5 Unexpected Consumer Insights: Hot Versus Iced Coffee Drinkers (Including Interest in Dunkin’ Spiked Drinks)

by | Aug 22, 2023

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Americans love their coffee – CivicScience data show 85% of adults are coffee drinkers. Nearly three-fourths (72%) of those coffee drinkers prefer their coffee fix to be hot rather than iced, though the percentage of consumers who prefer iced coffee drinks has jumped nine points since 2021 to 27%. Gen Z is powering this shift – adults 55 and older overwhelmingly prefer hot coffee (90%), while Gen Z adults are the most likely to prefer iced coffee (60%).

Additionally, iced coffee has been getting a lot of attention recently. Dunkin’ threw the coffee world a curveball last week by announcing the release of spiked iced coffees and teas. Data following Dunkin’s release show 23% of drinking-age U.S. adults (21+) have some level of interest in trying spiked iced coffee in general, while a similar 21% feel at least ‘somewhat’ likely to try Dunkin’ spiked drinks. 

Here’s how those who prefer hot coffee differ from those who instead lean toward iced coffee, and where they both stand on Dunkin’s new spiked iced coffee line: