Gen Z Fuels Cold, Customizable Drinks Trend Across Chains
Gen Z shoppers in the US and abroad are shifting from hot coffee to iced, customizable beverages, a trend that’s lifting demand for cold drinks at chains like Starbucks (where most beverages are cold) and prompting rivals such as Dunkin and McDonald’s to expand cold options; social media buzz and the appeal of personalized drinks make cold beverages a form of self-expression that can carry a premium, while price sensitivity remains a factor and the trend appears year‑round.
