Everywhere you go, it is almost impossible not to spot people holding their plastic cup of iced coffee.
These cold beverages are no longer reserved for the hot weather – one can see it in someone’s office table, at the park benches, and in school desks, any time of the day, all year round.
Further, it is no longer something that is enjoyed on special occasions but has become something that fuels someone’s day. People drink iced coffee before or while working or studying, while catching up with their friends, or just during days they feel like getting a much-needed coffee break.
If there is such a thing as a coffee religion, the caffeine-boosted younger generations would most probably fill its hall of worship.
The growing popularity of this cold beverage can also be seen through the emergence of the continuously expanding cafe culture, encouraging more people to try different versions of the classic iced coffee through various coffee shops and booths.
But what makes iced coffee so irresistible, especially among Generation Zs and millennials?
Social media and iced coffee
Gen Zs are avid followers of social media trends. Media intelligence and social listening tool Meltwater said at least 30.6 percent of the 84.45 million social media users in the Philippines are part of the Gen Z cohorts aged 18 to 24 years old.
And although trends often only last for a couple of months, there is this one trend that still hasn’t met its end. Social media sites like TikTok and Facebook paved the way for the immense growth of this iced coffee-loving age-group.
In the short-form video sharing site TikTok, one would find many avid coffee drinkers sharing their favorite go-to “recipe” they ask their local baristas to make. These drinks are often infused with pumps of quirky flavored syrups, cold foam, and blended milks that allow customers a whole new coffee experience.
Apart from the ingenious coffee mixes, TikTokers would also share among their viewers some cafe recommendations they can visit on their next coffee shop hunting adventures. Here, reviews about the place, ambience, food, and drinks can be found.
Meanwhile, there are several groups and communities on Facebook where users can also share their favorite iced coffee mixes.
Why is it so popular?
According to Romeo Diaz Jr., a small business owner and a barista, the prominence of iced coffee can be stemmed from its virality.
He noted that while iced coffees have been sought after by many consumers years prior, the widespread availability of “second wave” coffee shops.
“It remains popular due to the ongoing trend, as well as its widespread availability. Coffee shops can now be found almost anywhere you go,” the 19-year-old told republicasia.
In addition, Avin Dela Cruz said his admiration for iced coffee was heavily influenced by his sister who is also a chef.
He is a sweet-tooth and a cup of cold coffee is his usual sugar fix because it helps amplify his energy to get through the day.
“Hindi ko alam if it’s just a placebo effect but nakaka-boost talaga sya for me,” said Dela Cruz.
Moreover, a Broad Market Index (BMI) article by the Fitch Solution reported that the ongoing westernization of lifestyles among Asian countries like the Philippines has increased the popularity of coffee consumption, especially within the young urban populations and the middle classes.
It wrote that because these trends are being largely confined to urban areas, increasing populations in cities over the next five years will also support consumption growth of coffee.
“Even in [emerging markets] where coffee drinking has traditionally been more common, such as the Philippines, growing café culture is driving coffee consumption growth in social contexts,” Fitch Solution reported.
Graphic artist Jae Isiderio buys iced coffee, on the other hand, because it has been part of her routine. She also drinks coffee as part of her coping mechanism.
Meanwhile, college student Ara Mateo does this for the gram. She often travels around the metro to find new cafes to try out.
Courtesy: Ara Mateo
Cafe recommendations around the metro
Finding the perfect coffee shop with great tasting coffee and relaxing ambience could be quite an endeavor as there are plenty of new cafes in the market.
But worry not because republicasia has curated a list of coffee shops you can try based on the recommendations of our case studies.
Location: Malvar Street, Tondo, Manila
Price range: P90 – P105
Must try: Lado coffee
Location: Muralla Street, Intramuros, Manila
Price range: P60 – P105
Must try: Spanish Latte
Location: Lualhati Street, Tondo, Manila
Price range: P55 – P130
Must try: White Mocha
Location: Noval Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Price range: P160 – P230
Must try: White Mocha
How it affects people’s health
Too much of anything could pose dangers in one’s health and iced coffees are no exemptions to these.
According to a WebMD article, excessive amounts of caffeine in the body often leads to insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, and increased heart rate. It might also cause headache, anxiety, chest pain, and even death.
Isiderio shared that whenever she drinks three or more cups of iced coffee, her gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often gets triggered. This causes her intense stomach and vomiting.
On the other hand, Diaz shared that the only problem he encountered with his frequent coffee consumption was difficulty in sleeping, especially after drinking espresso-based beverages. Nonetheless, he said he still enjoys sipping his daily dose of coffee.
“I tend to feel a bit restless even when it’s already 5:00 AM. However, I still love coffee and feel that I need it,” he said.
