New York: There’s a new brew bubbling up in American kitchens, and no — it’s not another overpriced latte. It’s light, it’s airy, and it’s taking over your Instagram and TikTok feeds. Meet Cloud Coffee — the visually stunning, whipped coffee alternative that’s become 2025’s favorite way to wake up. If you thought Dalgona was the peak of pandemic-era coffee innovation, think again.
Cloud Coffee swaps the sugar for plant-based froth, swaps the bitterness for a silky buzz, and brings in the aesthetics Gen Z craves and Millennials adore. Think cold brew meets oat milk mousse — perfect for slow mornings, clean wellness trends, and even manifesting your goals with your morning cup (if you’re into that sort of thing). But is it just hype? Or is this creamy trend actually here to stay?
Let’s break down what Cloud Coffee is, how to make it at home, and why it might be the morning ritual you never knew you needed.
What Is Cloud Coffee?
Cloud Coffee is a frothy, whipped-style drink made by layering cold brew or espresso beneath a silky foam made from non-dairy milk, plant-based creamers, or egg white alternatives. Unlike Dalgona, which relied on instant coffee and sugar, this new trend is lighter, protein-rich, and often crafted with healthier alternatives like almond milk foam, oat milk, or even aquafaba (yes, chickpea water!).
Why It’s Trending in the US Right Now
From Los Angeles to Brooklyn, Cloud Coffee has become a hit at artisan cafés and TikTok brunch setups. Its clean, minimalist look pairs perfectly with the rising popularity of “quiet luxury” aesthetics. It also aligns with 2025’s top trends: low-caffeine routines, mindful eating, and vegan-friendly recipes.
How to Make Cloud Coffee at Home
You don’t need a $500 espresso machine. Just:
- Brew your favorite cold coffee or espresso base.
- Froth oat milk (or other plant milk) using a handheld frother or blender.
- Optional: Add a touch of vanilla or maple syrup for flavour.
- Spoon the foam over your chilled coffee base.
- Top with cinnamon, cacao, or edible flowers.
Healthier Than You Think
Thanks to its customizable base, Cloud Coffee can be dairy-free, sugar-free, and even adaptogen-powered. Many cafés offer versions with collagen, maca root, or protein foam — making it more than just a drink, but a part of your wellness ritual.
Aesthetic + Functional = Social Media Gold
Let’s be honest: a drink that looks like it came out of a Kinfolk magazine and matches your aesthetic gym set? It’s bound to trend. Influencers are now using Cloud Coffee not just as a beverage, but as a content prop, making it the new avocado toast for your feed.
Cloud Coffee is more than just another café fad. It’s a light, customizable, feel-good drink that checks all the boxes for the modern wellness-conscious American — and tastes just as good as it looks. Whether you’re a caffeine minimalist, a vegan foodie, or someone who just wants a prettier morning, this might be the trend worth sipping on.
