If you think office coffee is just about keeping a pot of instant on the go, think again. 2025 is shaping up to be a year of elevated coffee experiences in the workplace. From tech upgrades to healthier beverages and "coffee as culture," here are four trends UK offices are embracing - and what they mean for your break room.
1. Premium & Speciality Coffee Moves from Cafes into Offices
Gone are the days when office coffee meant "just drinkable." More UK workers expect barista-style beverages: artisan roasting, finely tuned espressos and filter coffee that respects the bean's flavour profile.
What this means for offices:
- Investing in bean-to-cup machines that can handle multiple brew styles
- Offering a rotating choice of speciality beans so people can taste something new now and then. We love Lavazza Beans.
- Training or guidance so staff know how to best use the machines.
2. Year-Round Cold Coffee Becomes Mainstream
Cold coffee options - iced lattes aren't just seasonal. They're increasingly popular even when the sun isn't shining. Offices are getting requests for these cold, refreshing options.
Office Implementation Ideas:
- Cold coffee options - iced coffee stations.
- Upgrading to bean-to-cup & providing ice.
3. Non-Dairy & Health-Driven Alternatives
Employees are more informed (and picky) about what goes into their cup. From plant-based milks (oat, almond, soy etc) to less sugary syrups and healthier additives, the demand is rising. Offices are also exploring drinks with functional ingredients for better focus or wellbeing.
How Office Can Respond:
- Always provide one or two non-dairy milk options. ( Check Out The Flavia C600 & Gaggia Machines for vegan friendly coffee)
- Stock no or low-sugar syrups and sweeteners
Smart Machines, Customisation & Touchless/App-Based Use
Technology continues to transform how we make coffee. Offices are moving to smarter office coffee machines; ones that can be controlled , monitored, scheduled, cleaned more automatically, and that even learn preferences or adapt to usage. Also, features like touchless dispense, app ordering, or pre-set profiles are growing in demand.
Opportunities for office-coffee upgrades:
- Leasing or investing in office coffee machines with remote monitoring/telemetry so maintenance is more efficient.
- Machines with hygienic features (touchless sensors, easy-clean parts) especially post-pandemic.
- Providing user profiles or pre-sets so people can save their favourite drinks like some of the Gaggia bean to cup machines.
Why These Trends Matter for Your Office & Business
- Employee satisfaction & retention: Good coffee is a small perk, but it makes a big difference. Offices that offer a quality experience are more likely to boost morale and reduce "coffee break envy" (where people leave for cafes).
- Health & wellness: Healthier options and better ingredients can contribute to employee wellness, fewer sick days, and a more positive office vibe.
- Efficiency & cost control: Smart machines with better maintenance reduce downtime and repairs.
- Brand image & values: Being seen as an ethical and modern employer helps with employer branding - and can align with the social goals many businesses now have.
What Office Barista Is Doing & What You Could Do Next
At Office Barista, we're keeping our finger on the pulse. Some of what we're already doing:
- Offering leasing options on premium bean-to-cup coffee machines so offices can upgrade without massive upfront spend.
- Sourcing high quality branded beans & plant-based friendly machines ( Check out our Lavazza Bean range & the Flavia C600)
- Maintaining hygiene & ease of use: machines are serviced & cleaned with touchless or easy clean features and options.
If you're thinking of upgrading, here are some steps:
- Audit your current coffee setup: What people like, what they don't, how many drinks per day, waste etc.
- Survey your staff: find which drink types are popular, milk preferences, flavour choices, desire for cold drinks etc.
- Compare leasing vs buying premium office coffee machines with the latest tech.
- Plan for maintenance & upkeep upfront - cleaner parts, schedule, etc.
Coffee in the office is no longer a functional dull necessity - it's part of workplace culture. Offices that pay attention to flavour, tech and employee preferences will not only brew better coffee - they'll brew better workplaces.
If you'd like help figuring out which office coffee machine to lease to match these trends, or want a quote to buy outright, do get in touch with us at Office Barista - we'd love to help you stay ahead of the curve.
