2026 Trends: Functional Coffee, Cold Brew and the Quest for Sustainability

The coffee market is more alive and dynamic than ever, and the good news is that global consumption keeps growing, with worldwide demand expected to reach a record 169.4 million bags in the 2025/26 harvest. But what's really changing is how we consume this beverage: coffee is moving beyond being just a commodity to become a complete experience that needs to be delicious, healthy and, above all, conscious.

In 2026, the main transformations revolve around three pillars: wellness, convenience and purpose. Let's discover the trends that are already rewriting the story of your favorite drink.

1. Functional Coffee: The Union of Pleasure and Health

Imagine your favorite cup of coffee, but with an extra "superpower." That's the essence of functional coffee.

This trend is driven by the growing desire to combine pleasure, practicality and health benefits in a single drink. The global functional coffee market is projected to grow at a rate of 11% per year, bringing innovations like coffee with collagen, adaptogens, functional mushrooms and vitamins.

In Brazil, brands are starting to explore formulations focused on specific goals, such as increased productivity, improved immunity or relaxation. For example, there are already thermogenic coffee options that are perfect as pre-workout and become a great partner for your routine. For coffee shops, this means it's time to expand the menu and include more niche options to meet different moments and needs of the consumer's day.

2. The Cold Brew Revolution and New Brewing Methods

If before the only choice was hot or iced coffee, now the way coffee is prepared is rapidly diversifying. The search for convenience combined with quality is ever greater, and Gen Z in particular is very open to trying new things (about 67% of consumers in this generation).

The new stars of consumption include:

• Cold Brew: Coffee extracted cold, resulting in a drink with lower acidity and greater refreshment.
• Nitro Coffee: Coffee infused with nitrogen and served on tap, like draft beer.
• Ready-to-drink (RTD): Ready-made drinks in cans or bottles that come with creative mixes, like vanilla, caramel and oat flavors.

Young people, especially, are leaning toward more indulgent options, like cold brew or flavored cappuccinos with notes of chocolate, vanilla and hazelnut.

In contrast to speed, the "slow coffee" trend — coffee made and appreciated calmly, as a ritual — is also gaining more followers. This opens space for brewing methods that value extraction and sensory experience, like V60 and French Press. Coffee is valued as an experience that involves the environment, the tableware and the bean's story.

3. Sustainability and Traceability: Origin Matters

In 2026, the consumer is more informed and demanding, wanting to make every dollar count. Therefore, price is no longer the only deciding factor; the brand's value and purpose weigh as much as the price tag.

Coffee's origin has never been more important. Consumers want to know where it comes from, who produces it and if there's socio-environmental responsibility in cultivation. For brands, sustainability has become an essential pillar that influences purchasing decisions.

The organic and fair trade coffee market will see significant growth by 2030. To be competitive, companies need to demonstrate transparency and sustainable practices. The Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association (BSCA) itself operates with the purpose of valuing Brazilian specialty coffee for its quality, diversity, sustainability and history.