New research has revealed that coffee cups are becoming a status symbol among younger consumers, with three quarters of Gen Z saying they care what a coffee cup looks like, compared to 69% of millennials and just 39% of boomers.
The study, commissioned by McDonald’s UK, found that one in ten Gen Z respondents admit to matching their coffee cup to their outfit. One in four say coffee has become too expensive, and one in five now describe coffee as a luxury rather than an everyday purchase.
Gen Z spending habits
Gen Z spend an average of £199.68 a year on takeaway coffees — 16% more than the boomer generation. The findings come as McDonald’s UK unveils a refreshed McCafé offering, pairing a lighter roast made from 100% Arabica beans with new Salted Caramel and Vanilla Syrups.
The products come with a new purple and yellow design on the cups. McDonald’s is also offering cost-effective options. Prices for the revamped McCafé drinks start from £1.29 for a single espresso, and top out at £2.19 for a flat white, cappuccino or latté.
Blind taste test
KISS Breakfast presenter Chloe Burrows teamed up with McDonald's to challenge Londoners to a blind taste test of the revamped coffee. Chloe said: “As someone who's up at the crack of dawn every weekday for radio, coffee is basically a colleague for me at this point and decent coffee is a must. A Maccies Vanilla Latte is my go-to, fuelling those early mornings on air.”
Several participants said they would expect to pay between £4 and £5 for the coffee, before learning it was a cheaper McCafé product.
