Dalgona Coffee Trend: Whip Up Something Different in 2025
If you thought the Dalgona coffee trend was laid to rest in 2020, think again! From viral TikTok videos to upscale cafe menus, this fluffy, frothy drink is showing up in major ways and underscoring some of the consumer demands shaping the foodservice industry in 2025.
What is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a frosty beverage made by mixing instant coffee, sugar and hot water and whipping the mixture until it becomes a thick, creamy foam. This froth is then spooned over a glass of cold or hot milk (or milk substitute). While the drink initially exploded in mainstream popularity thanks to a viral TikTok challenge in 2020, data from Tastewise suggests that Dalgona coffee is enjoying a 17% YoY increase in social media discussions thanks to recent changes in coffee culture and overarching consumer demands.
Why is Dalgona Coffee Trending?
Against all odds, the Dalgona coffee trend has withstood the test of time and proven it’s more than just a fleeting craze. Based on recent consumer data, it’s likely that Dalgona coffee continues to show up on users’ FYPs because it aligns with other promising food and beverage trends like:
- Aesthetic indulgences: The frothy, layered appearance of Dalgona coffee beverages makes them a frosty treat ideal for consumers looking for an aesthetic addition to their Instagram grids.
- DIY culture: Dalgona coffee is deceptively easy to make at home with minimal tools and easily accessible ingredients.
- Calls for customization: The Dalgona coffee trend can easily be adapted for individuals with different dietary needs and preferences by swapping out new sweeteners, milks, and toppings.
- Coffee crazes: In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been no shortage of innovative coffee trends. Dalgona coffee builds on the momentum of instant coffee trends, black coffee trends, espresso trends and iced coffee trends to offer consumers a new coffee experience that meets their underlying needs.
As is the case with all specialty coffee trends, the popularity of Dalgona coffee beverages has ebbed and flowed with consumer preferences, but its return to the spotlight in 2025 certainly suggests that the Dalgona coffee trend is hardly a one-hit wonder.
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When Did Dalgona Coffee Become Trendy?
Dalgona coffee exploded in popularity in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were spending more time inside and less time sampling new products from their favorite coffee shops. During this time, many consumers were actively seeking out cost-effective, readily accessible indulgences that could help them curate coffee shop vibes from the safety of their own homes.
The trend first gained traction after a South Korean television show featured the drin,k and consumers likened it to Dalgona – a type of Korean candy. This early social media chatter quickly sparked worldwide interest and culminated in searches for the term “Dalgona” increasing by 5000% in the second half of March 2020 alone.
Top Dalgona Coffee Trends in 2025
Some people call the year 2025 a renaissance period for Dalgona coffee. As new variations pop up in home kitchens, coffee shops, and retail stores alike, the sky is the limit for all the ways this unique beverage stands to whip consumers into a frenzy. Here are some of the most popular Dalgona coffee trends we can expect to see (or see more of) in 2025:
- Matcha Dalgona: Made with whipped matcha powder instead of coffee
- Protein-infused whips: Combine instant coffee with protein powder or spoon-whipped coffee over a protein shake for a macro-friendly variation
- Spiced Dalgona: Beverages featuring chai, cinnamon, and cardamom
- Plant-based versions: Brews that replace dairy milk with oat, almond, or coconut milks
- Chocolate Dalgona: A richer take that capitalizes on chocolate trends by adding cocoa or chocolate syrup to the mix
- Functional ingredients: Varieties that incorporate collagen, adaptogens, or nootropics like those found in the mushroom coffee trend to boost brain health
All of these trends underscore the fact that today’s consumers expect their favorite food and beverage products to offer more than just form or flavor. Coffee connoisseurs of all ages are looking for more innovative and functional products that can integrate seamlessly into their lifestyles and wellness routines.
Stats and Facts: The Data Driving Dalgona
At the end of the day, CPG brands, content creators, and consumers all want to know whether the Dalgona coffee trend is here to stay or on its last legs. Here’s what consumer data from Tastewise tells us about the current and future state of Dalgona coffee:
Mentions Are Up
So far in 2025, social mentions of Dalgona coffee have shown YoY growth of roughly 17%, with mentions peaking around the New Year. This uptick may be attributable to consumers making resolutions about prioritizing their self-care or embracing healthier habits, which suggests coffee drinkers think Dalgona coffee can fuel their health and/or happiness.
Coffee Is Still King
If one product has proven its staying power, it’s coffee. Over the past year, social conversations about coffee have increased by nearly 10% and remained fairly steady over time. While it might be tempting to take an “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach to this morning staple, research also suggests that coffee consumers are actively seeking out products that incorporate bold and dynamic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and matcha.
Protein is a Priority
Across the board, U.S. consumers are looking to level up their protein intake. With the desire for increased energy contributing to a 40% YoY increase in consumer interest in protein products, it’s no surprise that clever coffee-drinkers are looking for ways to bulk up their Dalgona coffee beverages.
Dalgona Coffee Challenges
Despite its popularity, the Dalgona coffee trend faces a few noteworthy hurdles. First, not all consumers have easy access to an electric mixer, and whipping Dalgona coffee by hand can prove tiresome! Next, some consumers may have dietary restrictions or preferences that make it difficult for them to enjoy Dalgon coffee in its original formulation. While some simple recipe swaps can help address these concerns, it’s fair to assume that the high sugar and caffeine content of Dalgona coffee might not appeal to all consumers.
It’s also worth noting that not all instant coffees whip well enough for use in Dalgona coffee, and the labor-intensive nature of whipped beverages might make Dalgona coffee ill-suited for high-volume or fast-paced foodservice environments. With the right modifications, however, food and beverage professionals and home cooks alike can find ways of incorporating Dalgona coffee into their routines.
Future Outlook
Dalgona coffee is here to stay, but it will likely continue evolving in line with broader coffee trends. In the months ahead, we can expect to see:
- Ready-to-drink Dalgona-style beverages from CPG brands
- Pre-packaged foam mixers
- Seasonal variations for holidays, events, and trending pop culture topics
- Foodservice innovations like Dalgona desserts and gourmet variations
With the help of a consumer intelligence platform like Tastewise, food and beverage brands can stay ahead of Dalgona’s evolution and leverage its popularity across new product lines and promotions.
FAQs
A frappe is a beverage typically made by blending ice and milk, while Dalgona coffee is made by serving whipped instant coffee over milk or a milk alternative.
The combination of sugar, instant coffee, and hot water traps air during the whipping process to create a stable, flavorful foam.
Whisk together 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of boiled water until frothy. Spoon over iced or warm milk and share your creation online!W
Yes, with a few modifications. If you choose to substitute matcha powder for the instant coffee in Dalgona coffee, you’ll want to use egg whites or aquafaba to create a similar froth. Remember only to use pasteurized eggs and to consult with your doctor before consuming any raw egg products.b
Some consumers report that forming the perfect froth is overly time-consuming and labor-intensive, while others are turned off by the high sugar and caffeine content of the trendy treat.
Final Thoughts
The Dalgona coffee trend remains one of the most iconic beverage phenomena of the past five years. Its visual appeal, consumer availability, and customization options make it a lasting favorite for consumers and brands looking to meet changing demands and expectations. As foodservice innovators continue to adapt to wellness trends and engagement with exciting, new flavor profiles, Dalgona coffee will continue to stand out from the crowd by showing it still has plenty of froth left to give.