coffee shop

Top 10 Coffee & Beverage Bestsellers UK Businesses Buy Most in 2025

After analysing thousands of orders from cafes, restaurants, offices, and home users across the UK, we've discovered something interesting: the products flying off our shelves tell a story that goes far beyond coffee. While the UK's beverage market continues growing with coffee shops valued at £6.1 billion, our bestseller data reveals how British businesses have diversified their drink offerings in ways that might surprise you.

From traditional coffee beans to plant-based frappe powders, nostalgic savoury drinks to Instagram-ready matcha lattes, our top ten bestsellers paint a picture of an industry adapting to changing customer demands. These are the products that consistently help UK businesses satisfy diverse customer needs and stay profitable in a competitive market.

What makes a product a genuine bestseller? Consistent reorder rates, positive customer feedback, and the kind of reliable performance that keeps businesses coming back. Some of our top performers might surprise you, whilst others confirm trends you've probably noticed in your own operations. So, let’s start the countdown:

Number 10: Shmoo Vanilla Milkshake Powder

At tenth place, Shmoo Vanilla Milkshake Powder 1.8kg demonstrates how UK cafes have diversified since 2020. Coffee shop owners increasingly stock milkshake powder because it attracts new customers and generates revenue during traditionally quiet afternoon periods.

Each 1.8kg bag produces approximately 45 thick milkshakes. Unlike fresh ingredients that spoil quickly, milkshake powder remains shelf-stable for months and delivers consistent results regardless of staff experience levels which is particularly valuable given today's challenging recruitment environment.

Why This Matters: Our data shows establishments adding milkshakes typically experience 15-20% increases in afternoon sales, especially during school holidays and weekends. 

Number 9: Bovril 450g

Bovril 450g claims ninth place. Yes, Bovril. This traditional savoury drink has seen remarkable growth, particularly in offices and boutique hotels where customers appreciate alternatives to standard tea and coffee offerings.

The compact 450g jar requires minimal storage space whilst providing businesses with a distinctive menu addition. Recent consumer behaviour indicates renewed interest in nostalgic comfort foods, with Bovril perfectly capturing this trend whilst offering protein-rich nutrition rather than empty calories.

Number 8: Cafe Nueva Forza Instant Coffee

Cafe Nueva Forza Instant Coffee 3kg secures eighth place. This 100% North American Arabica instant coffee delivers surprisingly good flavour whilst maintaining operational simplicity. The combination proves particularly effective for busy offices, hotels, and vending machines.

The 3kg format suits high-volume operations perfectly. The economics are simple: quality instant coffee reduces per-cup costs by 50-65% compared to fresh beans whilst maintaining customer satisfaction levels.

Rainforest Alliance certification appeals to corporate procurement teams increasingly focused on sustainability credentials, whilst reliable vending machine performance ensures consistent results in automated systems where reliability matters most. 

Number 7: Drink Me Chai Matcha Latte Powder

In seventh position, Drink Me Chai Matcha Latte Powder capitalises on the growing trend toward functional beverages with health benefits beyond caffeine. This matcha blend marries traditional Japanese tea culture with familiar latte presentation.

The vivid green colour photographs beautifully for social media, whilst younger customers appreciate the health positioning. Independent cafes report charging 20-30% premiums for matcha lattes whilst enhancing their reputation for innovation.

Storage Note: Matcha powder requires cool, dry storage away from light to preserve its vibrant colour and nutritional properties.

Number 6: Drink Me Chai Spiced Chai Latte

Our whole range of chai latte powders is extremely popular, but Drink Me Chai Spiced Chai Latte has been an old favourite of our customers and deservedly occupies the sixth place. This blend incorporates authentic Indian spices: cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, combined with carefully balanced milk proteins and sweetness levels.

Each 1kg tin yields approximately 50 servings, creating favourable economics for busy cafes. The gluten-free formulation and vegetarian credentials address primary dietary concerns, whilst 99% caffeine-free content appeals to customers seeking flavourful alternatives without stimulant effects.

Sales patterns show chai performs strongest during autumn and winter months, though innovative establishments successfully promote iced chai variations year-round.

Number 5: Iglooh Vegan Frappe Powder Mix

In the UK, 1 in 3 consumers are willing to consume 100% plant-based alternatives, driving a 25% rise in plant-based iced coffee options. This dairy-free vegan frappe powder enables cafes to create extensive vegan cold beverage ranges from a single versatile product.

The 2kg format works particularly well for establishments developing comprehensive vegan menus. Ambient storage requirements and extended shelf life provide operational advantages over dairy alternatives.

Cross-Selling Opportunity: Combining Iglooh with fruit syrups creates numerous flavour combinations whilst maintaining healthy profit margins on specialty drinks.

Number 4: Galaxy Hot Chocolate Sachets

Galaxy Hot Chocolate Sachets secure fourth place through brand recognition combined with operational convenience. Each 25g sachet produces one serving eliminating measurement errors and reducing waste.

At 99 calories per serving, these appeal to weight-conscious customers seeking indulgent treats. And is the most popular in the range of hot chocolate sachets we offer currently to our customers. 

Regional Insight: Our data indicates Galaxy sachets perform exceptionally well across Northern England and Scotland, regions maintaining higher hot beverage consumption generally.

Number 3: Karimer Bluetop Coffee Whitener

Karimer Bluetop Coffee Whitener claims third place as the dependable choice for vending machines and automated systems. This HVO-free whitener delivers consistent performance without causing equipment blockages or customer complaints.

The "Bluetop" designation indicates optimised fat content, creating the light, milky taste most UK consumers prefer. Vending operators favour Karimer because it dissolves completely, maintains stability over extended periods, and produces the smooth texture customers expect.

Beyond vending applications, numerous cafes employ Karimer as a cost-effective milk alternative for specific beverages, particularly where extended shelf life and ambient storage provide operational benefits.

Number 2: Decaf Coffee Beans

Decaf Coffee Beans achieve second place, reflecting fundamental changes in UK coffee consumption patterns. According to Mintel data, one in five UK coffee drinkers opted for decaf in 202, primarily driven by health awareness, sleep considerations, and desires to enjoy coffee throughout the day without excessive caffeine intake.

Our Brazilian Arabica decaf is carefully processed, preserving natural oils and flavour compounds essential for satisfying coffee experiences. The resulting brew delivers rich milk chocolate notes with silky texture and clean finish demonstrating that decaffeinated needn't compromise taste or quality.

The global decaffeinated coffee market is expected to reach USD 40.20 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%. Restaurants report increased coffee sales alongside dessert courses when customers know they can enjoy excellent coffee without affecting sleep patterns.

Number 1: Colombian Coffee Beans

Colombian Coffee Beans claim first place, embodying everything UK coffee culture values: exceptional quality, reliable consistency, and fair value. These 100% Colombian Arabica beans achieve perfect balance between body, sweetness, and complexity, satisfying everyone from casual drinkers to serious coffee enthusiasts.

High-altitude Colombian cultivation develops distinctive caramel, hazelnut, and almond notes. The medium roast profile enhances these natural characteristics whilst maintaining the bright acidity and smooth body for which Colombian coffee is renowned.

Business Impact: Independent cafes using our Colombian beans report 25-30% higher customer retention compared to generic blends, whilst premium positioning supports pricing 15-20% above standard offerings.

Colombian coffee's global reputation enables businesses to justify higher prices more easily. Consistent supply and processing ensure cafes maintain menu consistency without concerns about seasonal variations or supply disruptions. You can also browse the full range of our wholesale coffee beans to choose the ones that fit you most. 

Understanding UK Beverage Evolution

Examining our top ten reveals significant shifts in the UK beverage market. Health considerations increasingly drive purchasing decisions, with more than half of UK consumers (55%) saying price increases have pushed them away from coffee shops, creating opportunities for quality home and office consumption.

The cost of living crisis and inflation have benefited retail coffee sales at coffee shops' expense, boosting instant coffee usage. However, quality remains paramount: customers want value without compromising taste or experience.

Having bestsellers spanning coffee, tea, chocolate, milkshakes, and savoury options demonstrates how successful businesses now offer diverse beverages to capture different customer segments throughout the day.

Looking Ahead

The UK branded coffee shop market should exceed 10,500 outlets by January 2025, with sales projected to exceed £7.2 billion indicating continued growth opportunities for quality suppliers. Premium products and ethical sourcing continue driving consumer choices, with sustainability becoming increasingly important.

Our bestseller analysis suggests UK beverage preferences will continue evolving toward enhanced quality, health consciousness, and convenient options. Successful instant products demonstrate that convenience needn't require quality compromise, whilst alternative ingredients show consumer openness to global flavours and dietary adaptations.

These ten products represent what successful UK beverage businesses use to build customer satisfaction, operate efficiently, and generate sustainable profits. Try them out now if you are not using them, they provide reliability and quality that encourage customer loyalty.

Sources

  1. World Coffee Portal - Project Café UK 2025 Report

  2. Mintel - UK Coffee Market Report 2024

  3. World Coffee Portal - UK Coffee Shop Market Analysis 2024-2029

  4. Tea & Coffee Trade Journal - UK Branded Coffee Shop Market Analysis 2025

  5. Deloitte - Global Coffee Study 2025

  6. Food Manufacture - Global Coffee Trends 2025

  7. Future Market Insights - Decaffeinated Coffee Market Analysis 2025-2035

  8. Innova Market Insights - Iced Coffee Trends in the UK 2025

  9. Perfect Daily Grind - Coffee Industry Event Trends 2025

  10. Caffe Prima Internal Sales Data 2024-2025