Gen Z is Changing Coffee Forever (And Here's How)
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If you've walked into any of the best coffee shops in NYC lately, you've probably noticed something different. The orders are getting more creative, the specialty coffee drinks are more colorful, and there's a whole new energy around coffee culture. Meet Generation Z – the digital natives who are completely reshaping how we think about, order, and experience freshly roasted coffee.
The numbers don't lie: 64% of humans aged 25-39 drank specialty coffee in the past week – more than any other age group. But Gen Z isn't just drinking more coffee; they're drinking it differently, earlier, and with completely new expectations that are forcing the entire industry to evolve.
At 787 Coffee, we've become one of NYC's premier destinations for specialty coffee by understanding and anticipating these changes. Our single origin coffee beans from Puerto Rico represent the quality and authenticity that Gen Z craves.
Starting Younger, Thinking Differently
Here's something that might surprise you: Gen Z starts drinking specialty coffee at around 15 years old, compared to Millennials who began their coffee journey at 18-20. That's a significant shift that's creating lifelong coffee enthusiasts earlier than ever before.
But it's not just about age – it's about approach. While previous generations saw coffee primarily as fuel for productivity, Gen Z views specialty coffee as a lifestyle choice, a form of self-expression, and a social experience all rolled into one perfectly crafted cup of freshly roasted coffee.
This is why 787 Coffee has positioned itself among the best coffee shops in NYC by focusing on single origin excellence and the freshest roasts possible.
The Customization Generation
Walk into any 787 Coffee location and you'll see it in action: Gen Z customers aren't just ordering "coffee." They're requesting strong coffee made from our single origin beans with oat milk, and trying a WOW Latte like our Dulce de Leche latte. They want their cortado made with a specific milk temperature using our freshly roasted coffee.
This generation grew up with customization at their fingertips – from Spotify playlists to TikTok algorithms – so why wouldn't they expect the same level of personalization from their specialty coffee? At 787 Coffee, we've embraced this by:
Expanding our milk alternatives: Oat and whole milk to complement our strong coffee
Offering customizable strength levels: From single origin light roasts to our strongest, single origin coffee.
Creating modifiable drinks: Every specialty coffee on our menu can be adjusted to personal taste. it is YOUR drink. We want to make sure you enjoy it.
Seasonal customizations: We have our WOW lattes you will love them - Dulce de leche latte, tres leches latte and even our Caribbean Pina colada LATTE! so yummy!!!!!!!!!! Ofcourse featuring our freshly roasted coffee from Puerto Rico, Colombia and Mexico.
Pro tip: our single origin Puerto Rican beans are roasted fresh daily and shipped directly to your door for the ultimate customization experience at home. You can buy our coffee beans online and you can book a coffee experience so you learn coffee more and more - link below!
The Plant-Based Preference Revolution
One of the biggest changes Gen Z has brought to the best coffee shops in NYC? The plant-based milk revolution. What started as a niche preference has become mainstream, with non-dairy alternatives now accounting for a significant portion of specialty coffee orders.
But Gen Z isn't just choosing plant-based milks for dietary reasons – they're choosing them for:
Environmental consciousness: Lower carbon footprint, perfectly aligned with single origin sustainability
Taste exploration: Each plant milk brings unique flavors that complement our freshly roasted coffee
Health considerations: Often lower in calories while maintaining the strong coffee flavor they crave
Trend participation: Being part of a larger cultural movement toward conscious consumption
At 787 Coffee, our expert baristas have mastered pairing different plant milks with our single origin coffee to create the perfect flavor profile for every specialty coffee drink.
The Instagram-Worthy Experience
Let's be honest – if it's not Instagram-worthy, did it really happen? Gen Z has elevated specialty coffee from a beverage to a visual experience. They're not just tasting their drinks; they're photographing them, sharing them, and creating content around them.
This has pushed us to become one of the most photographed coffee shops in NYC by focusing on:
Latte art excellence: Every specialty coffee drink featuring our freshly roasted coffee is a potential social media post
Colorful seasonal offerings: Single origin coffee drinks that pop on camera
Unique serving presentations: Glassware and garnishes that showcase our strong coffee's rich crema
Photo-friendly spaces: 787 Coffee locations designed to encourage content creation
Instagram tip: Tag @787coffee with your specialty coffee creations and use #FreshlyRoastedNYC – we love featuring our community's photos!
The Convenience Paradox
Here's where Gen Z gets interesting: they want both convenience AND quality. They'll spend 20 minutes perfecting their custom specialty coffee order, but they also want to order our freshly roasted coffee beans online and have them delivered fresh.
This generation expects:
App-powered ordering: Mobile ordering for their favorite single origin coffee
Online coffee bag sales: Direct access to our freshly roasted coffee beans
Fast service: Despite complex specialty coffee orders, they still want speed
Consistency: The same strong coffee should taste identical whether in-store or brewed at home
This is why 787 Coffee offers premium coffee bags online – our single origin beans are roasted fresh and shipped within 24 hours, ensuring you get the same quality that makes us one of the best coffee shops in NYC, right in your home.
The Values-Driven Consumer
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z makes purchasing decisions based heavily on brand values. When choosing the best coffee shops in NYC or buying coffee bags online, they want to know:
Where your single origin coffee beans come from
How farmers are treated and compensated
What environmental practices you follow with freshly roasted coffee production
How your company contributes to social causes
At 787 Coffee, we've responded by:
Single origin transparency: Detailed information about our Puerto Rican coffee farms and fresh roasting process
Sustainability initiatives: Eco-friendly packaging for our online coffee bag sales
Community involvement: Supporting Puerto Rican coffee farmers and NYC local causes
Direct trade partnerships: Ensuring ethical practices for all our freshly roasted coffee
The Flavor Adventurers
Gen Z isn't afraid of bold, strong coffee flavors. While Millennials popularized the pumpkin spice latte, Gen Z is pushing boundaries with:
Single origin exploration: Different regions and processing methods for unique flavor profiles
Unexpected combinations: Cold brew with our strongest coffee beans, specialty coffee cocktails
Functional ingredients: Adaptogens and protein powders mixed with our freshly roasted coffee
Seasonal experimentation: Limited-time offerings featuring our single origin beans
Try this: Order our online coffee bags featuring rotating single origin selections – each month brings new flavor adventures with our freshly roasted coffee delivered to your door.
Let’s do this!
Be a CAFFEINATED HUMAN.
Be a creative human. Be a good human.
Be a NuevaYOL Caffeinated Human.
The Community Seekers
Despite being digital natives, Gen Z craves authentic, in-person community experiences. They're turning the best coffee shops in NYC into:
Study spaces: Extended work sessions over strong coffee and specialty drinks
Social hubs: Meeting places for real-world connections over freshly roasted coffee
Event venues: Coffee cuppings, single origin tastings, and community gatherings
Cultural centers: Places to discover local art, music, and specialty coffee education
This is why 787 Coffee has created spaces that welcome extended stays, with comfortable seating, reliable wifi, and programming that brings the NYC coffee community together over our freshly roasted single origin coffee.
What This Means for Coffee's Future
Gen Z's influence on specialty coffee culture is just beginning. As this generation ages and their purchasing power increases, we can expect to see:
Technology Integration: More sophisticated apps for ordering coffee bags online and specialty coffee experiences
Sustainability Focus: Increased demand for single origin transparency and freshly roasted coffee with minimal environmental impact
Global Flavor Exploration: More diverse, international single origin coffees entering mainstream NYC coffee culture
Health Consciousness: Continued growth in functional strong coffee beverages
Community Building: The best coffee shops in NYC becoming cultural and community centers
How 787 Coffee is Leading the Change
We're not just adapting to Gen Z preferences – we're anticipating them. Our commitment to being among the best coffee shops in NYC includes:
Continuous menu innovation: New specialty coffee drinks featuring our single origin beans
Online accessibility: Premium coffee bags available online with fresh roasting guaranteed
Single origin excellence: Rotating selection of the world's best freshly roasted coffee
Community engagement: Creating spaces and events that bring NYC coffee lovers together
Education focus: Helping customers understand and appreciate specialty coffee culture and single origin differences
Shop 787 Coffee Online: Bring NYC's Best Coffee Home
Ready to experience the Gen Z coffee revolution at home? Our online coffee bag selection features:
Single Origin Excellence: Hand-selected beans from Puerto Rico's finest farms
Fresh Roasted Guarantee: Roasted to order and shipped within 24 hours
Strong Coffee Options: From medium to dark roasts for bold flavor preferences
Specialty Coffee Education: Brewing guides and tasting notes included with every order
Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly bags that preserve freshness while protecting the environment
Order now and discover why 787 Coffee is considered among the best coffee shops in NYC – our freshly roasted, single origin coffee delivers the same premium experience directly to your door.
The Bottom Line
Generation Z isn't just another demographic – they're cultural catalysts who are reshaping the entire specialty coffee industry. Their approach to coffee reflects their broader values: authenticity, customization, sustainability, and community.
As one of the best coffee shops in NYC, embracing these changes isn't just smart business – it's necessary for survival. The coffee companies that thrive will be those that understand Gen Z isn't just ordering differently; they're thinking about specialty coffee, single origin quality, and freshly roasted excellence entirely differently.
At 787 Coffee, we're excited to lead this evolution. Every custom order, every coffee bag sold online, every Instagram photo tagged at our locations represents the future of specialty coffee culture – and it's more vibrant, inclusive, and flavorful than ever before.
Ready to experience the Gen Z coffee revolution? Visit any 787 Coffee location to discover why we're among the best coffee shops in NYC, or order our premium coffee bags online for freshly roasted, single origin excellence delivered to your home. Follow us @787coffee for the latest in specialty coffee trends and community events.
About 787 Coffee: Born in Puerto Rico, 787 Coffee brings authentic, farm-to-cup single origin experiences to NYC coffee lovers who demand the freshest roasted coffee, strongest flavors, and most sustainable practices. With locations across NYC and premium coffee bags available online, we're committed to evolving with our customers while delivering the specialty coffee excellence that makes us one of the best coffee shops in NYC.
Order Fresh Coffee Online: Visit 787coffee.com to browse our selection of single origin, freshly roasted coffee beans. Free shipping on orders over $35. Same-day roasting, next-day delivery available in NYC.