Coffee Trends Shaping 2026, from the President of a Rising Beverage Chain

Coffee has always been an evolving category but as we look ahead in 2026, the changes feel more practical and personal than ever. Today’s guests aren’t just looking for a quick caffeine boost; they want a coffee experience that fits into their routines, supports their lifestyle and feels familiar and welcoming. That shift is shaping everything, from what goes into the cup to the coffee shop environment.

After more than 25 years in the food and beverage industry and now as president of Dunn Brothers Coffee, I’ve seen trends come and go. What stands out about this moment is that consumers are driving the change. Protein-forward coffee drinks are gaining traction because people are treating coffee as fuel, not just a treat. At the same time, convenience continues to matter, with drive-thrus and digital ordering playing a larger role in consumer habits.

But drive-thrus and off-premises ordering don’t tell the whole story—even as technology and automation become more important, guests still want connection. They want spaces that inspire heartfelt interaction, where guests can sit, meet and feel part of a community. Dunn Brothers Coffee has never abandoned that in-shop experience, and we see that balance between efficiency and authenticity becoming one of the most important conversations in coffee moving forward.

Product Trends

One of the clearest product shifts shaping coffee right now is the rise of functional beverages, particularly protein-forward coffee. What began as a niche offering has quickly moved toward the mainstream as guests look for drinks that deliver more than caffeine.

Busy mornings, light breakfasts and on-the-go routines have created demand for beverages that provide energy and staying power in a single cup. Protein coffee fits naturally into this guest behavior, combining two daily needs—caffeine and sustenance—without adding complexity for the guest.

We see protein beverages as an evolution of how customers already use coffee, not a departure from it. Execution is critical. Taste, freshness and quality still matter, and protein has to enhance the drink rather than overpower it. The flavor balance, texture and ingredient clarity will determine whether these beverages become fan favorites or fade quickly.

To better understand the longevity of this trend, we’ve launched a protein coffee trial in Q1 that allows us to look beyond interest and evaluate real guest behavior. We’re watching how often customers choose protein options, how they customize them and whether they become part of a regular routine. That insight will guide how and if these beverages scale beyond a limited rollout.

Coffee Shop Formats

There’s no question that convenience is driving many decisions nowadays. According to the National Coffee Association, 59% of Americans who purchased coffee out of home used a drive-thru in 2024, up from 55 percent the year before. Mobile ordering continues to rise alongside that shift, with 36 percent of coffee drinkers using apps to place orders, a meaningful increase year over year.

At the same time, there’s another side to the experience that technology doesn’t fully address: human connection. Guests still crave spaces where they can feel part of a community.

Balancing technology with meaningful guest interaction creates a real tension for brands heading into 2026. Drive-thrus and mobile ordering meet today’s demand for speed, but an over-correction toward efficiency risks turning coffee into a commodity rather than an experience. Brands that eliminate the lobby entirely may gain guests in the short term, but they lose an important emotional connection that drives long-term loyalty.

Dunn Brothers Coffee is in a somewhat unique position because we never abandoned the in-shop experience in the first place. Even as we embrace drive-thru access and digital ordering to accommodate the convenience-driven consumer, we’ve remained committed to spaces where guests can slow down, connect and feel at home. Our shops are designed to support both quick visits and meaningful moments.

Looking ahead, I believe the most successful coffee concepts won’t choose between speed and connection—they’ll design for both. Just as coffee menus are becoming more intentional and functional, store formats will need to do the same.

As we move through 2026, the coffee brands that stand out won’t be the ones chasing every new idea, but the ones paying close attention to how guests truly live. Product innovation like protein-forward beverages and thoughtful store design aren’t separate conversations. They’re both responses to the same shift toward coffee that fits seamlessly into daily routines while still feeling human. The opportunity ahead is clear: deliver efficiency where it matters, preserve connection where it counts and continue evolving without losing what made people fall in love with coffee in the first place.

Ben Anderson is the president of Dunn Brothers Coffee.