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In the modern rhythm of life, young people are often looking for ways to stay focused and energetic throughout the day. Coffee and energy drinks remain the most popular means of doing so. Both products have their advantages and disadvantages, but recent research shows a shift in consumer preferences.

Statistics and trends

According to a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, more than 68% of students regularly consume caffeine. Among them, 43% choose coffee, and 25% choose energy drinks. In Ukraine, the results are similar: according to the U-Report 2023 survey, 61% of young people aged 16-25 prefer coffee, while 31% consume energy drinks.

Coffee as a source of energy

The caffeine in coffee acts as a natural stimulant of the central nervous system. It improves attention, reaction, and cognitive function. In addition, coffee contains antioxidants, including polyphenols, which can reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases. According to a meta-analysis published in the BMJ in 2017, regular consumption of 3-4 cups of coffee per day is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and Alzheimer&#39;s.

However, excessive coffee consumption (more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which corresponds to about 5-6 cups) can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, and addiction.

Energy drinks: a quick effect with potential consequences

Energy drinks contain not only caffeine, but also sugar, taurine, guarana, L-carnitine, and B vitamins. They provide a quick burst of energy, but this effect is often short-lived and is accompanied by a sharp decline in activity after it ends.

A study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings shows that regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and in some cases, seizures. There is also evidence of a link between energy drink consumption and increased anxiety, sleep problems, and mood disorders among young people. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not officially recommend energy drinks for use by people under 24 years of age, as their effects on the developing nervous system can be unpredictable.

Social and cultural choices

Despite the aggressive marketing of energy brands, more and more young people are switching to coffee or looking for healthier alternatives: matcha, kombucha, adaptogenic teas. For many, a coffee shop is not only a place to pick up a drink, but also a space for socialization. Thus, coffee plays not only a functional but also a cultural role.

Coffee and energy drinks are products of different origins and effects that perform the same function: they stimulate the body. But their effect, safety, and long-term consequences are different. Scientific research shows that moderate coffee consumption is a much safer option. Meanwhile, frequent consumption of energy drinks is associated with a number of serious risks, especially for a young body.

A rational approach to choosing a drink is an important part of taking care of yourself in everyday life.

Coffee vs energy drinks: how young people's choices are changing

In a world where the rhythm of life is dictated by social media and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is a new symbol of self-expression, the line between habit and lifestyle is blurring. Coffee is no longer just a drink, and TikTok is not just a platform. These are cultural codes that shape a new domestic reality.

Home coffee machines today are works of design. Stylish Italian geyser, automatic with a display, or a minimalist power station. All this is a part of the interior, a part of yourself. Young and older generations are increasingly organizing morning rituals with coffee not only for the sake of caffeine, but also for the sake of the process - slow, meaningful, stylish.

Videos of latte making in aesthetic cups, with perfect foam pouring and gentle music are not just content. It&#39;s a new way of living. Your own kitchen becomes an art space, and coffee becomes a meditation.

TikTok has turned home rituals into trends. In short videos, we see how people create an atmosphere: they shoot footage with sunlight, neatly folded laundry, screens with a forest backdrop and soft light. This is not just everyday life. It&#39;s a mood that you want to follow.

Influencers show you how to make drinks, how to decorate the kitchen, how to start the day with an &quot;aesthetic&quot; breakfast. Algorithms push videos with the hashtags #morningroutine, #coffeecorner, #slowmorning. And we - consciously or not - begin to imitate.

Instead of a TV set, a silent TikTok scroll. Instead of rushing, it&#39;s an &quot;aesthetic routine&quot;. New generations are looking for peace and inspiration not in the outside world, but in their own apartment. They find pleasure in the details: the texture of a wooden table, the clink of a spoon in a coffee cup, the lamp light. 
It&#39;s not about productivity anymore. It&#39;s about presence. The &quot;here and now&quot; culture is now not only in psychological books, but also in everyday life. 
TikTok brings together cavolubs from different countries: Japanese match ceremonies, Italian espresso breaks, Scandinavian hygge, American flatwheats in cars. Everyone can choose their own inspiration and weave it into their day. And it doesn&#39;t matter where you live - trends at home are built through your phone screen.

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Coffee and TikTok are more than habits. They are cultural phenomena that shape a new quality of everyday life. They inspire us to slow down, to enjoy visual pleasure, to build a lifestyle. And if once &quot;home&quot; was synonymous with &quot;everyday&quot;, now it is a field for experiments, aesthetics and new meanings.

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The world is changing. But change begins with a kitchen cup and the first swipe.

Coffee and TikTok: how new trends are changing home habits

To find your perfect coffee, you don&#39;t need to delve into complicated terms or read long articles. There are only a few factors that really matter: the type of coffee, the degree of roast, the method of preparation, and your own body&#39;s sensitivity.

Let&#39;s start with the varieties. The most common are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a mild, balanced flavor, often with fruity or floral notes. It contains less caffeine and is acidic in nature. Robusta is more bitter, sharper in flavor, with a high caffeine content. On average, the caffeine content in Robusta is up to 2.7%, while in Arabica it is about 1.2%. For beginners, 100% Arabica or mild blends with a small addition of Robusta (up to 20%) are usually suitable.

Next is the degree of roasting. Light roasting preserves acidity and emphasizes regional flavors such as berries, citrus, and tropical notes. It is best revealed in filter methods. Medium roast is a universal roast: a balance between sweetness, acidity and light bitterness, ideal for espresso. Dark roasting almost completely eliminates acidity, gives a bitter-chocolate or even smoky profile - it is the choice of those who add milk or want &quot;strong coffee&quot;.

It&#39;s equally important to consider your own physiology. People with sensitive stomachs or gastritis should avoid highly acidic coffees, especially those from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yemen. In such cases, you should choose medium or dark roasted Arabica from Latin America, especially Brazil, or cold brew - this method has a lower acidity and a milder effect on the mucous membranes.

Remember: instant coffee is not an alternative to high-quality beans. It often contains processed by-products, additional flavors, and sometimes sugar or palm oil. It provides neither a real taste nor a stable caffeine effect. If quality is important, you should pay attention to the origin of the beans, the date of roasting, and the processing method (washed, natural, hani, etc.).

Beginners should also keep in mind that coffee develops differently depending on the grind, water temperature, water type, and brewing method. For example, the same coffee in a kemex can produce a clean, bright profile, while an espresso can produce a thick, concentrated drink with a different balance of acids and bitterness. There is no &quot;one right way&quot; - you should try different things and record what you like.

Scientific research confirms that different coffees have different effects on cognitive function, blood pressure, mood, and even gut microbiota. For example, dark roasted coffee contains more antioxidants, while light roasted coffee contains more chlorogenic acid, which affects glucose metabolism. Therefore, the choice of coffee is not only a matter of taste, but also of personal well-being.

If you want to simplify your choice, focus on three basic parameters: the degree of roasting (taste), the ratio of Arabica to Robusta (strength of effect), and the level of acidity (stomach reaction). This is enough to find the right coffee for you the first time.

Guide: How to choose the right coffee for you without reading too much

Moving to another country and switching to a remote work format is a lot of stress for the psyche. The environment changes, familiar routes disappear, social ties break down, and the working day loses its clear structure. In this new state, any stable habit can become a point of support - and for many people, coffee becomes such a habit.

When everything around you is new, the familiar taste and aroma of coffee helps reduce anxiety. Research from Harvard Medical School says that simple rituals that include smell and taste can stabilize the emotional background. Even a few minutes spent with a cup of coffee in the morning can restore a sense of control, something that is often lost during the period of adaptation.

Coffee has another important function - social. In a new city, it becomes a reason to meet people: &quot;let&#39;s go for coffee&quot; is a universal suggestion that does not need to be translated or explained. And for those who work from home, coffee is not only a way to collect their thoughts, but also a signal that work is about to begin. A cup of coffee during a short online break can replace the same conversation at the water cooler in the office that is often lacking in remote work.

Caffeine also has a physiological effect: it stimulates brain activity, reduces fatigue, and improves concentration. This is important when the workplace is the same space where a person lives and rests. Coffee gives you a sense of beginning: as if you are pressing the start button on your working day.

For many people in their new life circumstances, coffee becomes a small but stable ritual. And this is its power: it helps to withstand changes, adjust the internal rhythm and make what is often a very difficult period a little easier.

How coffee helps you survive remote work and emigration

In today&#39;s world, mindful eating is no longer a trend - it&#39;s the new normal. More and more people are consciously avoiding sugar, lactose, gluten, and artificial additives and switching to healthier alternatives. This change in diet has a significant impact on the culture of coffee consumption. We&#39;ll tell you how in this article.

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1. Sugar-free coffee is a new classic

Just a few years ago, sugar-free coffee was the choice of those with a bitter taste or people on a diet. Today, it is the standard for many. People refuse added sugar not only for aesthetic or dietary reasons, but also for health reasons: excess sugar is associated with chronic fatigue, insulin resistance, and skin problems.

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2. Alternative milk is no longer an alternative, but a staple 
Vegetable milk substitutes - plant-based milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut or nuts - have long gone beyond niche stores. Many coffee shops in Ukraine keep several options on their menus, and it&#39;s not just an &quot;option for lactose intolerance&quot; but part of the flavor palette. 
Coffee with oat milk has gained immense popularity: it has a delicate texture, natural sweetness, and goes well with espresso. And those who like bitter coffee choose minimalist options - black coffee, Americano, or filter coffee.

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3. Gluten-free culture - fewer snacks, more attention to grains 
People who avoid gluten often exclude cookies, croissants, and cakes from their coffee ritual, which traditionally went with a cup of coffee. This has reduced spontaneous coffee snacking and at the same time increased interest in the quality of coffee itself. 
Instead of focusing on desserts, people are paying attention to the origin of the beans, roasting, and preparation method. More and more people are diving deeper into the topic of specialty coffee, replacing sweetness with an understanding of the flavor notes in the cup.

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4. Health and consciousness as drivers of consumption 
People who refuse certain products tend to read labels more carefully, trust local brands more, and look for sustainability in everything - including coffee. They choose flavorless, minimally processed, organic, ethical beans. 
This audience is inclined to invest in coffee machines, mills, and alternative brewing methods - V60, Chemex, AeroPress - to control the entire brewing process and be sure of quality.

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5. Social aspect: a new coffee community 
Along with changes in nutrition, a new coffee culture is being formed. People are uniting around the &quot;healthy cup,&quot; sharing coffee recipes with adaptogens, adding spices instead of syrups, making &quot;bulletproof&quot; coffee or matcha latte. 
This creates a space for brands and coffee shops: it is important to offer not just coffee, but an experience that is clean, transparent, and responsible. In this environment, new formats are born: tastings without milk, coffee &amp; mindfulness, and collaborations with nutritionists.

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Bottom line. 
The world of coffee is undergoing a profound transformation - and at its center is a new, more conscious consumer. Avoiding sugar, gluten, lactose, or artificial additives is not just a fashion trend, but a manifestation of concern for health, well-being, and inner balance. People are increasingly moving away from the usual &quot;coffee + cake&quot; templates and instead choose natural flavors, high-quality grains, simplicity, and meaning. 
This opens up new horizons for both individual coffee connoisseurs and businesses. Coffee shops, producers, brands - everyone who knows how to listen and adapt - get a chance to build new relationships with the audience: honest, deep, and based on shared values. Because modern coffee is no longer just about energy in the morning. It&#39;s about choice. It&#39;s about the way you treat yourself. It&#39;s about lifestyle. 
Therefore, the future of coffee culture is not in syrups and cream, but in transparency, taste, emotions, and sincere care. And this is good news for everyone who loves real coffee.

How does coffee consumption change among people who have given up sugar, gluten, milk, etc.

Summer 2025 has brought new flavors, unexpected combinations, and bright coffee experiments. If earlier the main summer heroes were the usual frappe or classic ice latte, this season the emphasis has shifted to more complex combinations, new textures and exotic notes.

One of the main favorites is cold brew, which is cold brewed coffee that takes on new shapes. Variants with tropical flavors are in fashion: passion fruit, yuzu, lime and basil. Many coffee shops serve cold brew with coconut or almond water, which makes it even lighter and more refreshing. The cold brew with yuzu syrup and frozen matcha tea ice has received special attention - it&#39;s a real sip of exoticism in the city noise.

Summer is the time for plant-based milk, but this year&#39;s latte with coconut or pistachio milk has become more than an alternative - it&#39;s a new standard for gourmets. A real discovery was the lavender-rice blend that came from South Korea: it gives coffee an unusual softness and flavor.

Espresso tonic, a mixture of espresso and tonic with a slice of orange or lime, is also gaining popularity. It is ordered by those who want vigor without heaviness. But the trend for coffee citrus shots is even bolder: double espresso with lemon essence, ice cubes, and a pinch of chili. The taste is bold but unforgettable.

Another interesting trend is coffee drinks with berry puree, sparkling water, lemon juice, and a few drops of coffee. These are semi-cocktails that have a fruit base and a light aftertaste of coffee. They are drunk during the day as a refreshing drink that does not weigh you down, but leaves a pleasant note of familiar flavor.

Hybrids of matcha + espresso, cocoa + cold brew, or coffee with adaptogens such as lavender, rooibos, maca, or acai have become a must-have for those who combine taste with health. Not only do these drinks taste unusual, but they are also created with well-being in mind: they stimulate, calm, or help you focus.

Flat white ice with floral notes has become a popular option for summer mornings. Ice, milk, thick espresso, and lilac or rose syrup create a delicate, sophisticated drink that not only tastes great but also looks amazing.

Asian influence is evident in bubble coffee - cold brew or milk coffee with tapioca. Textured, sweet, and unusual, this drink is explosively popular on TikTok and among young people. Along with it, nitro coffee is making a comeback - a cold brew saturated with nitrogen, served like a beer drink with thick foam. In 2025, its flavor palette was expanded to include berries, lavender syrup, and even cucumber juice.

This season, coffee is not only about taste, but also about aesthetics. Videos of people filming their &quot;coffee ritual&quot; are popular on social media: slow cooking, spilled milk, falling ice cubes, and fragrant drops of syrup. In 2025, coffee is no longer just a drink, but a way of self-expression and a source of inspiration.

This summer is the best time to try something new. From the classic cold brew to lavender latte or bubble coffee with tapioca, this season&#39;s coffee fashion calls for not being limited to templates, but to experiment, taste and enjoy each new variation

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