Iced coffee has become a global phenomenon, a refreshing twist on a beverage that has fueled mornings, late-night study sessions, and everything in between for centuries. From bustling urban cafes to small-town drive-thrus, iced coffee is no longer just a seasonal treat—it’s a year-round staple. But with so many variations, flavors, and preparation methods, one question lingers: What is the most popular iced coffee? To answer this, we’ll dive into the history, cultural trends, consumer preferences, and data-backed insights that shape the iced coffee landscape as of March 2025.
The Rise of Iced Coffee: A Brief History
Coffee itself has roots stretching back to at least the 9th century, with legends of Ethiopian goatherds discovering its energizing effects. Hot coffee dominated for centuries, but iced coffee’s story is a more modern tale. Some trace its origins to 19th-century Europe, where French soldiers in Algeria poured cold water over coffee grounds to make it palatable in the desert heat. Others point to Japan, where cold-brew techniques emerged as early as the 1600s, brought by Dutch traders. By the 20th century, iced coffee was gaining traction in the United States, with soda fountains and diners offering sweetened, chilled versions.
The real explosion, however, came in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Starbucks, founded in 1971, introduced its Frappuccino in 1995—a blended, icy concoction that turned iced coffee into a cultural icon. Meanwhile, the rise of specialty coffee shops and the craft coffee movement brought cold brew and nitro cold brew into the spotlight.
Today, iced coffee is a $38 billion industry worldwide, with no signs of cooling off.
Defining “Popular”: How Do We Measure It?
Before crowning the most popular iced coffee, we need to define “popular.” Is it the most ordered drink at major chains? The most talked-about on social media? The best-selling in terms of raw volume? For this article, we’ll consider a mix of factors: sales data from coffee giants like Starbucks and Dunkin’, consumer surveys, social media trends (especially on platforms like X), and global cultural influence. As of March 2025, these metrics paint a vivid picture of iced coffee’s reigning champions.
The Contenders: A Taxonomy of Iced Coffee
Iced coffee isn’t a monolith—it’s a category with distinct players. Here are the main contenders vying for the top spot:
- Classic Iced Coffee
The simplest form: brewed coffee, cooled, and poured over ice. Often customizable with milk, cream, or sweeteners, it’s the no-frills option found everywhere from gas stations to gourmet cafes. - Cold Brew
A smoother, less acidic brew made by steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours. It’s typically served over ice and has surged in popularity for its bold flavor and caffeine kick. - Nitro Cold Brew
A cold brew infused with nitrogen gas, dispensed like a beer on tap. It’s creamy, frothy, and visually striking—think Guinness, but caffeinated. - Frappuccino (and Blended Coffee Drinks)
A blended mix of coffee, ice, milk, and syrups, often topped with whipped cream. Starbucks’ trademarked Frappuccino dominates this category, though knockoffs abound. - Iced Latte
Espresso shots poured over ice and topped with cold milk. It’s a staple for those who want a creamy, espresso-forward drink without the heat. - Flavored Iced Coffee
Any of the above with added syrups like vanilla, caramel, or mocha. These are wildly popular among younger demographics craving sweetness. - Vietnamese Iced Coffee
A regional favorite made with strong drip coffee and sweetened condensed milk, served over ice. It’s a cult classic with growing global appeal.
The Heavyweights: Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Beyond
To find the most popular iced coffee, we must start with the titans of the coffee world: Starbucks and Dunkin’. These chains dominate the U.S. market, which accounts for a massive chunk of global iced coffee consumption.
- Starbucks
Starbucks’ iced coffee menu is a juggernaut. In 2024, the company reported that iced beverages accounted for over 70% of its U.S. sales during warmer months—a trend that’s held steady into 2025. The Iced Caramel Macchiato and Iced Mocha consistently rank among its top sellers, but the Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew have seen explosive growth. The Starbucks Reserve Cold Brew, with its artisanal flair, appeals to coffee purists, while the Caramel Frappuccino remains a sugary favorite among teens and young adults. Social media buzz on X in early 2025 shows #NitroColdBrew trending, with users raving about its creamy texture. - Dunkin’
Dunkin’, with its working-class roots, leans hard into flavored iced coffee. The Iced Coffee with Cream and Sugar is a classic, but the Caramel Swirl Iced Coffee and seasonal Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee dominate sales. In a 2024 earnings call, Dunkin’ revealed that iced drinks made up 60% of its coffee orders year-round—a testament to America’s iced obsession. X posts from March 2025 show fans debating the merits of Dunkin’s cold brew versus its signature iced coffee, with caramel flavors winning frequent mentions. - Independent Cafes and Global Chains
Beyond the giants, indie cafes push cold brew and nitro as artisanal options, while chains like Tim Hortons (Canada) and Costa Coffee (UK) offer their own spins. In Asia, brands like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and local shops in Vietnam elevate iced coffee with regional twists.
Consumer Preferences: Surveys and Data
Sales data only tells part of the story—consumer preferences add depth. A 2024 survey by the National Coffee Association (NCA) found that 42% of U.S. coffee drinkers regularly choose iced coffee, up from 37% in 2020. Among those, cold brew topped the list at 18%, followed by iced lattes (15%) and flavored iced coffee (14%). The Frappuccino-style blended drinks lagged slightly at 10%, suggesting a shift toward less sugary options.
Globally, the picture shifts. In Japan, cold brew (known as “Dutch coffee”) reigns supreme, while Southeast Asia favors Vietnamese iced coffee. In Europe, iced lattes and cappuccinos chilled over ice hold strong, especially in Mediterranean countries. A 2025 YouGov poll across 10 countries named cold brew the fastest-growing iced coffee style, with 25% of respondents calling it their go-to.
Social Media and Cultural Buzz
Platforms like X offer a real-time pulse on iced coffee’s popularity. In early 2025, #ColdBrew has over 1.2 million mentions, with users posting photos of sleek nitro cans and homemade batches. #Frappuccino follows with 900,000 mentions, driven by Starbucks’ seasonal launches like the Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino. Meanwhile, #VietnameseIcedCoffee has a smaller but passionate following, with 300,000 posts praising its rich, sweet profile.
Memes and influencers play a role too. A viral X thread from February 2025 dubbed cold brew “the millennial IPA”—a nod to its craft appeal. TikTok and Instagram amplify this, with baristas showcasing latte art on iced drinks and Gen Z flaunting pastel-colored Frappuccinos.
The Global Lens: Regional Favorites
Iced coffee’s popularity varies by region, reflecting local tastes and traditions:
- North America: Cold brew and flavored iced coffee lead, with nitro gaining ground.
- Europe: Iced lattes and simple iced espresso dominate, especially in Italy and Spain.
- Asia: Japan’s cold brew and Vietnam’s condensed milk version stand out, while South Korea loves iced Americanos.
- Australia: A coffee-obsessed nation, Aussies favor iced long blacks (espresso over cold water) and cold drip.
So, What’s the Most Popular?
After sifting through sales, surveys, and social media, a few frontrunners emerge. If we measure by sheer volume, Starbucks’ Caramel Frappuccino might take the crown—its global reach and decades-long dominance are unmatched. In the U.S., Dunkin’s Caramel Swirl Iced Coffee gives it a run for its money, especially among East Coast loyalists.
But if we zoom out to global trends and growth, cold brew steals the spotlight. Its versatility, smoother taste, and artisanal cred have made it a favorite from Seattle to Seoul. Starbucks reported a 20% year-over-year increase in cold brew sales in 2024, while Dunkin’ and indie cafes echo the trend. Nitro cold brew, though a subset, amplifies this with its novelty and Instagram-worthy foam.
For a dark horse, Vietnamese iced coffee deserves honorable mention. Its influence is spreading beyond Asia, popping up on menus in cities like London and Los Angeles. It’s not the most ordered yet, but its cult status hints at future potential.
The Verdict
So, what’s the most popular iced coffee as of March 2025? If we weigh all factors—sales, growth, and cultural impact—cold brew edges out the competition. It’s not as flashy as a Frappuccino or as ubiquitous as a classic iced coffee, but its steady rise reflects a shift toward quality, simplicity, and caffeine potency. Starbucks and Dunkin’ both bank on it, independents perfect it, and consumers can’t get enough.
That said, popularity is subjective. For some, the most popular iced coffee is the one in their hand—be it a $2 Dunkin’ cup or a $7 nitro pour-over. As tastes evolve and innovation brews, the crown may shift. For now, cold brew sits atop the throne, chilling in the spotlight of a caffeinated world.
