Coffee + Sparkling Water... Trust Us This Is The Future

Coffee + Sparkling Water... Trust Us

Coffee shop menus have certainly evolved over the years. While regular brewed coffee, lattes, cappuccinos -- and even Frappuccinos -- were once the go-to coffee drinks for many customers, their tastes are starting to become even more adventurous and refined. As a coffee shop, cafe, or restaurant owner, it’s now more important than ever to stay up-to-date on the coffee drinks your customers want. In fact, the 2022 National Coffee Drinking Trends Report shows that the market is transforming greatly due to the demands of millennials who crave innovation with their coffee and 66% of all Americans drink coffee every. single. day.

Here are just some of the biggest coffee drink trends that you can’t afford not to offer your patrons this year.

2022 Coffee Trends

1. Carbonated Iced Coffee

Sparkling water is a healthy beverage trend that has been replacing sugary sodas in many customers’ cups. And now, adventurous coffee fiends are beginning to replace their daily cups of Joe with sparkling water, too! Carbonated coffee beverages have been popping up across the country in recent years, offering a new and exciting take on cold brew coffee. While some coffee houses have been serving espresso with a shot of sparkling water on the side for decades, now they are mixing them together to craft trendy coffee drinks their patrons can’t get enough of.

Try making carbonated coffee yourself by using a countertop water dispenser to fill your customers’ cups with filtered sparkling water, then add a shot of espresso, some ice and flavored syrup for sweetness.

2. Nitro Coffee on Draft

Just as craft microbreweries have been using nitro taps to make their beer extra smooth and frothy, some coffee shops are now giving in to the satisfying, frothy texture that only nitrogen-infused coffee can offer. Nitro coffee works by using a nitrogen tap to infuse the cold brew coffee that you’re already making with extremely small bubbles. A restrictor plate then squeezes the coffee through tiny holes to give the coffee a creamy, rich taste without sacrificing flavor. Nitro coffee is a great idea for those who don’t enjoy bitter notes in coffee, yet want a healthy option, too. The process creates a smooth taste, alleviating the need to douse the coffee in heavy cream or sugar.

3. Cold Brew Coffee

The standard cold brew coffee method is still growing in popularity. While not as fancy as nitro or sparkling coffee, it is still flavorful and popular among coffee connoisseurs. That said, if you think simply adding ice to a regular cup of coffee is going to do the trick, you couldn’t be more wrong. While the old method of making iced coffee doesn’t take as long to brew (cold brew iced coffee must steep for at least 12 hours), it will sacrifice the coffee’s flavor since the ice can water it down. And your customers will definitely notice! So if you haven’t yet, replace the regular iced coffee you’re still serving with cold brew coffee, pronto.

4. Ready-to-Drink Coffee

Retailers have taken notice of these coffee drink trends and are now placing a variety of cold brew, nitro, and sparkling coffee on their shelves. According to Bloomberg, in 2022, the ready-to-drink (RTD) canned and bottled coffee market reached upwards of $2.4 billion -- and has only continued to climb. In this fast-paced society, customers need their caffeine fix while on the go -- whether they are grocery shopping, or filling up at the gas station. And with sugary soda sales slumping, it’s only natural that your customers now prefer to grab healthier, RTD versions of their coffee shop favorites -- wherever they may be. You can even try placing your own RTD coffee drinks in the chilled beverage case at your coffee shop for patrons who need an immediate caffeine buzz.

Coffee lovers everywhere are delighting in these fun and refreshing takes on their favorite drink. Because these trends show no sign of slowing down anytime soon, consider adding at least one of these options to your menu to show that your business understands the ever changing demands of coffee consumers.

Need more information? Click here to download our case study or click here to schedule a meeting!

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Should You Be Charging Guests for Water in 2026?

March 30, 2026

Should You Be Charging Guests for Water in 2026? In today’s evolving dining landscape, even the smallest details of the guest experience are under scrutiny—and increasingly, that includes water. What was once a simple, complimentary offering has transformed into a strategic decision point for restaurants. From still to sparkling, filtered to mineral-enhanced, water service has become an extension of a restaurant’s brand, values, and profitability. So in 2026, the question isn’t just can you charge for sparkling water—it’s should you? The Rise of Premium Water Service Across the industry, premium water programs have become more common. Guests are more accustomed than ever to curated beverage experiences, and that expectation now extends beyond wine and cocktails. At the same time, restaurants are facing continued pressure from: Rising supply and logistics costs Sustainability demands Tighter margins post-inflation cycles Bottled sparkling water, in particular, has become significantly more expensive due to transportation, packaging regulations, and environmental considerations. As a result, many operators are rethinking how water fits into both their guest experience and their bottom line. The Case for Charging 1. Cost Recovery Is No Longer Optional Margins remain tight in 2026. Charging for sparkling water helps offset real and rising costs—especially when compared to traditional bottled programs. 2. Guests Expect Customization Today’s diners are used to choice. Offering premium water—sparkling, chilled, filtered, or infused—aligns with broader personalization trends in hospitality. 3. Brand Positioning For upscale or experience-driven restaurants, premium water reinforces a commitment to quality. Just as guests pay more for craft cocktails or locally sourced ingredients, many see upgraded water as part of the experience. The Case Against Charging 1. Water Is Still Seen as a Basic Right Despite evolving expectations, many guests still believe water should be free—especially in the U.S. Charging can feel excessive if not handled carefully. 2. Perception of “Nickel-and-Diming” In an era where transparency matters more than ever, unexpected charges—even small ones—can negatively impact guest satisfaction and reviews. 3. Hospitality Matters Restaurants aren’t just selling food—they’re selling experience. If guests feel pressured or upsold on something fundamental, it can erode trust. The 2026 Approach: Balance and Transparency The most successful restaurants today are not choosing one side—they’re blending both. A modern best practice includes: Complimentary still or filtered tap water (clearly offered) Optional premium sparkling water as an upgrade Transparent pricing or inclusive service models Some operators are even adopting a flat per-table water fee (typically $1–$3 per guest), which includes unlimited still and sparkling water. This model simplifies service while remaining cost-effective compared to bottled alternatives. The key is clarity—guests are far more accepting of charges when they understand the value. How Natura Helps Restaurants Stay Competitive In 2026, operational efficiency and sustainability are just as important as guest experience—and this is where Natura systems stand out. By producing triple-filtered still and sparkling water on-site , restaurants can: Eliminate the cost and logistics of bottled water Reduce storage needs and waste Maintain consistent quality with every pour Improve sustainability metrics (a growing factor in guest decision-making) Instead of relying on expensive pre-packaged options, Natura allows restaurants to transform tap water into premium sparkling water instantly—reducing overhead while enhancing service. For operators who choose to charge, this creates a major advantage: lower costs = more competitive pricing = better guest acceptance. Final Thoughts Charging for sparkling water in 2026 isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about execution. When done thoughtfully, it can: Enhance the dining experience Support profitability Align with sustainability goals But when handled poorly, it risks damaging guest trust. The future of water service isn’t just premium—it’s intentional, transparent, and experience-driven . To learn more about our water systems and how we can help improve revenue for your business, please schedule a meeting today!