What’s Brewing On Social Media - A Look At How Popular Platforms Are Sparking Trends And Transforming The Coffee Industry

What social media platforms do you use most often, and what are your primary reasons for spending time on your favorite sites? 

Do you hop on Facebook to connect with family, sharing updates, photos, and more? 

Or, do you use Instagram to stay connected to friends, colleagues, and classmates while keeping up with the most current topics in health, wellness, and politics?

Is TikTok your go-to for tips, trends, and other resources? 

What about YouTube? WhatsApp? 

There is no shortage of social media platforms today, and these spaces not only provide a way to create and share content, they also allow us to engage, communicate, and connect with folks near and far.

And, because of this seemingly limitless access to information and community, social media is changing multiple aspects of our culture, affecting everything from business, medicine, marketing, relationships, politics, fashion, and even food…including coffee!

From influencers, bloggers, companies, and simply your average joe sharing about their love of a delicious cup of joe, social media platforms are becoming increasingly filled with recipes, resources, pics, tips, and trends surrounding the world’s favorite bean.

As you can imagine, we’re here for all of it - so much so, that we’d like to take a closer look at how social media is influencing the coffee industry, including some java-fueled exploration into some tasty (and fun) coffee-themed trends these platforms have brought to the world. 

So, pour yourself a mug or glass of your favorite Lifeboost bean, and let’s see what’s brewing on social media these days…

Social Media And The Coffee Industry

We mentioned that social media is shaping the coffee industry, but how? 

What is it about these commonly used platforms that is sparking trends and transforming today’s coffee culture? 

As we all know, social media is changing the way we receive information as a society. 

Instead of black and white newspapers, the latest edition of a fashion magazine, or a paper-bound health journal, the internet provides a world of information right at our fingertips.

And, social media does this in bite-size clips, presenting visuals as well as a wide variety of information explaining everything from cortisol levels, weather trends, what’s happening across the globe, what’s happening in your corner of the world, and yes, even tips for an easily prepared dinner on a busy Thursday night. 

Of course, within this plethora of information, we also, basically, find out how the world takes their coffee, as folks and companies alike share aesthetically pleasing brews, the best health-boosters for your mug, what’s popular, how to make a spectacular cup, and more. 

Amidst all of this, there’s actually a bit of science, or conclusions based on analyzed data, that provide some insight into the power of social media in this regard. 

And, these findings indicate that the greatest ways social media has impacted the coffee industry involve the following - visual appeal, the shaping of both consumer and industry preferences through shared trends, consumer education, marketing, and engagement. 

So, let’s take a look at these individually…

1- Let’s Get Visual

Let’s face it, we are routinely, easily, motivated by our senses. 

In many ways, our senses even drive our behaviors. 

When something smells pleasant, our curiosity is peaked, and our brain’s pleasure centers are activated.

Even greater, when something looks appealing, we’re completely drawn in, activating those same pleasure centers in the brain, causing us to deeply desire the visual masterpiece placed before our eyes.

• A perfectly white fluffy layer of cold foam resting lightly on top of rich, dark-hued cold brew. 
• Masterfully created latte art gracing the surface of a warm cup of what can only be divinely prepared java. 
• Condensation beads form on the outside of a glass while swirls of rich, velvety cream separate the darkness of the brew, your eyes captivated as the cup fills higher and higher, stopping near the rim of the glass, now topped off with pillowy clouds of whipped cream followed by shavings and curls of decadent milk chocolate.
  

These images and videos, such as the ones described above, which we now commonly see on social media, are truly mesmerizing. 

Caramel drizzled on the inside of a glass, milk foam poured in pattern, the slow pouring of one’s morning brew, steam rising, hands clasped around a large, colorful mug…

These images bring intrigue, they beckon our creative curiosity, and they speak of community, each of which stems from a familiar language (coffee) spoken by the masses.

When we see a familiar cup, we connect. 

When we watch an instructional video showcasing the preparation of a trendy brew, we’re intrigued (shopping list in hand). 

When we share our own coffee creations, we engage. 

These visuals, whether we’re looking on or posting our own pics and videos, they beckon us to try new brews, create a sense of community with other coffee lovers, and teach us how to tackle tried and true tricks like latte art, achieving the perfect cold foam, and concocting the best macchiatos, smoothies, frappes, matcha espressos, and so much more. 

Through the power of aesthetics, social media has taken international cups like Vietnamese iced milk coffee and South Korean dalgona coffee and made them world-over wonders. 

These platforms have taken barista-grade brews and allowed us to channel these superpowers in our own kitchens. 

Through visuals and videos, posts and shares, social media has expanded our love of coffee without a single sip.

2- Trendsetting - Shaping Consumer Preferences And Industry Shifts Alike

Okay, okay don’t blame the messenger here - but, according to the experts, we’re all pretty easily influenced.

I mean, we are talking about coffee though, so it’s not like we need a lot of arm twisting, right? 

Back to the experts though…

Social media is all about sharing, so when influencers share their go-to coffee orders, recipes, and at-home tips, the average consumer seeks to give these things a try. 

Combine this with the fact that consumers commonly rely on the opinions - think reviews, posts, and shares - of others when it comes to purchasing patterns, and you’ve got a recipe for social media driven success (or failure). 

Think about it, when we’re thinking of trying a new coffee recipe, new roast, flavored selection, etc. what do we typically do? I don’t know about you, but generally I research. 

What are others saying about light roast? How does Lifeboost describe their light roast? Anybody shouting about light roast from the rooftops (it’s me, I’m the one forever shouting of my love for light roast from the rooftops)?

We scour reviews, testimonials, ads, and posts, and all of these sources of consumer experience and preference then weigh into our decisions. 

This isn’t too surprising. But, did you know this principle essentially works in reverse as well? 

In other words, consumers aren’t the only ones influenced by what the masses are sipping and sharing. 

The coffee industry is equally as influenced by these trends. Just as consumers are made aware of brands, trends, tips, recipes, and more, coffee companies also learn what’s hot and what’s not through online happenings across social media platforms. 

Personally, what I find to be really cool about this is how social media highlights individual and community voices. 

For instance, when the coffee community, seen across multiple social media platforms, speaks out more and more about a desire for clean, chemical-free coffee, this puts pressure on companies to incorporate practices which protect the environment. 

Likewise, if consumers make their voices known across social media regarding the desire for more plant based milk options (without an upcharge) in cafes across America, eventually corporations take note, and soon the addition of coconut milk to your latte (as opposed to conventional milk) is an equally substituted option. 

So…

When companies and influencers make the public aware of artisanal brewing techniques, consumers up their at-home coffee game. 

When your feed becomes increasingly filled with posts highlighting the fabulous flavors experienced when making your own naturally sweetened coffee creamer, dates and coconut milk, etc. fill shopping carts. 

And, when consumers fill social media platforms with discussions about pesticide free coffee, companies take note. 

When consumers take interest in cold brew, companies provide products and education to their customers to help them make the best batch of cold brew they’ve ever tasted. 

I suppose you could say social media presents a win-win situation for both companies and consumers alike, allowing voices, preferences, and options to be heard and shared openly.

3- Information And Education

Building on what we mentioned above, the other way social media is transforming the coffee industry is through the ease of sharing information and education. 

Take Lifeboost, for instance, through our social media presence, we’ve been able to share recipes, how-to videos, information about the health benefits of Lifeboost Coffee, our coffee-growing methods, our passion, the causes we support, and so much more. 

Through social media, companies now have a near direct line to consumers, which means providing the information consumers seek is easier than ever. 

Want to know the impact of conventional coffee growing practices on rainforest habitats? 

Want to know how low acid coffee can be a game-changer for those java-lovers suffering with acid reflux and other digestive issues? 

Want to know the best way to prepare dark roast coffee? 

From company-specific ads and posts to influencer videos, and more, your questions can be answered in no time. 

Even from consumer to consumer, a quick reel or post can transform your morning brew as you incorporate an intriguing recipe or brewing method…all from information you gleaned on social media.

These platforms have even made learning about products, like coffee, fun. 

Have you ever watched a video detailing how coffee is roasted? 

Ever seen a mixologist concoct an amazing coffee cocktail right before your eyes, from the comfort of your favorite chair? 

Social media has brought a world of information, through tutorials, posts, videos, ads, and more right to the front porch of our minds…pretty phenomenal when you think about it!

4- Marketing

Aside from educating the masses about products and techniques, the coffee industry is also changing the way they reach consumers due to the popularity of social media. 

Between algorithms and ad space, social media is practically a treasure chest, filled with opportunities for companies to let consumers know all they want or need to know about their products. 

Got a new coffee flavor you’re excited for your customer base to try? Share it on social media. 

Running a sale on a specific roast, product, or service? Share it on social media.

While these platforms certainly aren’t the only way to reach consumers, depending on your audience and the specific goals of your marketing campaign, there’s no denying the effectiveness of social media when it comes to advertising. 

Social media even provides a bit of ‘free advertising’ for companies, a bonus perk, I suppose you could call it. 

How? Because what do we do when we find a brand of coffee, like Lifeboost, that is mold-free, toxin-free, chemical-free, sustainably grown, single origin, shade/elevation grown, and ooohhh soooo good? 

We post about it, right? 

And, those consumer posts are essentially free advertising for the companies we know, love, and trust.

5- Connection, Community, And Coffee

One of my favorite aspects of how social media is transforming the coffee industry involves the ability of such platforms to provide a source of connection and means of engagement for so many. 

Coffee, in and of itself, is a powerful tool for connecting with others. 

Historically, folks have met in cafes over cups of coffee to discuss everything from literature and art to politics and even revolution/liberation. 

And today, it’s still so very comforting to meet friends and family at a local cafe to sip a tasty brew and chat about life’s joys, sorrows, excitement, and everything in between. 

But, with the popularity of social media, even when you can’t leave your home (or don’t want to), there’s a source of coffee-connection across these platforms that meets our deep need for belonging, for community, even from afar. 

Concerning companies, social media serves as a source of connection here too, with these platforms providing a direct line of contact between consumers and the brands they love and/or want to learn more about. 

Whether it’s in a group, a comment section on a post, etc. on social media we have the opportunity to chat with companies, customer service, fellow coffee lovers, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers about trends, preferred methods, go-to cup enhancers, health, and so much more.

As always, coffee truly brings people together…and nowadays, social media provides an extra medium through which connection can occur.

What’s Trending In 2025?

Now that we’ve seen the power of social media when it comes to the coffee industry, let’s take a look at what’s really brewing (or trending) across these platforms.

1- Functional Coffee

We’re a health-conscious society these days, and this push towards fueling our bodies with what they need to thrive has pushed niche market finds to the mainstream stage. 

For instance, adding adaptogens like lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms to coffee can amplify your healthy brew’s benefits by boosting immunity, reducing stress, and enhancing your ability to focus. 

Unfortunately, finding a brew like this used to require a specified search. 

But, as consumers have communicated a desire for these boosts, functional coffee (such as Lifeboost Cognition Coffee) is now a growing trend.

2- Convenience & Cold Brew

More and more, in this fast-paced society, folks are looking for convenience. 

Cold brew, especially, has been growing in popularity due to the increasing demand for easy, fast-prep coffee solutions. 

And this is why you’re likely to find cold brew in increasing quantities and options on your grocer’s shelves.

As an online company, we’ve seen this desire amongst our customer base and now provide convenient items such as our cold brew pouches and Lifeboost Go Bags for quick, on-the go options.

3- Coffee Pods/Capsules

Also stemming from a desire for convenience, coffee pods and capsules continue to trend across social media. 

And, as environmental concerns grow, consumers are demanding these options be either compostable or recyclable (like Lifeboost pods).

4- Protein Coffee

From infusing coffee with collagen to preparing a brew with either a scoop of protein or a bottled protein shakes addition, protein coffee continues to trend across social media platforms. 

This tasty trend has turned an ordinary morning cup of joe to a full-blown, protein-packed, satiating, macro-meeting meal, especially amongst fitness enthusiasts with a social media presence.

5- Coffee Tutorials

Everybody’s a barista these days, and frankly, this has made social media far more interesting, if you ask me!

If you scroll through social media for very long, you’re likely to come across a number of tutorials or videos of people making a variety of decadent-looking coffee treats, from purist concoctions showcasing perfect milk foam art in a cappuccino to adventurous brews featuring muddled fruit or a blowtorched s’mores topping, how-to coffee videos are at the top of the trend charts.

6- All About That Pic

Aesthetics are where it’s at.

I feel like Instagram set us on an aesthetic-seeking path years ago, but we’re still here for it. 

And multitudes of coffee lovers are still eager to share the most epic, taste bud tantalizing photos and videos of their best brews all across the social media space.

7- Sustainability

The more we learn about the impact of conventional coffee growing methods on our planet, and the more we share about those impacts across social media (and beyond), the more folks are realizing the fact that sustainable farming methods are a must!

In fact, people have awakened to this necessity to the point that it’s a trending topic within the coffee industry all across social media! 

What a win!

8- Coffee Is Personal

Another thing we’re seeing across social media platforms can be summed up in one word - individuality! 

From milk alternatives, to natural sugar substitutes, conventional and homemade creamers and syrups, our personal brewing preferences, and more, one thing coffee lovers are communicating across social media is their desire and propensity to take what they’ve read, viewed, and learned through these platforms and implement these trends in a personal way. 

While we can all be influenced by the opinions and reviews of others when it comes to trying a new brew or recipe, something that still remains, a wonderfully powerful thread running through humanity, is a desire for creativity, personality, customization, and individuality. 

And, I don’t know about you, but that’s just one more thing about coffee that makes me smile! 

Happy brewing, friends!

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Cognition Mushroom Ground coffee.

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