Coffee trends 2026: Cold brew, functional coffee and more

Coffee trends 2026: Cold brew, functional coffee and more

Coffee has long been more than just a hot drink. It is a moment of pleasure, a status symbol and a topic of conversation all in one. Anyone who drinks coffee today has an opinion about it. This shows just how much coffee culture has changed in recent years. What trends will shape the way we experience coffee in 2026? The Coffee Centre provides an overview.

Cold brew and cold extraction on the rise

Cold brew coffee is no longer a niche product. What was long considered a summer trend has developed into a year-round coffee alternative. The difference to classically brewed coffee lies in the preparation. Instead of hot water, cold water is used, which extracts the coffee's flavours over several hours.

The result is a particularly smooth, intense coffee with fewer bitter substances. More and more people appreciate this flavour, regardless of the time of year.

Modern machines such as the JURA Z10 make cold brew possible at the touch of a button. Thanks to cold extraction technology, the long waiting time is completely eliminated. A new take on coffee enjoyment, straight from the machine.

Coffee and functionality

A growing trend in 2026 is functional coffee. This involves enriching coffee with additional ingredients that promise specific benefits.

The most popular variants include

• Coffee with collagen for skin and joints
• Adaptogen coffee with mushroom extracts such as Lion's Mane or Chaga
• Coffee with MCT oil for sustained energy without a crash
• Protein coffee as a combination of breakfast and pick-me-up

What is already firmly established in the USA is also becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. People who drink coffee want to do something for themselves at the same time.

Sustainability as standard

Sustainability is no longer an optional extra in the coffee world. Consumers are paying more attention to where their coffee comes from, how it was grown and the conditions under which the producers work.

Direct trade, i.e. direct trade between roasting plants and coffee farmers without intermediaries, is gaining in importance compared to traditional quality labels. At the same time, the focus is shifting to the circular economy.

Typical sustainability measures in the coffee sector 2026:

• Use coffee grounds as fertiliser or body scrub
• Compostable capsules and packaging
• Favour regional roasting plants with short transport routes
• Machines with low energy consumption in standby mode

Modern JURA machines also rely on energy-efficient technology and automatic switch-off functions that significantly reduce power consumption in everyday use.

Speciality coffee in the office

What used to only be found in specialised coffee bars is now finding its way into everyday working life. Speciality coffee refers to coffee that is grown, processed and roasted according to strict quality criteria. The assessment is based on an internationally recognised points system.

More and more companies want to offer their employees not just coffee, but real coffee enjoyment. This not only increases satisfaction within the team, but also has an impact on external perception.

The coffee centre supports companies in the region in implementing this claim in their everyday lives. With high-quality JURA machines and personal advice on site, the result is a coffee experience that satisfies even the most discerning palates.

Less caffeine, more awareness

Interest in decaffeinated coffee is growing in parallel with the speciality trend. Decaf had a bad reputation for a long time. Too watery, too flat, too little character. This has changed fundamentally.

Modern decaffeination processes such as the Swiss Water Method or CO2 extraction largely preserve the flavours of the coffee. The result is a decaf that is almost indistinguishable from classic coffee in terms of flavour.

Anyone who wants to enjoy a cup late in the afternoon without risking a good night's sleep is now more consciously turning to decaffeinated variants. Decaf has also become a firm favourite in the office.

Experience coffee instead of just drinking it

Probably the most exciting trend in 2026 is the shift from consumption to experience. Coffee is no longer simply drunk, it is celebrated. Brewing courses, tastings and barista workshops are becoming increasingly popular.

This trend shows how deeply rooted coffee is in the everyday lives and culture of many people. It is a topic of conversation, a hobby and a means of expression all in one.

For the coffee centre, this also means confirmation. Anyone who really loves coffee wants to know more. About the origin of the bean, the correct preparation and the possibilities of modern machines. This has been our approach from day one.

Get personalised advice now

Coffee trends come and go. What remains is the demand for real enjoyment. If you would like to know which coffee machine or which coffee is best suited to you or your company, we will be happy to advise you personally.