Consumers in the UK are increasingly turning to a variety of coffee-flavoured drinks, sparking curiosity about whether these products can truly substitute a freshly brewed cup. The market has seen a proliferation of such offerings, with major brands like Starbucks, Nescafé, and Califia Farms among the many venturing into this space, especially with canned lattes and coffee-flavoured protein drinks.
These ready-to-drink options predominantly feature a milk-to-coffee ratio typical of traditional lattes, but almost all include added sugars or sweeteners, resulting in a decidedly dessert-like beverage. Grind’s Iced Vanilla Oat Latte bucks this trend with a more favourable composition of 40% coffee and is only 57% milk, positioning it as a superior choice for those seeking a less sugary alternative.
While the inclusion of protein in some beverages like Emmi’s Caffe Latte High Protein has been marketed as a nutritional boost, there appears to be little difference in protein content compared to competitors. The drink, alongside Yfood’s meal-replacement This Is Food, may cater to consumers mindful of their health but arguably doesn’t deliver an authentic coffee experience.
Cold brew coffee, celebrated for its smooth and refreshing taste achieved through extended steeping in cold water, is another genre gaining traction. Options like Tesco’s unsweetened cold-brew concentrate present a convenient way to enjoy this beverage during warmer months. Meanwhile, flavoured instant coffees such as Little’s glazed cinnamon have proved surprisingly appealing to some, offering innovative aromas that entice even those less inclined towards traditional coffee.
Highlighting Prominent Coffee Drinks
Grind Iced Vanilla Oat Latte (£2.25 for 250ml at Ocado): Known for its not-too-sweet composition, this beverage combines quality cold brew with oat milk.
Tesco Finest Cold Brew Coffee (£4.50 for 500ml): A versatile cold brew concentrate that pairs well with a hint of citrus or simple water.
Little’s Glazed Cinnamon (£4 for 50g at Ocado): With a tempting doughnut-like aroma, this instant coffee could win over non-coffee enthusiasts.
Union House Roast (£7.50 for 200g at Ocado): A classic home brewing staple, noted for its balanced chocolatey profile.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.