough of a sweet-heat balance to feel indulgent—without the need for heavy sugars or syrups. Plus, its sensory impact triggers cozy, comforting associations, making it a year-round favorite with peak appeal in fall and winter.
But this isn’t just about cinnamon spice giving pumpkin spice vibes—cinnamon carries global flavor currency. From Mexican café de olla to Turkish coffee to Indian masala chai, cinnamon has deep roots in coffee traditions around the world. In the RTD space, it adds a sense of familiarity and sophistication.
How brands are using it:
- Blended with vanilla or brown sugar for a churro-inspired flavor
- Paired with oat milk or almond milk for a creamy, spiced latte
- Combined with chili or cardamom for globally inspired formats
Perfect for:
- Consumers craving bold, warming flavors year-round
- Seasonal or limited-edition RTD launches
👉 Shop our Cinnamon Spice Flavor to add depth and warmth to your next coffee creation.
3. Salted Maple: A Sweet-and-Savory Delight
This flavor brings a twist of indulgence with a savory edge. Salted maple plays into consumers’ love of contrasts—sweet and salty, smooth and bold. It also aligns with “elevated nostalgia” trends, taking the breakfast-table flavor of maple syrup and making it more sophisticated for a grab-and-go coffee moment.
Why it works: The natural sweetness of maple pairs effortlessly with coffee’s roasty depth, but when a touch of salt is added, the profile shifts. The salt enhances the caramel-like richness of the maple while adding complexity and contrast. The result? A layered, sweet-savory flavor that satisfies both indulgent and adventurous palates. It especially appeals to the growing segment of consumers seeking adventurous flavor experiences without going too far off the familiar path.
Additionally, this flavor taps into the rising popularity of “elevated nostalgia”— reinterpreting comfort foods with a gourmet twist.
How brands are using it:
- In creamy latte-style RTDs for a pancake-inspired profile
- Paired with pecan or butter flavors
- As part of seasonal fall or winter flavor rotations
Perfect for:
- Limited-time offerings that feel cozy yet upscale
- Premium RTD lines that emphasize indulgence with restraint
👉 Bring indulgence to your next brew—check out our Maple Flavor.
4. Toasted Coconut: A Tropical Twist with Depth
Coconut is bringing a subtle island vibe to the RTD coffee space, offering a flavor that’s creamy and surprisingly rich. Unlike artificial coconut flavors that can veer too sweet, coconut brings a layered complexity that pairs beautifully with coffee.
Why it works: Coconut’s mellow sweetness complements the boldness of coffee, creating a smooth, balanced experience. It’s especially appealing in dairy-free formats, where coconut milk or flavoring adds body and flavor without overpowering the coffee itself.
Coconut speaks to growing trends around non-dairy indulgence, tropical flavor escapism, and global inspiration. When paired with vanilla, chocolate, or nutty notes like hazelnut or almond, coconut brings a refreshing twist that feels indulgent yet light.
How brands are using it:
- Paired with vanilla or cacao for a tropical mocha feel
- Highlighted as part of limited-edition summer releases
Perfect for:
- Seasonal launches with beach or vacation themes
- RTD coffees made with non-dairy milks
👉 Infuse your coffee with island-inspired richness—discover our Coconut Flavor.
What’s Driving These Trends?
The surge in unexpected flavors within the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market is propelled by a confluence of evolving consumer preferences, generational influences, and broader beverage industry trends.
1. Gen Z's Quest for Novelty and Customization
Generation Z are at the forefront of this flavor revolution. Their upbringing in a digitally connected and culturally diverse environment has fostered a penchant for bold, adventurous tastes and a desire for personalized experiences. A report by Business Insider highlights that Gen Zers favor globally influenced ingredients and enjoy customizing their meals, often creating viral menu hacks that blend sweet and savory profiles.1
In the realm of coffee, this translates to a demand for unique flavor combinations that break away from traditional norms. The Bank of America reports that 89% of coffee-drinking individuals aged 18-24 opt for specialty coffee, a significant increase compared to older demographics . This inclination towards specialty and flavored coffees underscores Gen Z's influence on the market.2
2. The Rise of Functional and Experiential Beverages
Modern consumers are not only seeking taste but also functionality and experience in their beverages. The 2025 Food and Beverage Trends Report by T. Hasegawa notes a growing interest in ingredients that offer mental health benefits, such as nootropics and adaptogens, as well as those that support digestive health . This has led to the incorporation of ingredients like lavender, known for its calming properties, into coffee drinks.
Moreover, the trend of "flavor escapism"—seeking whimsical and nostalgic flavors—has gained traction. Consumers are drawn to beverages that evoke childhood memories or offer a sense of indulgence, such as brown butter or cinnamon spice flavors. These experiential elements enhance the appeal of RTD coffees, making them more than just a caffeine fix.3
3. Market Growth and Innovation
The RTD coffee market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for convenience without compromising quality. According to Statista, the global revenue for RTD coffee is projected to reach $36 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% expected through 2028.
Brands are responding to this demand with innovative offerings. For instance, Nespresso launched its first-ever RTD coffee, the Master Origins Colombia, featuring high-quality coffee beans blended with honey sourced from Colombia.4 This move signifies a shift towards premium, flavor-rich RTD options that cater to discerning palates.
What’s Next?
As the RTD coffee category continues to evolve, flavor innovation remains one of the most powerful tools for standing out in a crowded market.
Today’s consumers are eager to explore. Whether it’s the floral calm of lavender honey or the cozy complexity of cinnamon spice, one thing is clear: vanilla is just the beginning.
At Bickford Flavors, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. With decades of flavor expertise and a pulse on what’s next, we’ll work with you to develop custom coffee flavor solutions that resonate with today’s trends—and tomorrow’s. Let’s create something unexpected together.
Resources:
1 Business Insider
2 Investopedia
3 New York Post
4 The US Sun