Coffee Trends Throughout History

While standing in your office breakroom enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, have you ever wondered how the coffee industry evolved? The coffee trend began in 1773 with the Boston Tea Party, when colonists dumped a whole shipment of tea into the Boston Harbor in protest of a new tea tax, and started drinking brewed coffee instead.

Since then, there have been many new trends in the coffee industry. From different brewing methods and coffee shop trends, to flavor additives and specialty blends, the coffee industry continually transforms to satisfy anyone’s needs.

image of coffee cups

Brewing Methods

In 1773, colonists drank a very simple coffee brewed traditionally with hot water and coffee grounds. Much later, instant coffee was introduced, quickly followed by gourmet coffee. These gourmet coffee beverages ranged from flavored coffee to specialty blends.

That brings us to today’s coffee, which includes lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, etc., all of which can now be made at home with barista-style espresso and cappuccino machines, as well as single-cup brewers equipped with flavors galore. There’s a coffee machine fit for anyone!

When coffee shops were introduced, they quickly became a huge hit in the U.S. This was due to the “social factor”. Coffee has played a part in social culture for a long time, and having a gathering place to drink coffee only elevated that social factor.

Flavor Additives

Today’s generation of coffee drinkers have grown up sipping flavored lattes and iced mocha drinks, and the coffee industry has noticed. By adding seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin spice and peppermint, our access to coffee flavors seems infinite.

Canteen offers many varieties of premium coffee and top-of-the-line coffee machines perfect for the workplace. Visit our Coffee Services page to learn more!

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