# Niche Comfort Indulgent iced coffees are reinvigorated with simple innovations. By [Gil Cohen](https://www.trendhunter.com/ghaddi), SVP Client Success | Published Jul 26, 2016 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/niche-comfort ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Niche Comfort trend? **Niche Comfort:** Constantly pursuing new indulgences that excite, consumers are turning to niche flavor profiles to enhance their cold caffeine fix. With simple twists on traditional tastes and ingredients, coffee brands are not required to stray too far from familiarity to create innovative products that gratify adventurous flavor-seekers, while still enticing less venturesome consumers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 23, 2015 to Jan 9, 2017 - Published: Jul 26, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Niche Comfort trend ### Customizable Beverages The trend of allowing customers to create their own coffee drinks enables unique flavor combinations and increases consumer engagement. ### Plant-Based Add-Ins The use of plant-based water, milks, and sweeteners in coffee drinks provides an alternative for lactose-intolerant or vegan consumers. ### Texture and Flavor Combinations Creating texture and flavor combinations that are both uncommon and appealing to consumers can enhance brands and draw in new customers. ## What the Niche Comfort trend means for industry ### For Beverage Industry The beverage industry can focus on creating new types of flavored coffees and teas using plant-based alternatives and unusual textures. ### For Food Industry The food industry can incorporate unique coffee flavors into dessert recipes or create standalone coffee-flavored treats. ### For Hospitality Industry The hospitality industry can attract new customers by offering trendy and innovative coffee beverages as part of hotel room service, restaurant menus, or in-room coffee stations. ## Workshop question How can your brand balance the fine line between offering a product/service that is distinct, without it being too unfamiliar? ## Trend signals for Niche Comfort Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 38%, activity 34%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 38% - Activity: 34% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Niche Comfort trend 6 featured examples from May 23, 2015 to Jan 9, 2017. - [Coffee Jelly Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-jelly-drink): The TINI Cafe + Bar Turns a Popular Japanese Dessert into a Beverage (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Texture exploration and dessert-inspired beverage trends present opportunities for the food and beverage industry to innovate and create unique products. - [Caffeinated Seed Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sun-coffee): Rawpothecary's 'Sun Coffee' Blends Coffee with Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Beverage companies that experiment with using alternative ingredients as the base for their products have the opportunity to tap into the growing health-conscious and on-the-go ma… - [Indulgent Customized Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customized-coffee): Coffee Bean Now Allows You to Customize Its Ice Blended Drink (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The hospitality industry can leverage the trend of allowing customers to personalize their food and beverage items to create unique and memorable experiences for their guests. - [Cookie-Inspired Coffee Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-sandwich-cookies): This Iced Macchiato Contains Pieces of Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: As consumers seek new and unique drink experiences, coffeehouses and cafes can create innovative beverages that stand out and attract customers. - [Cold Maple Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happy-tree): Happy Tree Fuses Maple Water and Cold-Brewed Coffee (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry can continue to innovate and create new products through the combination of popular ingredients and developing alternatives to traditional beverages. - [Espresso-Flavored Iced Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matcha-espresso-fusion): Starbucks Teavana 'Matcha & Espresso Fusion' is Tasty and Attractive (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating espresso flavors in teas offers a unique value proposition which can disrupt the traditional tea market. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)