15 Weirdest Coffee Trends from Around the World
Coffee culture has evolved dramatically over the centuries, shifting from simple brewed beans to elaborate concoctions that sometimes barely resemble the traditional beverage. As coffee shops compete for attention and social media fuels the hunt for the next Instagram-worthy cup, baristas and entrepreneurs worldwide have pushed the boundaries of what coffee can be.
Here is a list of 15 of the strangest coffee trends that have emerged across the globe, from the mildly unusual to the downright bizarre.
Kopi Luwak
Perhaps the most infamous weird coffee trend is Indonesia’s kopi luwak, which is made from coffee beans that have been eaten, partially digested, and then excreted by civet cats. The digestive enzymes supposedly alter the beans’ flavor profile, creating a smooth, less acidic brew.
However, ethical concerns about animal treatment have rightfully dampened enthusiasm for this extremely expensive coffee variety.
Coffee in an Avocado Shell
Someone decided to present coffee in hollowed-out avocado shells after avocado toast proved inadequate. Australia first adopted this environmentally friendly but unworkable practice, then it rapidly went around social media.
Though drinking from an uneven, slippery fruit shell remains a dangerous experience, the bitter coffee against the delicate avocado residues produces a fascinating taste contrast.
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Cheese Coffee
Cheese-topped coffee has lately become rather common in Asia, especially China and Taiwan. Over hot or cold coffee, a thick layer of sweet, salted cheese froth floats atop to provide a creamy, savory-sweet mix.
Like salted caramel pastries, the bitterness of the coffee and the saltiness of the cheese produce complexity.
Butter Coffee
Inspired by traditional Tibetan butter tea, butter coffee—also known as “bulletproof coffee”—combines MCT oil with black coffee and grass-fed butter. Advocates of ketogenic diets say it supports energy and cognitive ability.
Though dietitians disagree on its nutritional advantages, many find the butter to have a rich, creamy texture to be rather gratifying.
Mushroom Coffee
Ground and added to coffee for their supposed health advantages are medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, lion’s mane, and reishi. These mushrooms reportedly lower the acidity of coffee and have adaptogenic qualities that assist the body in stress management.
Surprisingly, the earthy taste of mushrooms balances the natural profile of coffee without tasting like your morning cup made with garden dirt.
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Coffee Lemonade
This unexpected pairing combines cold brew coffee with lemonade for a refreshing summer beverage. The citrus acidity enhances coffee’s natural brightness while the sweetness balances its bitterness.
Popular in Scandinavian countries, this oddly refreshing combination has slowly gained traction in specialty coffee shops worldwide.
Coffee Cone Cocktails
Taking presentation to new heights, some establishments serve coffee in ice cream cones lined with chocolate. The race against time to drink the coffee before it leaks through the cone adds an element of excitement to the coffee-drinking experience.
These treats are often finished with whipped cream and various toppings, blurring the line between beverage and dessert.
Charcoal Lattes
Activated charcoal has made its way into everything from toothpaste to ice cream, and coffee is no exception. Black as night, these lattes contain activated charcoal that supposedly detoxifies the body.
The striking visual contrast of white milk art against the pitch-black background makes for dramatic photos, though the slightly gritty texture takes some getting used to.
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Blue Algae Coffee
Spirulina and blue algae lattes create a stunning turquoise beverage that looks nothing like traditional coffee. Often served without actual coffee (though sometimes paired with an espresso shot on the side), these drinks cater more to the eye than the palate.
The slightly oceanic flavor is an acquired taste that many try once purely for the photogenic result.
Egg Coffee
Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng) features a custardy topping made of egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk. The rich, dessert-like experience has been a Vietnamese tradition since the 1940s when milk was scarce.
The velvety texture and sweet flavor transform coffee into something closer to tiramisu in a cup.
Coffee Fruit Tea
While most coffee beverages use roasted beans, this trend utilizes the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean, typically discarded during processing. Cascara, as it’s called, produces a sweet, fruity tea with subtle coffee notes and significantly less caffeine.
This sustainable approach gives coffee cherry husks a second life instead of becoming agricultural waste.
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Nitro Coffee
Infused with nitrogen gas, this coffee variant has a creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of stout beer, complete with cascading bubbles and a frothy head. The nitrogen infusion reduces perceived acidity and adds a slight sweetness without any added sugar.
The dramatic pour and velvety texture have made it a mainstay in specialty coffee shops across America.
Broccoli Coffee
In Australia, nutritionists created broccoli coffee by adding broccoli powder to espresso drinks. Aimed at increasing vegetable consumption among those who typically avoid greens, this unusual combination provides nutrients while disguising the vegetable flavor behind coffee’s stronger profile.
The resulting green-tinged latte might not win beauty contests, but it delivers a nutritional boost.
Coffee Kombucha
Fermented coffee combines the probiotic benefits of kombucha with coffee’s energizing properties. The fermentation process reduces acidity and caffeine while creating complex flavors ranging from fruity to vinegary.
This unusual fusion appeals to gut health enthusiasts who don’t want to give up their coffee habit.
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Clear Coffee
Scientists have developed transparent coffee by treating high-quality beans with methods that maintain flavor while removing the compounds that create coffee’s brown color. This odd creation promises the caffeine kick and taste of coffee without the teeth-staining effects.
The colorless liquid looks like water but delivers a familiar coffee experience, making it perfect for those concerned about dental hygiene.
Beyond the Bean
Coffee’s journey from simple black brew to these extraordinary variations reflects our constant desire for novelty and reinvention. While some trends focus on health benefits, others prioritize visual appeal or unexpected flavor combinations.
Whether these unusual coffee variants represent the future of coffee consumption or merely passing fads remains to be seen. What’s certain is that our relationship with coffee continues to evolve, proving that even something as fundamental as a cup of coffee can be reimagined in surprising ways. The humble coffee bean has come a long way from its Ethiopian origins, and these weird trends suggest its journey is far from over.
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