2026 Trend Report: Consumers Want to Make Every Drink Their Own
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The following is a closer look at a trend called The Custom Sip from quench’s 2026 Food & Beverage Trends report, an industry-leading forecast shaping what’s next in food, beverage and consumer behavior. Visit the Trends page on the quench website to request a customized presentation of the report which will include a look at how brands can tap into this trend.
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One-size-fits-all beverages are giving way to something much more personal. Consumers increasingly expect to customize what they drink, from flavors and functional ingredients to sweetness levels and mix-ins.
What began in coffee shops has expanded across the beverage landscape as personalization becomes an everyday expectation. The result is a drink that feels less like a product and more like an expression of individual taste and lifestyle.
EVERY SIP TELLS A STORY
Customization gives consumers a greater sense of ownership over what they’re drinking. Whether it’s adding an energy boost, choosing a favorite flavor combination or creating a completely unique order, personalization transforms a routine purchase into a more engaging experience. It also encourages experimentation, making consumers more likely to try something new and come back to do it again.
WHAT’S DRIVING IT
Consumers have grown accustomed to personalization in nearly every aspect of their lives, and beverages are no exception. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the shift, viewing customization as a form of self-expression. Functional add-ins, coffeehouse culture and digital ordering have only accelerated the expectation that every drink should be made their way.
CHOICE CREATES CONNECTION
For brands, customization is about more than adding options to a menu. It creates opportunities to build loyalty, encourage repeat visits and better understand consumer preferences. When people can create a beverage that feels uniquely theirs, they become more invested in both the experience and the brand behind it.
