Korean café culture is officially reshaping how Americans order coffee and tea. According to the 2026 Emerging Beverage Trends in Foodservice report from Toronto-based Leo and Dragon, Korean-inspired beverages are one of the fastest-growing categories on North American foodservice menus, fueled by younger consumers chasing novelty and experience. Leo & Dragon founder and CEO Joseph Chen points to social media and the growing global reach of K-pop culture as the forces driving this new café wave. The format centers on customization, with drinkers choosing their base, topper, and add-ins, resulting in "experiential" drinks like Hojicha Latte, Black Sesame Latte, Sweet Potato Latte, Strawberry Milk, and Cloud Foam Coffee. Expect this trend to keep climbing menus well beyond big cities in the year ahead.

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