The average consumer’s taste preferences vary based on their mood and time of day, but have you considered the larger forces influencing their cravings? The changing seasons have a proven effect on what flavors and foods consumers seek. In fact, nearly 40% of consumers claim their flavor preferences shift depending on the time of year. It’s time to think about fall!
It’s not so crazy when you think about it. Department stores and restaurants regularly rotate their offerings as the seasons change, and consumers have grown to anticipate, even expect, this seasonal changeover. So, why not apply the same philosophy to your coffee counter?
Coffee Flavor Preference Changes With the Seasons
Though it may sound intuitive, many business owners get so caught up with other priorities that they forget to adjust their hot beverage offerings to reflect the seasonal preferences.
Consider the most anticipated seasonal offering in the coffee world – pumpkin spice. As cooler air and changing leaves settle in, you can literally see the digital world anticipating this flavor. Consumers have made their preference for seasonal options well-known. Providing these options is an excellent opportunity to satisfy consumer needs while realizing profits. It’s a win-win.
The Best Coffee Flavors
The best coffee and cappuccino flavors change throughout the year. You can tap into consumer cravings and increase convenience store sales by offering the right variety at the right time. Here are a few examples of seasonal coffee flavors and how they can optimize your business.
Fall & Winter Coffee Flavors
As summer ends, consumers reach for sweet, aromatic, and nostalgic flavors. Fall and winter coffee flavors are famous for their powerful spices and indulgent aromas. From pumpkin spice to apple strudel, your customers want to cozy up with a cup of coffee that plucks on their heartstrings and keeps them warm.
Here are some of the most popular coffee flavors for the fall and winter season:
- Pumpkin spice
- Cinnamon maple
- Vanilla nut
- Maple pecan
- Toasted marshmallow s’mores
- Caramel apple
Spring & Summer Coffee Flavors
As winter melts into spring, coffee consumers look for refreshing flavors that welcome the spirit of sunnier days. While some coffee lovers may prefer to cool off with iced beverage options, like cold brews or lattes, many can be found craving a fresh hot cup of coffee on a crisp summer morning.
Here are some of the spring and summer’s most popular summer coffee flavors:
- Blueberry cobbler
- Coconut caramel
- Salted honey
- Java chip
- Iced brown sugar
- Lavender
Adding Flavors to Coffee
Offering flavored coffees and cappuccinos is not the only way to bring seasonal flavors to consumers. There are multiple ways you can bring fun flavor options to your patrons. By including creamers, syrups, and toppings, your customers can more closely craft the hot beverage of their choosing. It's all about offering variety.
Try These Seasonal Coffee Recipes for Yourself
Although all of these seasonal coffee drinks may seem overwhelming, they are relatively simple to recreate at your coffee counter. Below, for example, are two seasonal coffee recipes that you can make within minutes using coffee flavors from Bernick’s!
Fall/Winter Maple Amond Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz. brewed coffee
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 4 drops almond extract
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- Cinnamon, to dust on top
Instructions:
- Brew coffee
- Heat milk for 40 seconds, then whisk or shake until it becomes frothy
- Pour maple syrup into a mug. Stir in the coffee, almond extract, and frothed milk
- Sprinkle cinnamon if desired
Spring/Summer Whipped Coconut Cream Coffee Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces brewed coffee
- 1 to 2 ounces of coconut syrup
- ⅓ cup of whipped coconut cream
- Cocoa powder to dust on top
Instructions:
- Brew coffee
- Combine coffee with coconut syrup
- Stir to combine, then whip in the coconut cream
- Sprinkle with cocoa powder if desired
Speak to a Coffee Specialist
Your consumers are accustomed to a seasonal rotation of goods and services, even if they are unaware of it. By offering something on a limited-time basis, you can create a sense of urgency or desire and maintain a fresh and relevant image. Take the first step towards this winning strategy and connect with a hot beverage specialist about seasonal offerings and coffee flavors.
